Ready to learn how to cut a butternut squash?
Butternut squash is super versatile and can be used in many different ways. You can buy it pre-cut in the store but it will be fresher if you cut it yourself.
It’s more economical to prepare it yourself. Plus, it’s easy!
Ready to get started? Just click the “jump to recipe” button or keep reading for more tips and ideas. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our affiliate disclosure for more details. We only recommend products we love and use.
Butternut squash is almost as popular as pumpkin during the Fall and Winter. It takes about 3 minutes to prep it and you are ready to go!
Equipment needed
- Large cutting board
- Large, heavy sharp knife
- A good peeler. I prefer a swivel peeler, but a good Y peeler works equally well.
How to cut a butternut squash
This guide will make sure you safely cut the squash. Here are steps:
- 1 and 2: Because the shape is odd, cut the stems off on both ends to begin
- 3 – Cut in two equal pieces and lay the squash flat on each end to safely cut and peel
- 4 and 5- Once the squash is peeled (step 4) you will slice it in half again (see step 5)
- 6 – Scoop out the seeds and discard them
- 7 – Lay the squash quarter flat side down and cut into slices
- 8 – Cut the slices into cubes, if desired
Does butternut squash have to be peeled before roasting?
The skin on butternut squash is very tough so it should be peeled before you can eat the squash. There are some who like to eat the skin once it is roasted but most prefer the squash peeled.
Can you prep and peel the squash ahead of time?
Yes! You can peel, prep, and cut the squash up to 3 days in advance. Once prepped just store in an airtight bag or container in the refrigerator.
Ideas for using butternut squash
There are so many fun recipes you can make once you have it peeled and cut. Use this method to prepare the squash for everything from soups to simple roasting. Adding to salads is an easy way to turn a simple side salad into a meal.
One of the most popular ways to use cubed squash is in Butternut Squash Soup. Ours is garnished with pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries and makes the perfect starter, light lunch, or dinner.
One of our favorite recipes for sliced squash is Roasted Butternut Squash with Pomegranate
How to Cut a Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
Instructions
- Cut stem off butternut squash on both ends
- Cut in half & peel entire butternut squash
- Cut butternut squash in half again
- Remove seeds by scooping them out with a spoon. Discard seeds
- Lay the squash quarters flat side down and cut into slices
- If desired, then cut into cubes
Jessie
Great tips!! I will be trying it this was next time I make it.
Biana
Thank you for sharing these tips, will be using them next time I am cooking butternut squash.
Vicky
Such helpful information! Butternut squash is delicious but so hard to cut-this is going to make it much better!
Beth
This post was so helpful and interesting! I definitely want to show this to my daughter! Saved! Thank you!
Irina
Thanks for all your tips on how to cut butternut squash. I have just realized that I cut it in the wrong way. Ops… not anymore!