Slow Cooker Butternut Squash

Apr 04, 2024Updated May 27, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This Slow Cooker Butternut Squash recipe takes a classic winter vegetable and turns it into a dish that’s sweet and tender. This is a good recipe you’ll want to keep on hand and make for any occasion or as a simple dinner side dish.

scooping butternut squash out of a slow cooker.

Making butternut squash in the crockpot takes out the guesswork and saves time. This method softens the squash perfectly while it cooks in butter, brown sugar, and warm spices. If you’ve ever avoided squash because it seemed tricky, this recipe makes it simple—and it goes with just about any main dish.

Butternut squash is not utilized enough! Try this recipe and then also try my chicken with butternut squash or my silky slow cooker butternut squash soup recipes.

Key Ingredients

You will need mostly pantry staples. Find the full recipe in the recipe card below the images.

ingredients for slow cooker butternut squash on a table.

Butternut Squash: I usually grab one that’s between 3-4 pounds to yield plenty of servings. You’ll cut the entire squash into cubes.
Butter: You’ll use an entire stick, cubed.
Brown Sugar: Make sure it’s packed for the right amount of sweeteness.
Seasonings: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, a dash of salt, and a pinch of ground cloves gives the squash an nice warm and earthy flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Butternut Squash

This recipe easily comes together in the slow cooker. Find the full recipe in the recipe card below the images.

Step One – Peel the squash with a potato peeler. Carefully cut in half length wise, remove the seeds, and then cut into 1-inch cubes on a cutting board.

Step Two – Add the cubed butternut squash to the slow cooker. Cut the cube of butter into slices and place over the squash.

Step Three – In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt and evenly distribute the mixture over the butternut squash and butter.

Step Four – Cover and cook the squash on HIGH for 3 hours. Do not open the lid during cooking time. Scoop, serve the cooked squash with your favorite main dish, and enjoy!

overhead shot of slow cooker butternut squash.

What to serve with Butternut Squash

This sweet and buttery Slow Cooker Butternut Squash pairs perfectly with Crockpot Ham or Slow Cooker Turkey Breast for a holiday-style meal.

Serve it alongside a Slow Cooker Whole Chicken for an easy, comforting dinner.

Round out the plate with classic sides like Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce, Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole, or Collard Greens—all made in the slow cooker too.

serving of slow cooker butternut squash on a plate.

Cook’s Notes

You can use a larger or smaller squash—just adjust the seasoning and butter slightly.

Be sure to peel the squash completely and cut it into even-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.

Keep the lid on the slow cooker during cooking to trap heat and moisture.

Consider adding maple syrup or honey for an extra touch of sweetness. Or add thyme or rosemary to make the dish more savory.

serving of slow cooker butternut squash on a plate with a fork.

Featured Comment

Having thanksgiving dinner knew I wanted squash but wanted something different. Tried this recipe, it’s definitely a keeper. The perfect blend of spices and sweetness. Thank you, got many compliments!!
– Marie

51 More Reviews

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Butternut Squash

4.92 from 12 votes

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 3

Total Time: 3 20

Servings:

By: Sarah Olson

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash turns cubes of squash, butter, and brown sugar into a tender, caramel-spiced side ready for any meal.

Rate Pin Print

How to Video

Equipment

Slow Cooker – 5 quart or larger (I own and use this one from Crock-Pot)

Ingredients

Instructions

Peel the squash with a potato peeler. Cut in half length wise, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
Place the squash into the slow cooker. Cut the butter into slices. Place the butter pats all over the cut squash. In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the squash and butter.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
Serve and enjoy.

Sarah’s Notes

Cut up sweet potatoes can be used in place of the butternut squash if desired.

Butternut squash can be hard to peel and cut if you have weaker hands. You can but precut butternut squash at the store or use frozen.

Nutrition

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe? Leave a comment below!

More squash recipes you’ll love

Slow Cooker Acorn Squash and Slow Cooker Zucchini are both easy vegetable sides that cook up tender with minimal effort.

For something a little heartier, try Chicken and Butternut Squash in the slow cooker—it’s a filling and flavorful main dish.

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash works great as a low-carb base for sauces, and Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta for a comforting meal.