Comforting Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup: An Easy Fall & Winter Favorite
There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy, and hearty soup to bring comfort to a chilly day, and this Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup delivers on all fronts. Imagine a delicious blend of sweet butternut squash and earthy sweet potatoes, simmered slowly to perfection with aromatic vegetables and warming spices. The best part? It all cooks effortlessly in your slow cooker, allowing you to go about your busy day while a wholesome and flavorful meal prepares itself. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for fall evenings or cozy winter nights.
Navigating Life’s Changes with Comforting Meals
Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, and the last few months have certainly been a whirlwind for my family. If you recall, back in September, we embarked on a significant journey: relocating for Mike’s job to the Cleveland/Akron area. This was a truly exciting opportunity, not just for his career, but also to bring us closer to cherished family members. The thought of new beginnings filled us with anticipation, though it was certainly mixed with a touch of apprehension.
Moving day arrived a few weeks ago, a moment met with a cascade of emotions. Saying goodbye to our first home together was particularly poignant. It wasn’t just a house; it was the backdrop to countless memories, the place we brought our babies home, and a space we truly adored. Chicago had been our home for so long, and I hadn’t quite realized how deeply embedded our roots were until it was time to pull them up. The sense of nostalgia was powerful, a testament to the love and laughter that had filled those rooms.
Fast forward to today, December 5th. It has been an incredibly stressful and long two months. The process of showing our house, meticulously packing every possession, bidding farewell to dear friends, and finally making the big move has been exhaustive. On top of all this, Mike started his new role in Cleveland two months ago, which meant we’ve been physically separated for far too long. The distance, coupled with the logistical challenges of moving, certainly tested our patience and resilience.
BUT… today brings wonderful news that makes all the stress worth it: we officially sold our Chicago house! The relief and joy are immense. Now, our sights are firmly set on the next big goal: settling into our new home in Cleveland just in time for Christmas. Fingers crossed that everything falls into place! In the meantime, the kids and I are enjoying a temporary stay at my parents’ house in sunny Tennessee. This brief pause has offered a much-needed respite and an opportunity to reconnect with family, especially my wonderful mom.
The Joys of Cooking Together (Especially When It’s Easy!)
Spending time with my mom always means one thing: lots of quality cooking and exciting recipe testing in the kitchen. She has a knack for creating delicious meals, and I cherish these moments of culinary collaboration. Today’s featured recipe, the Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup, is one that we crafted together during this time. It’s a perfect reflection of what I’ve needed lately: something utterly delicious that also minimizes effort.
Given the significant amount of stress and upheaval in my life recently, I have to confess that easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipes have become my absolute best friends. The slow cooker has been an invaluable tool, allowing me to focus on unpacking, organizing, and settling the kids, all while a wholesome meal gently simmers away. There’s a profound comfort in knowing that dinner is handled, leaving more time for family or simply a moment of peace.
Why This Soup Will Be Your New Favorite Fall & Winter Staple
This Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup isn’t just easy; it’s incredibly versatile and packed with nutrients. It’s a wonderful choice for a weeknight dinner, perfect for feeding the whole family, and makes fantastic leftovers that you can enjoy throughout the week. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Effortless & Hands-Off: The slow cooker does 90% of the work. Just chop your ingredients, toss them in, and let it simmer for hours, developing deep flavors without constant supervision.
- Rich in Nutrients: Butternut squash and sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses, loaded with vitamins (especially A and C), fiber, and antioxidants. This soup is a delicious way to boost your vegetable intake.
- Warm & Comforting: The creamy texture and warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg create an incredibly cozy and inviting aroma that fills your home, making it the ultimate comfort food for cooler months.
- Naturally Sweet & Satisfying: The natural sweetness from the squash and potatoes means you don’t need much, if any, added sugar. It’s naturally flavorful and surprisingly filling.
- Great for Meal Prep: This soup holds up beautifully in the refrigerator for several days, making it ideal for meal prepping healthy lunches or dinners in advance.
The Magic of Key Ingredients
The success of this Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup lies in the harmonious blend of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the soup’s incredible flavor and satisfying texture:
- Butternut Squash: The star of the show! When cooked, butternut squash becomes incredibly tender and develops a rich, naturally sweet, slightly nutty flavor. It’s what gives the soup its beautiful vibrant color and velvety texture.
- Sweet Potato: A perfect complement to the butternut squash, sweet potatoes add an extra layer of sweetness, a distinct earthy flavor, and more body to the soup. They are also packed with fiber and vitamins, enhancing the soup’s nutritional value.
- Aromatic Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic): This classic mirepoix forms the flavor foundation of the soup. As they slow cook, these vegetables release their sweetness and savory notes, creating a complex and delicious base. Fresh garlic adds a pungent depth that is essential.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: The liquid base that brings everything together. Using a good quality broth is key for maximum flavor. You can opt for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian, or chicken broth for a richer taste.
- Warming Spices (Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice, Thyme): This blend of spices is truly what elevates this soup from good to extraordinary. Freshly grated ginger adds a zesty, slightly peppery kick. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice bring warm, cozy, and slightly sweet undertones that perfectly complement the squash and sweet potato. Thyme adds a subtle herbaceous note that ties all the flavors together beautifully, making the soup feel even more comforting and inviting. Don’t skip these!
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup
- Picking Your Produce: Choose butternut squash that feels heavy for its size and has a firm, unblemished skin. The same goes for sweet potatoes – look for firm, smooth skin without soft spots.
- Peeling & Cubing: Butternut squash can be tricky to peel. A good sharp vegetable peeler is essential. For easier cutting, you can microwave the whole squash for 1-2 minutes to slightly soften the skin. Aim for roughly equal-sized cubes (about 1-inch) for even cooking.
- Don’t Forget Seasoning: While the recipe provides a great starting point for spices, always taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and other spices after blending. You might want a little more ginger for a brighter kick or more cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Blending for Creaminess: Once the vegetables are tender, you have a couple of options for blending. An immersion blender is fantastic for blending directly in the slow cooker pot, minimizing cleanup. If you’re using a standard blender, work in batches to avoid overfilling and ensure safety, as hot liquids can expand. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations
This soup is delicious on its own, but a few simple garnishes or additions can take it to the next level:
- Creamy Toppings: I love garnishing mine with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a swirl of coconut milk for an extra creamy touch and a hint of tang.
- Crunchy Elements: Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) add a wonderful nutty crunch. You could also try homemade croutons or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- Freshness: A handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can brighten up the flavors.
- Sweet & Savory: For an added burst of natural sweetness, a handful of finely chopped apple makes a delightful garnish.
- Heartier Options: For a more substantial meal, consider stirring in some cooked quinoa or wild rice, or topping with roasted chickpeas for added protein and texture.
- Serve with: This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, a fresh side salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
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Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup
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Ingredients
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 3 carrots, peeled, chopped
- 2 celery , chopped
- 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth, or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- chopped apple, optional, for garnish
- yogurt, optional, for garnish
- pumpkin seeds, optional, for garnish
Instructions
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Add sweet potato, butternut squash, carrots, celery, onion, garlic and vegetables broth to a slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours (make sure vegetables are tender).
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Add the spices and salt and pepper to taste.
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In batches blend the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender. Taste the soup and adjust spices according to your tastes.
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Serve warm with crusty bread and garnish with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and pumpkin seeds.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
A Hearty Meal for Any Occasion
Whether you’re navigating a busy week, seeking a comforting meal on a cold day, or simply craving something wholesome and delicious, this Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup is a fantastic choice. Its ease of preparation, combined with its incredible flavor and nutritional benefits, makes it a perfect addition to your recipe rotation. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, let your slow cooker work its magic, and prepare to savor a truly delightful bowl of soup. We hope it brings as much warmth and comfort to your home as it has to ours during this season of change!