How to Cut Butternut Squash

Learn how to cut a butternut squash safely. We are showing you step-by-step photos as well as a how-to video on how to peel and cut butternut squash into cubes for all your favorite squash recipes.

ALL ABOUT BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Butternut squash is so delicious. It’s naturally sweet and it’s a perfect addition to many recipes or even the main star. We love enjoying mashed butternut squash, roasted butternut squash as roasting squash brings out its sweetness even more! So we always roast it before adding it to recipes.

HOW TO SOFTEN BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Is your butternut squash hard to cut or too large? Try placing the whole butternut squash into the microwave for 2-3 minutes to soften it up before cutting it.

HOW TO PEEL BUTTERNUT SQUASH

We like using a Y peeler as it gives us more control and feels better in the hand when peeling a large squash. That being said you could also use a swivel peeler if that’s all you have.

HOW TO CUT BUTTERNUT SQUASH

1. Wash the squash and set up a sturdy cutting board and knife.
2. Slice the ends off of the butternut squash using your knife. Don’t cutt off too much of the squash.
3. If you’re peeling the squash: hold onto the squash and use your peeler to peel the skin. We peel the neck of the squash and then peel the bulb of the squash to make it easier.
4. How to Cut Butternut Squash into cubes: Cut the squash in half separating the bulbous portion and the neck portion. Then cut both pieces in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds from the bulbous portion. Then slice them into strips. After slicing into strips stack the strips on top of each other and then slice again lengthwise, then dice the squash into cubes.
5. How to Cut the Butternut Squash in half: Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise. This is if you’re wanting to roast the squash halves without cutting into chunks. You can also leave the skin on and scoop out the squash once cooked.
6. How to Store Chopped Squash: You can cook with the squash right away or refrigerate for up to 4-5 days or freeze up to 8 months.

SAP FROM BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Butternut squash contains a sticky sap that will release from the fruit when cut. This is perfectly normal so no need to worry if your squash is releasing this sap.

This sap can also dry onto your hands and create a hard peel of residue onto your fingers It is not easy to peel off and you can’t just wash it off. It feels tight on your fingers and you can even see the orange residue once it’s dried.

We use a scrub daddy with a little bit of hand soap and wash our hands for 2-3 minutes doing this. Another option is to use a pair of gloves to prevent this sap from getting onto your hands.

HOW TO PICK BUTTERNUT SQUASH 

Look for a squash that has no large pits, cracks, or soft spots. Some scratching on the surface is normal. You’ll want to pick one that has a hard rind and feels heavy for its size. The stem and rind should show no damage. Go for one that is a nice solid beige color.

HOW TO STORE BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Butternut squash can last up to 2 to 3 months once stored in a cool dark area.

HOW TO FREEZE BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Store cut butternut squash in a container and refrigerate for up to 4 to 5 days. To freeze butternut squash, line large plates or a small sheet pan with parchment paper. Arrange the cut squash on the prepared plates or sheet pan in a single layer. Freeze for a few hours and then transfer the squash to a freezer-safe container. Frozen butternut squash will keep for up to 8 months.

HOW TO COOK BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Our favorite way to cook butternut squash is to make roasted butternut squash. It brings out the natural sweetness and then we can make it into mashed butternut squash, butternut squash soup, as butternut squash mac and cheese, or even just enjoy it cubed and roasted as is.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH RECIPES TO TRY

• Mashed Butternut Squash
• Roasted Butternut Squash
• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
• Air Fryer Butternut Squash
• Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese