How to Cut Butternut Squash

5 from 8 votes

Follow my step-by-step method for how to cut butternut squash three different ways for roasting and salads. Learn easy practical knife skills

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Let me show you how to peel butternut squash and then cut it up in three different ways. Butternut squash is all over winter menus – in soups, sheet pan recipes, and cubed in salad bowls – but the heavy, hard-skinned winter squash is a beast to peel and chop. Here’s how I attack it.

Butternut squash on cutting board getting cut

Besides being nutty and sweet, butternut squash is loaded with nutrition, bringing fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants to your plate. Pro tip: the sweetest squash is the one with the most deeply colored skin.

Sizes and uses for different cuts

  • Halves/Semi Circles: Stuff squash halves with other ingredients. Use the semi-circle, half-moon shape as a hearty side dish or a main ingredient in a grain bowl.
  • Sticks: Sticks are also great when you want the squash to have a big presence on the plate or for baking butternut squash fries!
  • Cubes: Cubing squash helps it cook quickly when you are roasting on a sheet pan or steaming or boiling for soup and Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. Here’s a quick guide to cooking butternut squash cubes in 3 ways.

How to cut butternut squash

Cut into 2-3 manageable parts

  • Lay the squash on its side and remove about ½ inch from the top and bottom.
  • Cut the squash just above the bulbous section that contains the seeds.
  • If the neck is extra-long, cut in half again across its hemisphere.
6 image collage showing how to cut a butternut squash

Remove/peel the skin

  • Stand each piece up on its cut end, using a sharp knife, carefully peel a thin layer of the skin off from the top to the bottom.
  • Repeat all the way around until all skin is removed.
3 image collage showing how to remove the skin from the squash

Scoop out seeds

  • Cut the bulbous section in half.
  • Remove seeds by scooping with a spoon.
3 image collage showing how to cut the bulbous part and remove the seeds

Slice into desired shapes

  • Half circles: Cut all peeled squash pieces in half. Turn squash pieces flat cut-side down on the cutting board and slice horizontally into desired widths.
  • Sticks: Holding the squash pieces upright, first cut vertically into thin sections. Then holding the sections together, place the squash flat-side down on the cutting board, and slice into sticks.
  • Cubes: First cut into sticks as above. Then, slice the sticks crosswise to make cubes.
3 image collage showing the three different cuts of squash

Recipes with butternut squash

Frequently asked questions

How do you store butternut squash after cutting it?

In a tightly sealed container, store cut butternut squash in the refrigerator for up to five days. Whole, uncut squash can last up to three months in a cool, dark place.

Can you freeze cut-up squash?

Definitely! I suggest freezing pieces on a sheet pan and then bagging for freezer storage up to six months.

Should I save the seeds to roast them?

Absolutely! While butternut squash will not yield as many seeds as a huge Halloween pumpkin, the seeds are just as edible and make a great garnish. Rinse and dry seeds, toss with the oil of your choice, salt, pepper, and spices. Roast at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, checking for doneness.

3 types of ways to cut butternut squash shown on a cutting board

Following these tips, you, too, can slay the beast that is a whole butternut squash!

More knife skill tutorials:

If you’ve found this cooking resource for How to Cut Butternut Squash helpful or if you’ve tried any recipe on FeelGoodFoodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience with this technique. And if you snapped some shots of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!

How to Cut Butternut Squash

Follow my step-by-step method for how to cut butternut squash three different ways for roasting and salads. Learn easy practical knife skills
5 from 8 votes
Servings 4 servings
Course Ingredient
Calories 84
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Video

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Butternut Squash

Instructions

  • Lay the squash on its side, remove about ½ inch from the top and the bottom
  • Cut the squash just above the bulbous section that contains the seeds.
  • If the neck is extra-long, cut in half again across its hemisphere.
  • Stand each piece up on its cut end, and using a sharp knife, carefully peel a thin layer of the skin off from the top to the bottom. Repeat all the way around until cleaned
  • Cut the bulbous section in half and remove seeds by scooping with a spoon.
  • Cut the squash into desired shapes and sizes (cubed, circles, half circles, etc.)

Notes

Storage: Store any cut butternut squash in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Whole, uncut squash can last up to three months in a cool, dark place.

Nutrition

Calories: 84kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 8mg, Potassium: 660mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 19931IU, Vitamin C: 39mg, Calcium: 90mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine American
Course: Ingredient

Photo Credit: Erin Jensen

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