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Butternut Squash Apple Crockpot Soup – Cozy, Simple, and Naturally Sweet

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large butternut squash (about 3–4 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), cored and chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (or a few grates of fresh)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger)
  • 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1/2–3/4 cup coconut milk or heavy cream (optional, for richness)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: toasted pepitas, crisp bacon bits, chopped chives, a swirl of yogurt or cream, red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Prep the squash and apples: Peel and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces. Core and chop the apples. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. Layer in the crockpot: Add squash, apples, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil or dot with butter. Sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour in the broth: Add enough broth to just cover the vegetables. You can always thin it later if needed.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, until the squash is very tender and easily mashed with a spoon.
  5. Blend until smooth: Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Use an immersion blender to puree right in the crockpot. For an ultra-silky texture, transfer in batches to a countertop blender. Be careful with hot liquids.
  6. Adjust the texture: If it’s too thick, add more broth. If it’s thin, let it simmer uncovered on High for 15–20 minutes to reduce.
  7. Finish with richness: Stir in coconut milk or cream, if using. Taste and add salt, pepper, and maple syrup as needed. You want a gentle sweetness with a bright finish.
  8. Serve and garnish: Ladle into bowls and top with pepitas, crispy bacon, chives, or a swirl of yogurt. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.