It’s fall, you’ve got your butternut squash and the recipe you’re making with it ready to go… but you’re wondering how on earth to cut this thing. First, don’t panic! It’s easy than you think and I’ve got step by step photos + a video tutorial to help you along the way.
Let’s get started, shall we?
Step 1: peel the skin off the butternut squash using a vegetable peeler. It’s important to go around the butternut squash twice with a vegetable peeler or until you reach the orange flesh. Make sure you grip the butternut squash with your other hand as you do this.
Step 2: cut off the ends of the butternut squash. Use a sharp knife to cut off both ends of the butternut squash. You’ll cut about ¼-½ inch off each end.
Step 3: cut the butternut squash in half vertically. Place the butternut squash upright or vertically on a wooden cutting board that’s very secured to your counter. We don’t want the cutting board or squash to wobble as you cut it. Cut the butternut squash vertically down the middle with a sharp chef’s knife.
Step 4: scoop out the seeds. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds of the cut butternut squash. Set aside to roast for later or discard them.
Step 5: cut each squash in half and then into slices. Place the butternut squash cut side down, then cut each half in half. Slice each half into ½ inch slices. After that and depending on how large each half is, you may need to cut the slice into additional slices, then make crosswise cuts to create cubes.
I hope you found this tutorial helpful!
Two pounds of butternut squash will yield approximately 5-6 cups of butternut squash cubes. It’s perfect for roasting, sauteing, throwing in smoothies and more! Try it in the recipes below.
Delicious recipes that use butternut squash:
Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous
Butternut Squash, Chickpea & Lentil Moroccan Stew
Butternut Squash Green Chile Chicken Soup
Vegan White Bean & Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet
See exactly how to peel and cut a butternut squash:
How to Peel & Cut a Butternut Squash

Looking for the best way to cut butternut squash? This easy how-to tutorial will show you how to peel and cut a butternut squash in no time at all. All you need is a butternut squash, a vegetable peeler, wood cutting board and a sharp chef's knife!
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
Instructions
Peel the skin off the butternut squash using a vegetable peeler. It’s important to go around the butternut squash twice with a vegetable peeler or until you reach the orange flesh.
Cut off the ends of the butternut squash. Use a sharp knife to cut off both ends of the butternut squash. You’ll cut about ¼-½ inch off each end.
Cut the butternut squash in half vertically. Place the butternut squash upright or vertically on a wooden cutting board that’s very secured to your counter. We don’t want the cutting board or squash to wobble as you cut it. Cut the butternut squash vertically down the middle with a sharp chef’s knife.
Scoop out the seeds. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds of the cut butternut squash. Set aside to roast for later or discard them.
Cut each squash in half and then into slices. Place the butternut squash cut side down, then cut each half in half. Slice each half into ½ inch slices. After that and depending on how large each half is, you may need to cut the slice into additional slices, then make crosswise cuts to create cubes.
Recipe Notes
2 pounds of butternut squash will yield approximately 5-6 cups of butternut squash cubes.
2 comments
to peel a butternut squash easily without fighting it and causing injury: Cut off both ends. Place in a microwave for 3-4 minutes depending on the size of the veg. Peel with a potato peeler and breathe a sigh of relief. You can thank me later. You are welcome.
Thanks for the tips!