How To Cut Summer Squash For Grilling

You can cut summer squash for grilling by slicing it into planks, rounds, or spears depending on the texture and presentation you want.
 
Summer squash is one of the easiest vegetables to grill because it’s tender, mild, and soaks up marinades beautifully.
 
The key is cutting it thick enough so it doesn’t fall apart on the grates but thin enough that it cooks through.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cut summer squash for grilling, the best shapes for different results, and a few simple tips so your squash comes off the grill perfect every time.
 

How to Cut Summer Squash for Grilling

Learning how to cut summer squash for grilling starts with choosing the right shape for your squash.
 
Here are the main ways to cut summer squash for grilling, and each one works best for a certain size and texture.
 

1. Cut Summer Squash into Plantern Planks

If you’re wondering how to cut summer squash for grilling when you want those pretty grill marks, planks are your best friend.
 
Slice the squash lengthwise into slabs about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
 
This shape gives you a large surface area that sits flat on the grates and picks up that smoky char.
 
When you cut summer squash for grilling as planks, it stays sturdy and won’t slip through the grates.
 

2. Cut Summer Squash into Rounds

Cutting summer squash for grilling into rounds is the classic approach and it works great for smaller squash.
 
Slice crosswise into coins about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.
 
If you cut summer squash for grilling too thin, the rounds will turn to mush, so keep them on the thicker side.
 
Rounds are perfect for skewers, and they cook fast, which is nice on a hot summer evening.
 

3. Cut Summer Squash into Spears

When you cut summer squash for grilling as spears, you get a heartier bite that holds up well to flipping.
 
Cut the squash in half lengthwise, then slice each half into two or three long wedges.
 
This is a great way to cut summer squash for grilling if you’re working with larger, firmer squash.
 
Spears take a few extra minutes on the grill, but they keep their shape beautifully.
 

Prep Tips Before You Cut Summer Squash for Grilling

Before you cut summer squash for grilling, a little prep goes a long way.
 
Here’s what to keep in mind so your squash grills evenly and tastes amazing.
 

1. Wash and Dry the Squash

Rinse your summer squash under cool water and pat it dry before you cut summer squash for grilling.
 
Dry squash grabs oil and seasoning better, and it won’t steam on the grill.
 

2. Trim the Ends

Slice off both ends with a sharp knife before you cut summer squash for grilling.
 
A sharp knife gives you clean cuts, which helps the squash cook evenly.
 

3. Leave the Skin On

There’s no need to peel when you cut summer squash for grilling.
 
The skin holds everything together and adds a nice bit of texture and color.
 

4. Keep Pieces Uniform

When you cut summer squash for grilling, aim for pieces that are all about the same size.
 
Uniform pieces cook at the same rate, so nothing turns to mush while something else stays raw.
 

How Thick to Cut Summer Squash for Grilling

The thickness matters just as much as the shape when you cut summer squash for grilling.
 
Aim for about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick for planks and rounds.
 
If you cut summer squash for grilling any thinner than 1/4 inch, it’ll fall apart on the grates.
 
Any thicker than 1/2 inch, and the outside chars before the inside softens.
 
Spears can be a bit chunkier since they cook from multiple sides at once.
 

So, How Do You Cut Summer Squash for Grilling?

You cut summer squash for grilling by slicing it into planks, rounds, or spears at about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
 
Summer squash is tender and mild, so the right cut keeps it sturdy on the grates while letting it soak up smoke and seasoning.
 
Learning how to cut summer squash for grilling comes down to matching the shape to your squash and keeping every piece uniform.
 
Now that you know how to cut summer squash for grilling, fire up the grill and enjoy that charred, tender squash all season long.