Silky butternut squash soup in the crockpot with apple, fennel, ginger, warm spices, and a creamy finish of oat milk or half and half. Cozy, simple, and perfect for fall.
8cupsbutternut squash(approximately 1 large 3 to 3½ pound squash, peeled and cut into 1 to 2" chunks; frozen butternut squash may be used)
10ouncebag of frozen onion(or 1 large onion, chopped)
1largeyukon gold potato(peeled and cut into 1 to 2" chunks)
1mediumfennel bulb(cut into ½" cubes; save some fronds for garnish)
1largegolden delicious apple(peeled, cored, and cut into eighths)
1teaspoonginger paste(grated ginger may be used)
6cupsvegetable broth(plus extra if needed)
2bay leaves
2teaspoonscinnamon
1pinchground cloves
⅛ +teaspooncayenne pepper(plus extra to taste)
1teaspoonkosher salt(plus extra to taste)
¼teaspoonground black pepper(plus extra to taste)
1½cupscreamy oat milk or half and half(bring to room temperature)
1tablespoonfreshly squeezed lemon juice
3 to 4tablespoonsbrown sugar
2 to 3tablespoonsbutter
Optional for serving:chopped toasted pecans or walnuts, sour cream
Instructions
To the crockpot, add in vegetables, apple, broth, ginger, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Cover and slow cook until the vegetables are tender, about 4 to 6 hours on low)
Remove the bay leaves. Using an immersion blender or a blender (if using a blender, work in batches), blend the soup until the desired consistency is reached. (Note: it's most commonly served smooth, but you can leave chunks if you want!)
Stir in the oat milk (or half and half), lemon juice, brown sugar, and butter. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve.
Notes
For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, slow cooking tips, and other delicious recipe ideas, check out my post above.TIPS: Traditionally, butternut squash soup is blended until creamy, but I love it slightly chunky. Use an immersion blender for easy, mess-free blending; thin with extra vegetable stock if needed; finish with lemon juice to brighten.TIMESAVER: Use frozen butternut squash and frozen chopped onion.VARIATIONS: Add more cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat; stir in curry powder for a warm twist; keep it dairy-free with oat milk or enrich with half and half and butter.SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Top with toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds and a swirl of sour cream; garnish with fennel fronds and black pepper; serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese; add a crisp fall salad.
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