Are you ready to elevate your side dish game with a recipe that’s both irresistibly sweet and wonderfully comforting? Meet the Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Butternut Squash—a dish that transforms humble squash into a caramelized masterpiece! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it slowly cooks to perfection, leaving you and your guests eager for a taste. Dive into this delectable recipe and discover how easy it is to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the butternut squash. Carefully peel the squash using a vegetable peeler. Cut off both ends, then slice it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon, and then cube the flesh into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash with the brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure that the squash is evenly coated with the mixture.
- Transfer the coated butternut squash into the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. If you prefer a softer texture, you can cook it for an additional hour.
- After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid (beware of steam) and check the squash for tenderness. It should be fork-tender and caramelized.
- Once cooked, gently stir the squash to mix the caramelized sugar and butter that may have settled at the bottom. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
- Serve the slow cooker brown sugar butternut squash warm as a delightful side dish. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a comforting vegetarian dish.
Tips
- Choose the Right Squash: When selecting your butternut squash, look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a smooth, blemish-free skin. This ensures you get the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Ahead: To save time, peel and cube your butternut squash a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, feel free to reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is a classic choice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
- Check for Doneness: Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker model. Start checking for tenderness at the 4-hour mark and continue cooking if necessary.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is not only delicious on its own but also pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a vegetarian feast.
- Leftover Magic: If you have any leftovers, they can be blended into a creamy soup or used as a filling for quesadillas or wraps.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 145kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 17mg
