How to Cook a Whole Butternut Squash in the Slow Cooker

Have you ever wondered how to cook a whole butternut squash in the slow cooker? This is by far the easiest way to cook butternut squash! No need to peel or remove the seeds before cooking.

Wanting to cook a whole butternut squash? Well I’m here to tell you that the slow cooker is the easiest way to cook a whole butternut squash, seeds, skin, and all! What I love about cooking squash in the slow cooker is that it’s super hands off, you don’t have to peel, cut, or remove the seeds first, and the squash comes out super silky smooth and ready to eat or use in other recipes. It literally couldn’t be easier.

How do you use butternut squash cooked in the slow cooker?

• I love butternut squash cooked like this and I’ll often slice the cooked squash in half, remove the seeds, then add a pat of butter in each hollow where the seeds where. I’ll add a sprinkle of salt and pepper or salt and cinnamon to the cut sides of the squash and serve the halves right in the skin. We pass the plate and scoop out the squash we like and spoon a little of the melted butter over our portion.
• I also like to treat the cooked squash like you would mashed potatoes and whip it up well with butter, warm milk, and salt. Mashed butternut squash is delicious.
• I also like to use it like you would pumpkin puree, potatoes, or sweet potatoes (it makes a great topping for Shepherd’s Pie, and you can add smashed squash to your favorite pumpkin waffle recipe in place of the pumpkin). You can also use it in your favorite chili recipes! I love pureed squash in our favorite Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili. So many options!

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Butternut Squash in the Slow Cooker:

• When buying butternut squash, be sure to get squash that are firm and blemish-free (no nicks or bruises). It’ll store a few weeks (even months) so feel free to stock up when they go on sale and are in season (late summer-fall).
• All you need to do is wash off the outside of the squash! No messing with a knife, no need to cut in half – I didn’t even add water to my slow cooker. Just toss it in, set it, and walk away.
• I have this simple Hamilton Beach slow cooker and I love it (the lid clamps on and that’s awesome, especially if you take things places like soup to church functions!). If you are in the market, it’s a good one.

Video of how to cook butternut squash in the slow cooker:

Print

Love cooking neat or unusual things in your slow cooker? You might also like these recipes:

• Crock Pot or Slow Cooker Yogurt
• Easy Slow Cooker Vegetable Lasagna
• The Best and Easiest Way to Cook a Pumpkin (spoiler alert: it’s in your slow cooker)
• Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes (they cook separate – check it out!)
• Slow Cooker Brownies (they are delicious!) from Creme de la Crumb

Seriously, next time you have a butternut squash to cook, don’t even mess with peeling it and trying to cut it! I’m here to convert you to the ease and deliciousness that using your slow cooker brings. Do it! Enjoy from my kitchen to yours.