Learn how to cut butternut squash, a popular seasonal fruit packed with flavor and nutrition. If you’re looking to incorporate more of this delicious fruit into your diet, knowing how to cut butternut squash is essential.
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Butternut squash is a versatile and delicious fruit that can be used in many recipes, from soup to side dishes. Knowing how to cut butternut squash is the key to utilizing this nutritious ingredient for your cooking. Preparing butternut squash can be intimidating, but with the right tools and techniques it’s actually quite easy!
In New Zealand and Australia, this fruit is commonly known as “butternut pumpkin”.
What is Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a type of winter squash that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Butternut squash has an incredibly sweet and nutty flavor that makes it a delicious addition to many dishes. Also, it’s low in calories and carbohydrates.
Despite its name, butternut squash actually belongs to the gourd family rather than the pumpkin family.
Types of Butternut Squash
There are several types of butternut squash that differ in size, shape, and even taste.
One of the most common types of butternut squash is the Waltham Butternut. This variety is typically oblong in shape and has a tan exterior with smooth skin. Its flesh is bright orange and has a sweet flavor that makes it perfect for roasting or pureeing into soups or sauces.
Another type of butternut squash is the Butterkin Squash which is a hybrid between a pumpkin and a butternut squash.
Benefits of Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that offer numerous health benefits. One of the primary benefits of butternut squash is its high nutrient content. It is loaded with vitamin A, which supports healthy eyesight and immune function, as well as vitamin C which helps to boost the immune system and promote collagen production for healthy skin.
Another benefit of butternut squash is its high fiber content. Fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy digestion.
How to Cut Butternut Squash
STEP 1: SLICE
Using a chef’s knife, cut off approximately 1/4-inch from the bottom of the squash in an even slice. Then cut off 1/4-inch from the stem end of the squash.
STEP 2: PEEL
Holding the squash in one hand, use a sharp vegetable peeler in the other hand to peel off the outer surface of the squash. For an easier method to peel butternut squash, support the squash in an upright position and peel it in downward strokes.
STEP 3: CUT IN HALF
Stand the peeled squash upright on a cutting board. If the squash isn’t standing upright and wobbles, make an additional cut at the bottom of the squash to make it even and sturdy. Then make a single long cut, with a chef’s knife, down the middle from top to bottom.
STEP 4: REMOVE SEEDS
Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and pulp from the squash cavity.
STEP 5: CUT HALVES INTO SLICES
lay squash halves cut side down and begin slicing the squash, a section at a time. Depending on the recipe, it would be 1/2-inch or 1-inch slices.
STEP 6: CUBING
If you would prefer your squash to be in cubes, stack the slices on top of each other and slice. Then make crosswire cuts to create cubes of butternut squash.
Frequently Asked Questions
After cutting the butternut squash, put it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It will last up to seven days.
The best tool to peel butternut squash is a Y-peeler (or Swiss peeler) with a carbon steel blade.
The best knife to use is a hefty chef’s knife to get through the hard exterior of the squash.
Expert Tips for How to Cut Butternut Squash
- Easy Peeling: To make the squash easier to peel, poke slits into the squash and microwave the squash for at least 3 minutes. After letting it cool, begin peeling the skin.
- Utilize the Seeds: Don’t throw the seeds away! You can use them for future recipes. Use them to make roasted pumpkin seeds or for pumpkin spice granola.
- Recommended Tools & Equipment:
- Chef’s Knife
- Vegetable Peeler
- Cutting Board
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How to Cut Butternut Squash
Equipment
- 1 Vegetable Peeler
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Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
Instructions
- Using a chef's knife, cut off approximately 1/4-inch from the bottom of the squash in an even slice. Then cut off 1/4-inch from the stem end of the squash.
- Holding the squash in one hand, use a sharp vegetable peeler in the other hand to peel off the outer surface of the squash. For an easier method to peel butternut squash, support the squash in an upright position and peel it in downward strokes.
- Stand the peeled squash upright on a cutting board. If the squash isn't standing upright and wobbles, make an additional cut at the bottom of the squash to make it even and sturdy. Make a single long cut, with a chef's knife, down the middle from top to bottom.
- Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and pulp from the squash cavity.
- lay squash halves cut side down and begin slicing the squash, a section at a time. Depending on the recipe, it would be 1/2-inch or 1-inch slices.
- If you would prefer your squash to be in cubes, stack the slices on top of each other and slice. Then make crosswire cuts to create cubes of butternut squash.
Christina’s Notes
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- Easy Peeling: To make the squash easier to peel, poke slits into the squash and microwave the squash for at least 3 minutes. After letting it cool, begin peeling the skin.
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- Utilize the Seeds: Don’t throw the seeds away! You can use them for future recipes. Use them to make roasted pumpkin seeds or for granola.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.