Do you know How to Cut a Butternut Squash? Do you find yourself leaving this hardy winter squash in the produce section of the store because you think it’s difficult? Guess what? It’s not. Keep reading for the easiest way to cut butternut squash.
I know how tempting it is to stop reading now and pick up pre-cut butternut squash from the grocery store. It’s sitting on the shelf packaged and perfect in a 12-16 oz. container. But, is it really perfect?
How long have those squash cubes been in the package? They cost about 4-5 dollars for a pound or less when purchased pre-cut. Instead, buy them whole. In season, they hover around .99lb. Take that price and a few minutes of time and cut the squash yourself! It’s worth the cost and freshness.
How to Cut a Butternut Squash
Step 1: Get a Large Sharp Knife.
A sharp knife is the best tool for cutting a butternut squash. Use the largest straight-edged knife you are comfortable using. For me, a 6-7” Santoku Knife is perfect. I use this type of knife the for cutting butternut squash.
Step 2: Place the Squash Longways on a Large Cutting Board
Place the squash longways on a cutting board or surface. Squashes are larger pieces of produce. Use an appropriately sized cutting board. You want one that’s large enough to peel and cut the butternut squash into cubes or slices.
Step 3: Cut Off the Stem and Blossom Ends of the Squash
Carefully cut off the stem and blossom (top and bottom) ends of the squash. This gives you a flat surface so the squash stands upright and can be peeled easily.
Step 4: Cut the Butternut Squash Crosswise Where the Neck Meets the Body
The neck of the squash is the stem end of the squash. It is the more cylindrical part of the squash. The blossom end of the squash is the body of the squash which is more spherical. Cut the squash crosswise where these two parts of the squash meet.
Step 5: Place the Body of the Squash Flat on the Cutting Board and Peel it
Place the Body of the Squash Flat on the Cutting Board. Starting at the top of the squash piece and working towards the bottom, take your knife and peel the squash. Remove as much of the peel as possible. Continue working your way around the body of the squash until all the peel is removed.
Step 6: Place the Neck of the Squash Flat on the Cutting Board and Peel it
Use the same technique for peeling the neck of the squash as you did the body of the squash. Starting from the top and working down, peel the squash. Work around the squash in the same manner until the neck of the squash is peeled.
Step 7: Place the Peeled Squash Body Flat on the Cutting Board and Cut in Half
Place the Peeled Squash Piece Flat on the Cutting Board. Cut the squash piece half from top to bottom. This is the part of the squash that contains the seeds.
Step 8: Remove the Seeds and Pulp
A teaspoon is the easiest way to quickly remove the seeds from the squash. Using the spoon, scoop and scrape out the seeds and pulp. You can either discard the seeds or roast them like pumpkin seeds.
Step 9: Cut the Body of the Butternut Squash into Cubes
Slice each squash body half into wedges and then into the cube size needed.
Step 10: Cut the Neck of the Butternut Squash into Cubes
Cut the neck of the peeled squash in half from top to bottom. Repeat the step a time or two more cutting each half into quarters and then into smaller wedges. Once you have 8 to 12 wedges of squash, cut the squash into cubes.
How to Store Cut Butternut Squash
Now that you know how to cut a butternut squash, you may want to store it before using it in a recipe. If you cut butternut squash ahead of time store it in the refrigerator. In an airtight container, the squash will last for a few days without any problems.
If you need a recipe idea for butternut squash, one of my favorites is Butternut Squash Soup. It’s a warm and healthy recipe perfect for fall!
See how easy it is to cut a butternut squash? If you want to see how quickly this is done in real time head over to YouTube where I peel and cut a butternut squash from start to finish.
