Test Kitchen tip: For the easiest possible cut, use a freshly sharpened knife. Peeling and cutting butternut squash takes me about 10 minutes altogether. Cut the body part. Then cut in half again. This is my #1 trick to make cutting butternut squash easier! "The suggestion to cook the squash before cutting or peeling sounds great! Instructions To Make Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes: Cut the squash. Pick one of the furrows (between the ridges) running from the top to the bottom of the squash and make your first cut on one side of the stem. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Preheat oven to 350°. Lay squash on its side. It has amazing flavor and is great for roasting. Step 4: Slice and cut into cubes. This is a thick and dense veggie, so make sure to use a sharp knife. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce it to a simmer, and cook for 20 minutes. Mix seasoning ingredients. Last Updated: September 24, 2019 About 1/4 inch slice. The butternut squash will only last about 1 instead of 3 to 6 months. If you plan to roast the butternut squash, aim for bite-sized 1 1/2-inch pieces. Next, slice the 2 ends off. Peel the squash with a potato peeler until all skin is removed. Cut the bottom section in half to expose … To cut a butternut squash, first cut the squash in half, separating the lower bulbous end from the longer end. Then, turn squash around on its side. To create this article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Crockpot grape jelly & BBQ meatballs – only 3 ingredients. Add the butternut squash and a quart of chicken or vegetable stock. % of people told us that this article helped them. Cooking a quartered or halved butternut squash in an Instant Pot: This is the next easiest … About 1/4 inch slice. Cut off the neck of the butternut squash, right where the neck meets the base. … Place butternut squash halves on a large baking sheet with the cut-side up. Sautéed butternut squash: Cut the squash … Keep in mind that the smaller you slice the squash, the more quickly the cubes will cook. Lay the squash down on its side and, using your sharpest, heaviest knife (your go-to chef’s knife or a cleaver if you’re confident using one), cut all the way through the squash to split it into two more regular-shaped pieces. Halve squash lengthwise; remove and discard seeds. Start on one side of the stem. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. Slice the top of the squash in half lengthwise, then cut each half crosswise into 1-inch strips. Cook on high pressure (manual mode) for 12 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release, followed by a quick release. Scoop out the seeds, then flip the pieces over with the flat side down. Starting at the … If it’s your first time doing it, count on about 20 minutes. By using our site, you agree to our. Cut the bottom of the squash in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds with a spoon. Cut between the neck and body. Divide the butter pieces among all six halves, smearing it all over the cut side of the squash. Lay one-half of the squash on its flat cut side and cut into slices so you have half-moons. Serve with a drizzle of cream and some black pepper. Then place the whole squash in the microwave and cook for 2-3 minutes. And while cutting squash may seem difficult, it’s actually pretty simple. How to cut butternut squash Start by making several large slits through the skin with the tip of a sharp knife. Working one section at a time, slice each of the pieces in horizontal lines (similar to picture below). © 2021 I Heart Nap Time, All Rights Reserved. Carefully remove squash, cut it in half, scoop out seeds, and then scoop out flesh. Cut those half moons into equally sized sticks. Start eating vegetarian in 5 days, even if you love steak. So ditch the pricey pre-cut squash and learn how to cut your own the easy (and less expensive) way! Learn how to peel and cut butternut squash with these easy tips and tricks. It’s one of the best vegetables to roast in the fall and winter! The best way to cut butternut squash is to start with a large, very sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board. Refrigerate cut squash pieces in an airtight plastic container for up to 5 days. If the squash rolls or moves unexpectedly while cutting, you can easily injure yourself with your heavy, sharp knife. Cut the two halves in strips and then turn those into cubes. Either way, it’s much quicker than trying to hunt down pre-cut butternut squash at the store (which may or may not even have it). This article has been viewed 61,871 times. Then slice in half vertically down the middle. To freeze winter squash, wash and cut into small pieces, remove seeds and peel. How to Cut Up Butternut Squash. Remove the top with the stem. Depending on the recipe, you might want to cut the squash into rounds, half-moons or cubes. Toast the seeds and add to some homemade granola, like Simple Honey Walnut Granola! You made breaking down the squash so approachable! Don't cut butternut squash unless the squash is entirely stable. Learn more... Butternut squash is a winter vegetable noted for its sweet, nutty flavor. This helps tenderize the tough skin and will make it easier to cut. Working one section at a time, slice each of the pieces in horizontal lines. Use a thick, heavy knife to do the job. Some of my other top fall veggies are roasted brussel sprouts, glazed carrots, roasted red potatoes and bacon wrapped asparagus. Stand the squash upright on its wider end. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Jamielyn Nye is the creative director and founder of I Heart Naptime. Then slice into about 1″ cubes. Working one section at a time, slice each of the pieces in horizontal lines (similar to picture below). Pre-heat the oven to 400°F. With the squash on its side, cut a Butternut Squash in half. Your email address will not be published. I'm Jamielyn Nye, cookbook author, mom of 4 and a big fan of naptime and chocolate. This oblong-shaped vegetable isn't difficult to process once you've practiced a few times, and it's well worth the effort. Read the following article to learn how to cut and peel butternut squash. Then I put the butter, a small amount of brown sugar and maple syrup, salt and pepper on the squash. 5. 6. Peel and cut the butternut squash into your desired size of cubes. This squash is readily available just … Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 61,871 times. How to Cut a Butternut Squash – Cut in Half. This will cut through even tough rind cleanly and easily. ", "Step-by-step pictures were very helpful.". Cut … Place halves upright and peel the skin off with a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Remove the seeds with a spoon and wash the squash. To have multipurpose butternut squash available for whatever your whim may be, dice the squash into cubes. Slow cooker risotto with butternut squash and sausage. Place the squash on a sturdy cutting board. This method is by far the easiest way and will leave you with perfectly sized cubes in no time! If this is the case, gently tap the knife end with a rubber mallet to help it cut through the flesh of the squash. Cut the squash just above the bulbous section that contains the seeds. To finish, lay both sides cut side down, chop them in half, then cut the pieces into lengthwise strips before cutting the strips crosswise. Slice each piece into half moons. Place squash in an 11x7-in. Then slice into about 1″ cubes. Sharpen your knife , if necessary. If you utilize this technique, don't let the strips slip while cutting. From side dishes to salads and everything in between – there are plenty of ways to use this delicious fall vegetable! Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. Brush … baking dish coated with cooking spray. Slice the base in half, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Cube the squash body. Using a large chef’s knife, cut off the top of the butternut squash. If you want to save some time with the cubing process, stack several lengthwise strips on top of each other and cut them at the same time. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Remove the bottom of the squash. If you’re making mashed or puréed squash, peel the squash, cut it in half, and remove the seeds. For tips on how to eat your cut butternut squash, read on! Add savory spices, like cumin, chili powder or cayenne pepper, to make a spicy side dish. Next, slice the 2 ends off. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. 5. Then rub the sides with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, … Nutrient-rich, naturally low in calories and so delicious, the butternut squash is a fall fan favorite. To create this article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. How to cut butternut squash Mar 5, 2018 Cutting a butternut squash is easy with this quick video from Marie-Ève Caplette, Registered Dietitian and Half … Then, take hold of the thin end and chop roughly 0.5 inches off the thick end. Your email address will not be published. This post may contain affiliate links. Cut off the ends, too. Snap a pic and hashtag it #IHeartNaptime — We love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! Then, take it out and let it cool for a minute or two before cutting into it. When that’s done, slice the squash down the middle, and scoop out the seeds and pulp from both sides. Determine how small the pieces should be for the recipe you are using. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then blend it in batches in the blender. Cut the neck of the peeled squash in half from top to bottom. http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_peel_and_cut_a_butternut_squash/, http://www.cookinglight.com/cooking-101/techniques/how-to-peel-cut-butternut-squash-00400000029655/, http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/tips-techniques/technique-how-to-cut-a-butternut-squash-065196, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. How to cut butternut squash Cut into 2-3 manageable parts Lay the squash on its side and remove about 1/2 inch from the top and bottom. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Microwave the squash on high for five to six minutes. This is a thick and dense veggie, so make sure to use a sharp knife. Fall is here and that means cooking with all of the fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. Then cut in half again. I Heart Naptime is a food and lifestyle blog sharing easy recipes and tips, to help families create unforgettable moments. Next, slice the 2 ends off of the squash using a sharp knife. Slice the butternut squash in half lengthwise, then place the halves side by side in the pressure cooker, and pour in 1 cup of water. You can roast in slices if you’d like, but I prefer to roast in cubes because they get crispier. To roast it whole: Well, in half. Liberally rub the squash with coconut oil, inside and out. To cut a butternut squash, place the squash on a chopping board, hold the thick end in one hand, and chop off the top with a sharp knife. Here’s the best knife sharpener, according to our standardized testing process.. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds of the butternut squash. Once you have 8 to 12 wedges of squash, cut the squash into cubes. Microwave the squash for about five minutes. Cutting butternut squash can sometimes be difficult because the squash is dense and hard. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 7. Roast butternut squash cubes in the oven until they are soft. If the mallet method doesn't work, you can switch to a serrated knife and use a sawing motion to cut the squash in half. Then slice the squash in half vertically down the middle. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Because the skin is on the tougher side, you don’t want to leave it on. A blunt knife could slip and cut you if you aren't careful. Cut the squash into the desired shape and size. Add sweet elements, like brown sugar, maple syrup or agave nectar, to make a delectable treat. Put the halves, flesh side down, onto … Cook as … It's important to work with a very sharp knife, since butternut squash is firm and smooth. To make fries, cut the butternut squash into matchsticks. Before you begin cutting, pierce the squash several times with a knife or fork. Tested. Subscribe to receive a FREE 7 day meal plan! Before you begin cutting, pierce it several times with a knife or fork. 3. Then, cut the squash in half near the center where it starts to get wider, creating two pieces: a cylindrical top part and the rounded bottom. Remove the seeds with a spoon and wash the squash. It has a similar taste to the sweet potato, with an even smoother texture. Cooked squash should be stored in the refrigerator and then used within a week. Remove from microwave and peel with a potato peeler until all skin is removed. I’m always afraid of cutting a butternut squash because of it’s odd shape, but this helps a lot. Cutting your own butternut squash also gives you flexibility in what you’re making. How To Cut A Butternut Squash For Cooking. Take the body of the squash and cut it in half, lengthwise. Alternatively, you could hold the squash in one hand and use the vegetable peeler to remove the rind in horizontal strokes. Cut those slices into cubes and repeat with the other half of your squash. To peel butternut squash the easiest, use a vegetable peeler with carbon steel blades. Butternut Squash Long Term Storage. Ditch the pricey pre-cut squash and make perfectly cubed butternut squash in no time! I used a fork to cut the squash a little bit to make room for those things. Then slice each of those pieces lengthwise (see photo). First up on the list? Toss in oil. This will create uneven cubes. Tips to make cutting butternut squash easier, safer and faster Set the squash on the thick end you’ve just cut and peel the skin with a vegetable peeler. 1. Then cut in half again. Cut the whole thing in half from top to bottom. Cut squash into quarters and remove both the … Repeat the step a time or two more cutting each half into quarters and then into smaller wedges. If your goal is cubes, cut the neck into planks, then sticks, then cubes. Remove seeds. Pierce whole butternut squash with a fork, or sharp knife, in several places, put whole pierced squash on a microwave safe plate, and micrwave till soft , remove from microwave ,and easily cut in half … For tips on how to eat your cut butternut squash, read on! Use your sharpest, sturdiest chefs knife for this task. Use a sharp chef’s knife to trim the stem and bottom of the squash. Butternut squash is one of my favorite fall vegetables. … It really helps and I love making fresh squash! Cut the ends off of the squash (about 1/2 inch). Arrange the squash … Butternut squash! Great tips! Remove the seeds with a spoon and wash the squash. Hold it from the top with one hand and use the other to run the vegetable peeler in vertical strokes down the side of the squash. With a large, heavy knife, on top of a secure cutting board, slice off the top of the squash, then slice the squash in half cross-wise, right at the top of the bottom bulging part. Drizzle each half with maple syrup and season with … We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Then place the whole thing in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. Love the how to cut the squash and to microwave a few minutes first. Required fields are marked *. And remember, a sharp knife is always safer than a dull one. Please read my. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Cut-Butternut-Squash-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Butternut-Squash-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Cut-Butternut-Squash-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1383553-v4-728px-Cut-Butternut-Squash-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. This article has been viewed 61,871 times. To begin, cut off the top stem and bottom end of your squash and discard. Cut the solid “neck” of the squash in discs and then cube them, with care! We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Halve the squash, lengthwise. After baking, instead of removing the skin, I turned the squash halves over so the cut side was up. As tempting as it may be to cut in right at the center of the squash, start by cutting off the outside ends to remove the roughest parts of the squash and create two flat surfaces … This helps to slightly tenderize the squash and loosen up the skin a bit, resulting in an easier cutting and peeling process. In the meantime, sauté a diced onion and a few cloves of minced garlic in some olive oil in a large soup pot on over medium heat on the stove. Then slice in half vertically down the middle. Step 3: Cut off the ends of the squash. Cut straight down until you feel the knife punch through the shell to the hollow center. When she’s not creating in the kitchen, Jamielyn loves to chase her four little monkeys and snuggle up on the couch with her man. The bulb end can be cut horizontally into half-moons, then further into cubes. Season. Cut off ends and then cut in half crosswise. Wash and thoroughly dry the butternut squash. After it has been microwaved, the next step is peeling. To make rounds, slice through the neck horizontally; for half-moons, halve the neck first, then cut each half horizontally. The wikiHow Culinary Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. Drizzle the diced squash with a tablespoon or two of oil, then toss until evenly coated. Use a vegetable peeler to peel off the skin of the neck and the base.