Slow Cooker Cinnamon-Glazed Butternut Squash
This Slow Cooker Cinnamon-Glazed Butternut Squash is a delightful seasonal dish that brings out the natural sweetness of butternut squash. The combination of apple juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a warm and inviting flavor, perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting family dinner. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal preparation and lets your slow cooker do all the work. Serve this dish as a side to roasted meats or enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian option. Your kitchen will fill with an enticing aroma while it cooks, making it hard to resist digging in as soon as it's ready!
N/A
Servings
138
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butternut Squash
1 (large, about 3 to 4 pounds, quartered and seeds removed)
Apple Juice
1 (cup)
Butter
4 (tablespoons, melted)
Brown Sugar
1/4 (cup, packed)
Ground Cinnamon
1/2 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Begin by carefully quartering the butternut squash lengthwise. Remove the stem and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. If you prefer, you can peel the squash before slicing, but it is not necessary.
2
Pour the apple juice evenly into the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring a good layer of liquid for steaming.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
4
Place two of the squash quarters in the slow cooker, cut side facing up. Drizzle about half of the butter-brown sugar mixture over these pieces to create a sweet glaze.
5
Carefully stack the remaining two squash quarters on top of the first two, cut side up, and drizzle the rest of the butter-brown sugar mixture over them to ensure all pieces are well coated.
6
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. The dish is ready when the squash is fork-tender.
7
Once cooked, carefully remove the squash from the slow cooker, and serve warm. Optionally, drizzle any remaining glaze from the cooker over the squash for an extra sweetness.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
20g
Carbs
1g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
10g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Cinnamon-Glazed Butternut Squash?
It is a seasonal side dish featuring butternut squash slow-cooked with a sweet glaze of apple juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need one large butternut squash, apple juice, melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
How long does it take to cook?
The squash should cook in the slow cooker on LOW for 6 to 8 hours.
Do I need to peel the butternut squash?
No, peeling is not necessary for this recipe, though you may do so if you prefer.
What size butternut squash is recommended?
A large squash weighing between 3 and 4 pounds is ideal for this recipe.
How do I prepare the squash for the slow cooker?
Quarter the squash lengthwise, remove the stem, and scoop out the seeds before placing it in the cooker.
Why is apple juice added to the slow cooker?
The apple juice provides moisture for steaming and adds a natural sweetness to the glaze.
How do I make the cinnamon glaze?
Whisk together melted butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl until well combined.
How should the squash be arranged in the slow cooker?
Place two quarters cut side up, drizzle with half the glaze, then stack the remaining two quarters and drizzle the rest.
How do I know when the squash is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the butternut squash is fork-tender.
Can I use the leftover liquid from the slow cooker?
Yes, you can drizzle any remaining glaze from the cooker over the squash before serving for extra flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for fall gatherings?
Yes, the warm flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar make it a perfect side dish for autumn meals.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 138 calories per serving.
How much sugar is in this dish?
This recipe contains 10 grams of sugar per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving.
Does this recipe provide fiber?
Yes, there are approximately 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How much protein does this dish contain?
There is approximately 1 gram of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I substitute apple cider for apple juice?
Yes, apple cider is an excellent substitute for apple juice in this recipe.
Can I use a butter alternative?
Yes, you can use a plant-based butter or margarine if you prefer.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a hearty vegetarian-friendly side dish.
What if my squash is smaller than 3 pounds?
You can still use it, but you may want to check for tenderness closer to the 6-hour mark.
Can I add other spices to the glaze?
Yes, adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves would complement the cinnamon well.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, but note that the texture of the squash may become softer after thawing and reheating.
What main dishes pair well with this squash?
It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or pork chops.
Is it okay if the squash quarters touch the lid?
It is best to ensure the lid fits tightly to trap the steam, so try to keep the squash level below the rim.
Do I need to add any water to the cooker?
No, the apple juice and the moisture from the squash itself are sufficient for cooking.
Can I cook this on the HIGH setting?
While LOW is recommended, you can cook it on HIGH for about 3 to 4 hours.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it requires very little preparation and the slow cooker handles all the cooking.