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.
Notes
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.