7 Slow Cooker Squash Recipes for an Easy Cool-Weather Dish

Squash Enchilada Casserole
Photo: Andy Lyons

As soon as the produce section starts stocking fall and winter veggies, be sure to grab winter squash. Our lineup of slow cooker squash recipes features butternut squash, acorn squash, and other seasonal favorites as the star ingredient. Prepare to impress your entire family with slow cooker acorn squash as a Thanksgiving side. Or plan on a slow cooker butternut squash soup for a cozy night in.

01 of 07

Acorn Squash with Bacon-Chive Crumbs

Acorn Squash with Bacon-Chive Crumbs
Andy Lyons

Adults and kids alike are going to swoon for this slow cooker acorn squash. Seasoned with a warm blend of brown sugar and apple cider, winter squash gets tender right on the countertop. Bacon, chives, and panko serve as the crunchy topper for an unbeatable contrast of flavor and texture.

02 of 07

Thai-Inspired Butternut Squash Soup with Gremolata

Butternut Squash Soup with Thai Gremolata
Blaine Moats

Elevate your soup game with this slow cooker butternut squash soup. Sriracha, fish sauce, and coconut milk all come to the party for a Thai-inspired take on squash soup that's so good you'll want to lick the bowl. The gremolata (a fancy name for an herb garnish) features peanuts, cilantro or basil, and lime peel for an irresistible finish.

Buy It: Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker ($22, Walmart)

03 of 07

Squash Enchilada Casserole

Squash Enchilada Casserole
Andy Lyons

This slow cooker butternut squash recipe (you can also use acorn squash) features all the flavors you love in enchiladas and turns them into a tasty casserole. The vegetarian meal is chock-full of beans and veggies, and topped with simple corn biscuit dumplings.

04 of 07

Pumpkin, Chickpea, and Red Lentil Stew

Pumpkin, Chickpea, and Red Lentil Stew
Blaine Moats

When the cool weather hits, you'll definitely want to keep this slow cooker squash recipe handy. You can use fresh pumpkin or another hearty winter squash as the base for this vegetarian stew. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

05 of 07

Ancho-Butternut Squash Gratin

Ancho-Butternut Squash Gratin
Karla Conrad

Step aside, potatoes. OK maybe not all potatoes—we kept some in this butternut squash gratin. Ancho chile pepper and smoked chorizo sausage give our slow cooker squash recipe some heat. Don't worry, the spice is tamed with the help of cream of celery soup and Monterey Jack cheese.

Test Kitchen Tip: Use a slow cooker liner ($4, Walmart) for even easier cleanup.

06 of 07

Butternut Squash-Pimiento Mac and Cheese

Butternut Squash-Pimiento Mac and Cheese
Andy Lyons

Give your homemade macaroni and cheese some extra nutrients (including vitamins A, C, and E) by adding butternut squash. This slow cooker squash recipe combines all the ingredients for a one-pot meal that will disappear fast.

07 of 07

Acorn Squash with Orange-Cranberry Sauce

Acorn Squash Orange-Cranberry Sauce
Andy Lyons

Say hello to your new favorite Thanksgiving side. The slow cooker squash recipe includes a brilliant use for canned cranberry sauce by combining it with orange marmalade, raisins, and cinnamon.

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