Do you ever have those moments where you wonder why you didn’t think of something sooner? A how-did-I-even-function-before-this-epiphany moment? That happened to me this week. Yes, I’m being dramatic. But learning that I could cook butternut squash in the crockpot was a game-changer for me.
Imagine the possibilities!
I can have an already cooked butternut squash ready at dinnertime. So many recipes just became a thousand times easier. And quicker. Make sure you read through to the end of this post because I’m going to share with you some fabulous recipes you can make once you have your slower-cooker-cooked squash!
I have a feeling my family is going to get sick of butternut squash real quick because I loooove it, but the time it takes to cook it holds me back from making it as much as I’d like. No longer!
This isn’t so much a recipe post as a let-me-show-you-how-stinkin’-easy-this-is post. Let your crockpot do the work for you. Here’s how you do it.
Step 1: Cover your butternut squash in foil.
Step 2: Put the foil-covered butternut squash in your slow cooker (crockpot) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on the size of your squash.
The squash pictured was cooked on high for 3 hours. Notice there’s just a little bit of water from the cooking–barely any clean up at all!
Step 3: Allow the squash to cool and remove the tin foil.
Step 4: Cut the top stem off of the butternut squash.
Step 5: Cut the butternut squash in half length-wise.
It is so much easier to cut through a cooked squash!
Step 6: Scoop the seeds out of the butternut squash.
Now you are ready to use your cooked butternut squash! What to do with it? Here are some tasty ideas:
Butternut Squash Rice Bowl
Butternut Squash Soup with Ginger and Lime
Butternut Squash Smoothie
Vegan Butternut Squash and White Bean Enchiladas
Enjoy your butternut squash! Please feel free to share your favorite butternut squash recipe in the comments. I’d love to see them!
mapquest driving directions says
It’s healthy food and good for my stomach. Thanks for cool recipe.
Lois says
I love the idea of using the crock pot for this! I agree with those who have said they hate the peeling process. I have been baking mine in the oven, BUT I’ll bet that using the crock pot uses less electricity, and I am all for that!!! Thanks for this tip.
Maryea says
You’re welcome, Lois!
Daisy says
I often cook squash for my children but I don’t know how to process it well. I see that cooking it in The Crockpot makes it more delicious. It looks great! I will try.
Sarah says
i really like squash. It is very good for our health but i don’t know how to cook it deliciously. I will try this way.
they seem to be good.
Mary says
So many great ideas! Thanks!
Kristin says
This is seriously life changing. I live squash but peeling it was always such a deterrent. LOVE this method!
jill conyers says
Brilliant! This is one of those great ideas that’s so simple it makes you wonder why didn’t I think of that.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
I need to try this. I tried once last year, but sadly my crockpot was too small for the squash. And butternut squash smoothie? That needs to happen soon!
Maryea says
Oh girl you need a bigger crockpot! 🙂
Michelle says
I’m pretty sure foil is not necessary. I’ve done it often without. I’ve always put a little water in the bottom, but I kind of don’t think that’s necessary now that I see your way. Next time I won’t!
Maryea says
Good to know! Thanks, Michelle.
Dietitian Jess says
This is live changing! My husband hates dealing with cooking and cutting squash- what a great short cut! My favorite butternut squash recipe is my butternut squash mac and cheese: http://www.dietitianjess.com/blog/butternut-squash-mac-n-cheese
I must check out that ginger and lime soup- yum!!
Maryea says
Ohh butternut squash mac and cheese sounds divine!