Learn how to cook butternut squash in the crockpot. Crockpot butternut squash is a breeze, with just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs well with any meal. Follow these easy instructions to learn how to make crockpot butternut squash.
This popular vibrant orange squash, the butternut, is a common winter variety. It’s grown in summer, harvested in fall, and available throughout winter due to its tough exterior. Butternut squash is low-calorie and high in fiber, boasting a remarkable 354% of the RDA for vitamin A. It’s also rich in B-complex vitamins, iron, zinc, copper, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Don’t forget the seeds, similar to pumpkin seeds, they’re packed with fiber, heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fats, protein, minerals, and brain-boosting tryptophan.
To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 medium Butternut Squash
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How To Make A Whole Butternut Squash in the Crock Pot
Rinse the butternut squash under running water. Place the whole butternut squash into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
Slice the squash and remove the flesh
Carefully remove squash from the slow cooker and slice in half. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and discard them. Scoop out insides or dice into squares.
Serve
Serve the squash as is or top with butter and salt.
Serving Suggestions
This squash can be used in so many ways, from soups and stews to pasta, one-pan dinners, blended into meats such as meatloaf, or just plain topped with a bit of butter. It also makes a delicious side dish alongside any main entree. From pork and chicken to beef and seafood, you can feature seasoned or unseasoned squash.
Consider any of these dishes the next time you have a squash to cook:
- Pork – Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops, 3 Ingredient Crockpot Pork Chops, Baked Pork Chops
- Chicken – Ninja Foodi Italian Chicken Thighs, Buffalo Chicken Breast, Gluten Free Chicken Wings
- Beef – No Peek Beef Tips, Beef Tenderloin Recipe, Irish Beef Stew (Slow Cooker)
- Seafood – Boiled Shrimp, Air Fry Frozen Fish Fillets, Broiled Haddock
You can also turn this recipe into butternut squash puree by whipping with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweetened side.
Tips & Tricks
- Blend with coconut milk and veggie broth to turn into a creamy squash soup.
- Whip with milk and butter for creamy squash.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic for a savory side.
- Drizzle with maple syrup or honey.
- Add to tacos, enchiladas or burritos instead of refried beans.
- Save the butternut squash seeds to roast in the oven and serve as a sweet or savory snack.
- Store a whole squash in a cool dark place such as a pantry for up to a month.
- Puree and add as a topping on Shepards Pie instead of potatoes.
- Mix pureed squash into our Halloween Chili to boost the nutritional value.
Frequently Asked Questions
First things first, look for a medium size squash. Next, check the squash is free from bruises, blemishes, and cracks. You’re aiming to select a dry, firm, and orange colored squash that feels heavy for its size.
The squash is cooked whole in the slow cooker. If looking to speed up the cooking time, it is an option to peel and slice into chunks. Adjust to cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
No, this squash cooks with a dry heat. Simply rinse the squash and place in the slow cooker to cook.
A whole uncooked squash will last up to 2-3 months when stored at room temperature. If looking to extend the shelf life of a whole squash, check out our guide to freezing butternut squash. Once cooked, squash will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Yes, all forms of squash are gluten-free in their natural form along with plant based, nut free, vegan, vegetarian and dairy free.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
In the fridge: Let cool completely then store in the fridge for up to 5 days in a covered container. Be mindful that the shelf life may be reduced if seasonings or toppings are added to the squash.
In the freezer: Leftovers can be stored in the freezer in a container or Ziploc bag once cooled for up to a year.
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second increments in a microwave-safe dish until hot.
Skillet: Add cooked squash to a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Wash the whole butternut squash in the sink under running water to remove any dirt then place in the slow cooker.
- Gently press a finger into the side of the squash to check if cooked. Your finger should dent the squash easily.
- You can discard the squash seeds or save to rinse and roast in an oven. They make a great after school snack! Season with salt or a cinnamon and sugar mixture.
More Recipes with Butternut squash
These recipes are great if you are wondering what to do if you don’t own a crockpot or if on the search for more ways to use butternut squash cooked in the slow cooker.
- Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Mac & Cheese
- Caramelized Butternut Squash
- Instant Pot Butternut Squash
- Gluten Free Butternut Squash Ravioli
- Sauteed Butternut Squash
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries
- Butternut Squash Casserole
- Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Crockpot Butternut Squash Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
Instructions
- Prep the squash and cook. Rinse the butternut squash under running water. Place the whole butternut squash into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours1 medium butternut squash
- ⭐️Slice the squash and remove the flesh. Carefully remove squash from the slow cooker and slice in half. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and discard them. Scoop out insides or dice into squares
- Serve. Serve the squash as is or top with butter and salt.
Video
Notes
- Blend with coconut milk and veggie broth to turn into a creamy squash soup.
- Whip with milk and butter for creamy squash.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic for a savory side.
- Drizzle with maple syrup or honey.
- Add to tacos, enchiladas or burritos instead of refried beans.
- Save the butternut squash seeds to roast in the oven and serve as a sweet or savory snack.
- Store a whole squash in a cool dark place such as a pantry for up to a month.
- Puree and add as a topping on Shepards Pie instead of potatoes.
- Mix pureed squash into our Halloween Chili to boost the nutritional value.
- Store in the fridge up to 5 days.
- Check out our guide to freezing butternut squash.
Nutrition
If you enjoyed these recipes make sure to leave a comment and a star rating below!
Then follow us on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. We love seeing what you come up with!
Jenny says
This is now my favorite way to cook squash! Thank you!