Creamy Butternut Squash and Bacon Slow Cooker Chowder Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper color and flavor, consider roasting the butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for twenty minutes before adding them to the slow cooker.

This caramelization adds a subtle sweetness that pairs exceptionally well with the savory bacon. If choosing this method, reduce the slow cooker time by one hour to account for the pre-cooked state of the squash.

To enhance the creamy texture without adding extra heavy cream, take a potato masher and lightly press down on a few of the squash and potato pieces directly inside the slow cooker.

This releases more starch into the broth, creating a thicker, more luxurious consistency. Be careful not to mash everything, as the chunks of vegetables and bacon provide essential texture to the final dish.

Variations

• Spicy Bacon Chowder: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when adding the sage to provide a subtle, warming heat that complements the sweetness of the squash.
• Garlic and Onion Boost: Sauté two cloves of minced garlic and half a diced yellow onion in a skillet until translucent before adding them to the slow cooker for an extra layer of aromatic depth.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in portions for up to 2 months, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chowder will keep well for up to three days. As it sits, the flavors will continue to develop, often making the soup taste even better the next day. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the soup from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.

This dish is excellent for making ahead of time. You can prepare the vegetable prep and bacon crumbling the night before and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. This makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without the active prep time.

Serving ideas

Serve this chowder hot in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful colors of the squash and the texture of the bacon.

It pairs perfectly with a side of crusty sourdough bread or a light, crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the creamy broth. A small sprinkle of fresh black pepper on top can also add a nice finish.

For an elegant presentation, consider garnishing each bowl with a few fresh sage leaves or a tiny drizzle of high-quality olive oil. The contrast between the warm, creamy soup and the fresh garnish adds a professional touch.

Ensure the soup is served immediately after stirring to maintain the perfect temperature, as the creamy base can lose its ideal consistency if allowed to cool too much.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Butternut Squash and Bacon Slow Cooker Chowder

Prep 15 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 20 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups gold potatoes, diced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 4 cups creamy chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the cubed butternut squash into the insert of the slow cooker. Distribute the diced gold potatoes evenly over the squash, then scatter the crumbled cooked bacon on top. Sprinkle the dried sage over the mixture to ensure the flavors distribute well as the chowder cooks.
2. Pour the creamy chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. The goal is to soften the vegetables until tender while allowing the flavors to meld into the creamy broth.
3. Once the vegetables are tender, gently stir the chowder to combine the ingredients further. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately while steaming. If the consistency is too thick, add a small splash of warm broth to reach the desired texture before serving.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

9.5 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

13 g

Fiber

4.5 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.