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    Home » Recipes » Vegetable Prep Hacks

    How to Cut Butternut Squash into Cubes

    Published: Oct 15, 2020 / Modified: Jul 13, 2021 by Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN / This post may contain affiliate links / Leave a Comment

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    photos of butternut squash cubes and a person cutting squash separated by a box with post title
    photo of cubed butternut squash on a cutting board with a text box with post title

    Learn how to cut butternut squash into cubes, plus tips on peeling and seeding this fall and winter veggie! This post includes information on cutting squash safely, with or without the help of a microwave, and a step-by-step video.

    photo of cubed butternut squash on a cutting board with a text box with post title

    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see my affiliate disclosure.

    Are you intimidated by squash? I’ve totally been there! It can be discouraging and difficult to cut winter squash. And if you don’t have a plan of action, it might even be dangerous!

    That’s why I’m coming at you today with this tutorial on how to cut butternut squash into cubes. You’ll learn the best way to slice squash into sections, remove the skin and seeds, and cut it into perfect cubes.

    Be sure to check out the video (<2 minutes) in the recipe card and on the side or top of your screen, too! Conquer your fear of preparing butternut squash, and learn how to enjoy this delicious veggie in so many ways.

    How to Peel, Seed, and Dice Butternut Squash

    1. Slice off the stem and bottom. photo of woman cutting the bottom of a butternut squash in a kitchen
    2. Cut the squash in half at the base of the neck, right before it curves out. woman cutting a butternut squash in half on top of a cutting board in a kitchen
    3. Remove the skin with a peeler. woman peeling butternut squash with a swivel peeler over a cutting board
    4. Scoop out the seeds. woman scooping out seeds from the base of a butternut squash
    5. Cut the top in half, then cut each half into 1-inch strips. woman cutting a piece of squash into 1-inch strips on a cutting board
    6. Stack a couple of the strips on top of each other, and cut those in half. woman cutting butternut squash on a cutting board in a kitchen
    7. Cut into cubes. woman cutting butternut squash into cubes on a cutting board
    8. Repeat with the bottom pieces. woman cutting butternut squash on a cutting board in a kitchen

    Should you microwave squash before cutting it?

    Even when you know how to cut butternut squash into cubes, it can still be difficult to physically cut. There’s no denying that squash has really firm skin!

    If you have trouble cutting squash and/or don’t have a sharp knife, make several slits in the skin of the squash first. Then, place it in the microwave and cook on high for 2 to 3 minutes. This will help soften the squash and make it easier to peel and cut.

    Be sure to make the slits in the skin or else you risk the squash blowing up your microwave. It may also be hot when you remove it from the microwave, so hold it with a towel or wait a few minutes before cutting.

    Recommended Equipment

    To cut squash safely and effectively, you will need a sharp knife, a cutting board that doesn’t slip, and a good vegetable peeler.

    I use a Shun Cutlery chef’s knife, and it is my all time favorite kitchen tool. It’s incredibly sharp and really worth the investment. For cutting boards, I use these bamboo boards from Martha Stewart that have rubber stoppers on the bottom.

    Finally, I love my Oxo Good Grips vegetable swivel peeler. A Y-peeler also works well for peeling squash, although I do not have this tool.

    Ways to Use Butternut Squash Cubes

    Now that you know how to cut butternut squash into cubes, let’s talk about cooking it! Some of my favorite recipes include the Roasted Cinnamon Butternut Squash Cubes, Vegan Butternut Squash and Pear Soup, and Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Brown Rice Risotto. For another tutorial on prepping this veggie, check out my post on How to Make Butternut Squash Puree.

    I’d love to hear how you like this recipe! Rate/review using the stars on the recipe card or in the comments, and follow the Veg World on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Looking for something totally different? Browse the recipe library.

    butternut squash cubes spread out on a cutting board on a counter

    How to Cut Butternut Squash into Cubes

    Learn how to peel, seed, and dice butternut squash safely and effectively, and watch a video for more tips.
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    Prep Time: 15 mins
    Total Time: 15 mins
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 84kcal
    Author: Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

    Equipment

    • Cutting board
    • Chef's knife
    • Vegetable peeler

    Ingredients

    • 1 butternut squash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Place the squash on a cutting board that doesn't slip, and use a sharp knife to slice off the stem and bottom.
    • Cut the squash in half crosswise at the base of the neck, right before the bottom curves out.
    • Cut the bottom of the squash in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds with a spoon.
    • Slice the top of the squash in half lengthwise, then cut each half crosswise into 1-inch strips.
    • Stack a couple of the strips in top of each other, and cut them in half.
    • Dice the strips into 1-inch cubes. Repeat with the rest of the squash.

    Video

    Notes

    • If you want to soften the squash before cutting it, make several small slits in the skin of the squash (this is very important, so the squash can release steam in the microwave). Then, place it in the microwave and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on high to soften.
    • The squash will be hot when you take it out of the microwave, so use a towel of oven mitts to handle it.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 660mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 19931IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @its_a_vegworld_afterall and follow me today!

    Happy cooking! – Lizzie

    More Vegetable Prep Hacks and How-Tos

    • How to Freeze Mushrooms
    • How to Cut Mushrooms
    • How to Cut Rutabaga
    • Instant Pot Acorn Squash
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    Welcome! I'm Lizzie, a Registered Dietitian and cookbook author who loves vegetables. And I'm here to help you love them too! My easy, veggie-forward recipes will help you get comfortable in the kitchen and celebrate the seasons.

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