How To Cut Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is often considered a tough vegetable to prep, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right knife and these cutting tips, you might even find yourself actually enjoying the prep work. This video on how to cut butternut squash walks you through the process.

But first, a little bit about butternut squash.

It epitomizes warmth and comfort with its sweet, nutty flavor. Butternut squash can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, making it extremely versatile. I like it roasted, but it can also be sautéed, pureed and mashed.

How To Select a Butternut Squash

When choosing a butternut squash, look for one with a rich tan color. The skin should have a matte finish, be free of blemishes and have a stem that is deep brown. Avoid squash without a stem, it could indicate that it’s older. The squash should also feel heavy for its size and should sound a little hollow when tapped.

Cutco has a nice variety of butternut squash recipes to try. Here are just a few.

Butternut Squash Soup

Caramelized Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash Risotto With Sage and Pancetta

Armed with all that knowledge, it’s time to add more butternut squash to your menu.

How To Cut Butternut Squash

The best knife for cutting butternut squash is one that’s got a little heft, is easy to hold, sharp and well balanced. Those are all features of Cutco’s 7-1/2″ Vegetable Knife.

Using that knife, here is how to cut a butternut squash.

1. Pierce the outside of the squash with a fork or the tip of a paring knife, and then microwave it for three or four minutes to soften it a bit.
2. Using a 7-1/2″ Vegetable Knife, cut off the top and bottom of the squash.
3. Cut through the squash at the neck.
4. Use a Vegetable Peeler to peel the neck end.
5. Cut the neck in half lengthwise.
6. Cut the neck into planks.
7. Lay the planks down and cut into strips.
8. Rotate the strips and cut crosswise to dice.
9. Peel the round piece of squash and then cut it in half.
10. Use a spoon to remove the seeds from both halves.
11. Lay the squash flat on the cutting board and cut into strips.
12. Rotate the strips and cut crosswise to dice.