How To Cut And Cube A Butternut Squash

You can cut and cube a butternut squash by first trimming off both ends, then peeling the skin, slicing it in half, scooping out the seeds, and cutting the flesh into even cubes.
 
It sounds like a lot of work, but once you know the right technique, it’s actually pretty simple.
 
When you cut and cube a butternut squash properly, you save time, avoid waste, and get uniform pieces that cook evenly.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to cut and cube a butternut squash step by step, plus some tips to make the process easier and safer.
 
Let’s get started.
 

How to Cut and Cube a Butternut Squash

Here’s exactly how to cut and cube a butternut squash from start to finish:
 

1. Gather Your Tools and Prep the Squash

Before you cut and cube a butternut squash, make sure you have a sharp chef’s knife, a sturdy cutting board, a vegetable peeler, and a spoon.
 
A sharp knife is key because butternut squash is dense and a dull blade can slip.
 
Start by washing the squash under running water to remove any dirt or residue on the skin.
 
Then pat it dry with a clean towel so it doesn’t slide around on your cutting board.
 

2. Trim the Ends

Lay the butternut squash on its side and slice off the top stem end and the bottom end with your chef’s knife.
 
Cut about half an inch from each end to create flat, stable surfaces.
 
These flat ends make it much easier to cut and cube a butternut squash safely because the squash won’t roll around.
 

3. Peel the Skin

Stand the squash upright on one of its flat ends.
 
Using your vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, peel the skin away from top to bottom, following the curve of the squash.
 
You want to remove all the tan skin and expose the bright orange flesh underneath.
 
When you cut and cube a butternut squash, peeling first makes the rest of the process much smoother.
 

4. Cut the Squash in Half

Once peeled, lay the squash back on its side.
 
Cut it crosswise right where the neck meets the bulbous base, so you end up with two pieces.
 
The neck is the long, solid section, and the base is the round part that holds the seeds.
 
Now you’re ready to tackle each section separately as you cut and cube a butternut squash.
 

5. Scoop Out the Seeds

Take the bulbous bottom half and cut it in half lengthwise.
 
Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center.
 
Save those seeds if you like, because they can be roasted just like pumpkin seeds.
 
Don’t toss them out when you cut and cube a butternut squash — they make a great snack.
 

6. Slice Into Planes

Cut the neck section into flat slabs about one inch thick.
 
Do the same with the halved bottom sections, cutting them into similar one-inch slabs.
 
If the pieces are too tall to slice safely, lay them flat on one of their cut sides first.
 
This step is what sets you up to cut and cube a butternut squash into even, uniform pieces.
 

7. Cut Into Strips

Take each slab and cut it into one-inch-wide strips.
 
Stack a few strips together if they’re stable, and hold them with your non-dominant hand using a claw grip to protect your fingers.
 
Keeping your strips the same width helps you cut and cube a butternut squash into consistent cubes.
 

8. Cube the Strips

Finally, line up your strips and cut across them at one-inch intervals.
 
This gives you perfect one-inch cubes of butternut squash.
 
Now you’ve successfully cut and cubed a butternut squash and you’re ready to cook.
 

Tips for Cutting and Cubing a Butternut Squash Safely

Butternut squash is hard and slippery, so safety matters when you cut and cube a butternut squash.
 

1. Use a Sharp Knife

A sharp knife does the work for you and requires less pressure, which means less chance of slipping.
 
When you cut and cube a butternut squash with a dull knife, you’re more likely to force the blade and lose control.
 

2. Stabilize With Flat Surfaces

Always create a flat side before making any major cuts.
 
This is one of the most important rules when you cut and cube a butternut squash.
 

3. Microwave Briefly for Easier Cutting

If your squash is really tough, poke a few holes in it and microwave it for two to three minutes.
 
This softens the flesh slightly and makes it much easier to cut and cube a butternut squash.
 
Let it cool before handling, then proceed with your cuts.
 

4. Consider Pre-Cut Squash for Convenience

If you’re short on time, many grocery stores sell pre-cut butternut squash cubes.
 
It costs a little more, but it saves you the trouble of having to cut and cube a butternut squash yourself.
 
Still, nothing beats the freshness of doing it at home.
 

How to Store Your Cubed Butternut Squash

Once you cut and cube a butternut squash, you’ll want to store it properly so it lasts.
 

1. Refrigerate in an Airtight Container

Place your cubes in an airtight container and store them in the fridge.
 
They’ll keep for about three to five days this way.
 

2. Freeze for Longer Storage

If you cut and cube a butternut squash and have more than you can use, freezing is a great option.
 
Spread the cubes on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer them to freezer bags.
 
They’ll last for up to twelve months in the freezer.
 

So, How Do You Cut and Cube a Butternut Squash?

You cut and cube a butternut squash by trimming the ends, peeling the skin, halving it, removing the seeds, slicing it into slabs, cutting those into strips, and finally chopping the strips into cubes.
 
It’s a process, but with a sharp knife and a little patience, it becomes second nature.
 
Once you know how to cut and cube a butternut squash, you can enjoy it roasted, in soups, or added to your favorite fall recipes.
 
Now get in the kitchen and give it a try — you’ve got this.