When butternut squash is slow cooked in apple cider, the squash absorbs the sweet liquid. This surprising burst of flavor when you bite into the soft squash is the perfect compliment to any fall or winter meal!
This recipe was actually developed by accident. I was trying to get creative with apples for dinner, and was making a slow cooked chicken, butternut squash and apples dish. I poured some apple cider and vegetable broth into the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients and let it cook for about 6 hours. It probably goes without saying, but chicken apples and pasta just don’t work well together. But what DID taste absolutely amazing was the butternut squash! It had absorbed the sweet apple cider fully, and every bite was a reminder of fall. I knew I was onto something, and Apple Cider Butternut Squash was born.
3 Ingredient Side
You heard me! This delicious side dish uses only 3 ingredients! The prep work is so quick and easy, it makes cider squash a great thanksgiving side! Just place all of the ingredients in the slow cooker for about 3-4 hours on high, and you too can enjoy this sweet and tasty butternut squash dish.
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What does Apple Cider Butternut Squash Taste Like?
When slow cooked in liquid, the butternut squash gets soft, but still manages to retain its shape. It absorbs the apple cider and cinnamon for a sweet, almost candied, wet bite that really wakes the taste buds up! It is not TOO sweet, however, because while it is slow cooked, much of the sugar gets cooked off. This leaves the apple flavor at its strongest.
When to serve cider squash
Cider squash is an absolutely PERFECT Thanksgiving dish. Like I mentioned, it is literally one of the easiest things to put together. Bring it as a guest at friendsgiving, or serve it at your family dinner! Cider Squash can also be a great Christmas side! Since butternut squash is a fall/winter squash, serving it between the months of October and December is peak seasonal eating time. Serve it with turkey, chicken, beef or inside a winter salad bowl!
Apple Cider Butternut Squash
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel and cut butternut squash into 1 inch cubes.
- Place in the slow cooker. Pour apple cider over the top and mix with the cinnamon.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours. Make sure to stir the squash at least once so every side of the squash cooks evenly.
- Option to garnish with thyme or parsley. The cooked squash can be refrigerated overnight!
Did you like my Apple Cider Butternut Squash side dish recipe?! If so, go check out my ‘Slow Cooked Apple and Chicken Curry‘ recipe!
Slow Cooked Apple and Chicken Curry
This simple slow cooked apple and chicken curry is the best fall comfort food, and is a great way to use up some of those extra apples! Just toss all of the ingredients in the crock pot for a few hours and you’re done! The warm spices of curry, turmeric, garam masala and cinnamon compliment …
Check out this apple cider butternut squash recipe AND my wasabi brussels sprouts recipe on the ‘Milk Tea Theory‘ blog for ‘10 Thanksgiving Recipes You Need To Try This Year!’
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