Velvety Slow Cooker Butternut Sweet Potato Soup

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, creamy soup to soothe the soul, especially when it’s been simmering all day in your slow cooker, filling your home with inviting aromas. Our Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup is exactly that – a perfect harmony of sweet butternut squash and earthy sweet potatoes, blended into a velvety, nutritious concoction that practically cooks itself. It’s the ideal hearty meal for busy days, allowing you to focus on life while a delicious dinner prepares itself.

Finding Comfort in the Kitchen Amidst Life’s Big Changes

Life has been quite a whirlwind for my family lately, full of big decisions and even bigger changes. If you’ve been following along, you might remember our significant family update from September: the decision to relocate to the Cleveland/Akron area for Mike’s job. This move represented an exciting opportunity to bring us closer to family, a long-held dream we were finally realizing.

Moving day arrived just a few weeks ago, a day met with a bittersweet mix of emotions. Saying goodbye to our first family home in Chicago was particularly tough. It was more than just a house; it was where we first started our journey as a married couple, where we brought our precious babies home, and where countless cherished memories were made. Leaving Chicago, a city we truly loved, was far more challenging than I had anticipated.

Now, fast forward to today, December 5th. The past two months have been an intense, stressful, and incredibly long journey. We navigated the complexities of showing our house, meticulously packing up years of memories, bidding farewell to dear friends, and finally, making the move itself. To add another layer to the chaos, Mike started his new job in Cleveland two months ago, which meant we’ve been living apart for far too long – a challenge many families face during relocations.

BUT… there’s a light at the end of the tunnel! Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share the incredible news: we officially sold our Chicago house! This is a massive milestone, and we are now working tirelessly towards our next major goal: settling into our new home just in time for Christmas (fingers tightly crossed!). Until we can get into our new Cleveland residence, the kids and I are enjoying a temporary stay at my parents’ house in sunny Tennessee.

The Joy of Cooking with Family: Crafting This Delicious Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup

Spending time with my Mom always means one thing: lots of cooking, baking, and recipe testing! It’s a tradition we both cherish, and it’s been a wonderful way to reconnect and unwind amidst the recent stressors. Today’s featured recipe, this incredible Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup, is one that we lovingly created and perfected together.

This isn’t just any soup; it’s a bowl of pure comfort. Not only is it exceptionally flavorful and nourishing, but its brilliance lies in its simplicity. It truly cooks itself in the slow cooker, freeing you up to tackle your day, whether that means managing a chaotic move, working, or simply enjoying some much-needed relaxation. With the immense amount of stress and change in my life lately, I have to admit that easy, hands-off recipes have become my absolute best friend in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup

This recipe is a true winter warmer, destined to become a family favorite. Its naturally sweet and savory profile appeals to all ages, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it makes excellent leftovers, which means delicious, stress-free lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. I personally love to elevate my bowl with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of crunchy pumpkin seeds for added texture and a burst of flavor. For an extra touch of natural sweetness and a refreshing bite, you could also try garnishing it with a handful of finely chopped apple.

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Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup

By
Julia Jolliff

This Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup is the perfect warm, creamy, and hearty dinner to enjoy on a cold fall or winter evening. Its rich flavor and simple preparation make it a weeknight hero!

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Prep:
15 mins

Cook:
6 hrs

Total:
6 hrs 15 mins

Servings:
6 servings

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Ingredients

• 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 3 carrots, peeled, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups vegetable broth, or chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnishes: chopped apple, Greek yogurt, pumpkin seeds

Instructions

1. Combine the sweet potato, butternut squash, carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, and vegetable broth (or chicken broth) into your slow cooker. Stir everything gently to ensure it’s well combined. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4 hours. The vegetables should be fork-tender when finished.
2. Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and thyme. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
3. Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker until you achieve your desired silky consistency. Taste the soup and adjust the spices, salt, and pepper as needed to suit your palate.
4. Serve this comforting soup warm. It pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. Garnish each serving with a spoonful of creamy Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added flavor and texture. For an extra hint of sweetness and crunch, a few diced apples can also be a delightful topping.

Nutrition

Calories: 115kcal,
Carbohydrates: 28g,
Protein: 2g,
Fat: 0.3g,
Saturated Fat: 0.1g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g,
Sodium: 528mg,
Potassium: 719mg,
Fiber: 5g,
Sugar: 7g,
Vitamin A: 24042IU,
Vitamin C: 31mg,
Calcium: 93mg,
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

The Power of Root Vegetables: Benefits of Butternut Squash and Sweet Potatoes

Beyond its comforting flavor, this soup packs a nutritional punch thanks to its star ingredients: butternut squash and sweet potatoes. Both are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this soup not only delicious but incredibly healthy. Butternut squash is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium, contributing to healthy vision, immune function, and blood pressure regulation. Its vibrant orange flesh signifies a high content of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant.

Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are nutritional powerhouses. They provide an abundance of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber. The fiber content in both vegetables aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, which is great for managing hunger. Together, they create a synergy of flavors and nutrients that make this soup a wholesome meal, perfect for boosting your well-being during colder months.

Tips for Success: Making Your Slow Cooker Soup Even Better

Making soup in a slow cooker is generally straightforward, but a few tips can ensure your Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup turns out perfectly every time:

• Peeling and Cubing: Butternut squash can be notoriously difficult to peel. For easier preparation, you can microwave the whole squash for 2-3 minutes before peeling. This softens the skin, making it much simpler to handle. Make sure your cubes are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
• Broth Choice: While vegetable broth keeps this soup vegetarian and vegan-friendly, chicken broth can be used for a richer flavor profile if preferred. Always opt for low-sodium options to control the overall saltiness and adjust seasoning to taste.
• Spice Adjustment: The recipe includes a lovely blend of warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and thyme. Feel free to adjust these to your personal preference. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a subtle kick, while a bit more ginger can enhance its cozy warmth.
• Blending for Creaminess: For the smoothest texture, blend the soup in batches, ensuring not to overfill your blender. If using an immersion blender, carefully blend until no lumps remain. If the soup is too thick, you can add a splash more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. For an extra creamy touch, a little coconut milk or heavy cream can be stirred in after blending (just before serving) for a truly decadent finish.
• Enhancing Flavor: Before blending, you can sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a little olive oil on the stovetop for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. This extra step can deepen the soup’s overall flavor before adding it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Garnishes

This Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. While it’s delightful on its own, here are some ideas to make it a more complete meal:

• Crusty Bread: A classic pairing, perfect for soaking up every last drop. A warm baguette or sourdough works beautifully.
• Grilled Cheese: For a comforting lunch, serve alongside a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
• Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Protein Boost: For a more substantial meal, consider stirring in shredded chicken (if using chicken broth), cooked lentils, or white beans after blending.
• Garnish Galore: Don’t limit yourself to just yogurt and pumpkin seeds! Toasted pecans, croutons, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, fresh herbs like parsley or sage, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese can all add delightful touches.

Storing and Reheating Your Comforting Soup

One of the best things about this Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup is how well it keeps. You can enjoy delicious leftovers for days, making it perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water while reheating to restore its original consistency.