If you’ve ever been intimidated by how to chop butternut squash, fear not. Consider this your step-by-step guide for how to safely and efficiently cut a squash!
It’s easy to follow, works every time, and gets you from whole squash to peeled, seeded cubes in about 5 minutes flat. Let’s do this!
If you try this method, be sure to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram so we can see what you do with your squash. Cheers, friends!
How to Cut Butternut Squash
A visual, step-by-step tutorial on how to cut butternut squash! Plus, several ways to put your squash to use once it’s chopped.
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Servings 6(cups cubed)
Instructions
- The best way to cut butternut squash is to start with a large, very sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board. To begin, cut off the top stem and bottom end of your squash and discard.
- Then cut the squash in half where the small, cylinder shape and round, bulb-shape meet.
- Use a sharp knife (or a sturdy vegetable peeler) to carefully remove the skin. Alternatively, the skin can stay on because it’s edible when roasted! But if adding to a soup (or recipe where it won’t be roasted), remove and discard.
- Remove any seeds with a spoon or ice cream scoop. The seeds can be cleaned, washed, dried, and roasted if desired (similar to this tutorial).
- Cut the squash into small cubes and it’s ready for use in recipes like this Curried Butternut Squash Soup, Saucy Butternut Squash Portobello Tacos, or Butternut Squash Hummus!
- You can use your squash right away, cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4-5 days, or freeze it in a well-sealed container up to 1 month.
Video
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate for 1 cup cubed without salt or oil.
Nutrition (1 of 6 servings)
Serving: 1cup cubedCalories: 63Carbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1.4gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 6mgPotassium: 493mgFiber: 1.4gSugar: 3.1gVitamin A: 14850IUVitamin C: 39.6mgCalcium: 260mgIron: 0.9mg
Donnasays
I often cook my squash in the microwave for a few minutes. It makes cutting the squash much easier.
Support @ Minimalist Bakersays
Great tip, Donna!
Bettysays
can we cook butternut squash with the seeds? Want to do that for a soup, saves me scooping out the seeds and, if the seeds are healthy I want them in the soup
Support @ Minimalist Bakersays
Hm, we think they might make it bitter, but let us know if you try it!
Bettysays
I did try it, came out ok the soup, don’t think it tasted too different to without the seeds. Just making sure though, is it healthy to cook them and est the seeds this way?
Support @ Minimalist Bakersays
Hi Betty, we’re not certain, but the seeds can be roasted and eaten, so we don’t see why not!
Raeannesays
I have made squash soup with the seeds. I don’t find it bitter. I always roast the squash first. Usually, I just roast 1 hr with skin (until tender). After it cools a little, I remove the skin and place the small cubes of roasted squash in the vegetable or chicken broth. Season and cook.
Support @ Minimalist Bakersays
Thanks for sharing your experience, Raeanne! xo
Samsays
Where did you get your cutting board from?
Support @ Minimalist Bakersays
Hi Sam, we can’t remember where this one was from. Maybe an etsy shop?
Rossssays
Always a pain in the butt but I’ll give this a shot!
Would love to see more squash recipes from you in the future some butternut squash chili or curry would be perfect for these cold months.
Support @ Minimalist Bakersays
Thanks for the recipe suggestions, Ross! We’ll add them to the list :D
Shaunessysays
What kind of knife do you use? I need a good knife for cutting harder veggies. Last time a cut up a squash I sliced my finger.?
Hayleysays
Would love to know the knife brand too! ??
Support @ Minimalist Bakersays
Hi! I believe we got it at World Market a few years ago! This one is very similar. Hope this helps!