Three Ways to Cut Squash – Safely and Easily
How to cut squash is the most frequent question I get about winter squash. And it’s no wonder, that rind is TOUGH! The odd shapes and ridges don’t help either.
Also Read: How to Cut, Peel & Cook Butternut Squash, How to Cook Spaghetti Squash, Favourite Winter Squash Recipes
I’ve tried many different techniques but here are my favourite three options for how to cut squash.
How to Cut Squash – Three Options
How to Cut Squash – 3 Ways
Squash rinds are TOUGH! The odd shapes and ridges don’t help either. Here are 3 safe ways to cut your squash. Choose the one that suits you and your gourd the best.Soften it first, use a mallet or cook it whole before cutting.
Equipment
- 1 sharp chef's knife optional
- 1 kitchen mallet optional
Ingredients
- 1 squash
Instructions
Option 1 – Soften the Rind in the Microwave
- Softening the rind before cutting is my favourite technique. Pre-cooking the squash a little makes cutting much easier and whatever time you spend pre-cooking, you can shave off the final cooking time – so you don’t really lose any time. You can soften the rind in the microwave or oven.
- In the MicrowaveALWAYS pierce holes into squash before putting in the microwave. Use a knife, fork or skewer to make at least 5-8 deep holes around the squash. Go about 1/2 inch deep.Microwave on high power for 4-6 minutes. Let it cool slightly before cutting.
- In the OvenFollow the same steps using the oven. Just set your oven to 375°F and cook your squash for 15 minutes. You can subtract this cooking time from your final cooking method.
Option 2 – Use a Towel & a Mallet
- If you want to get right to the cutting without softening the rind, I recommend using a towel and mallet or wooden rolling pin. The mallet will help power through the tough rind and the towel will protect the knife and your fingers if anything slips.
- Use the tip of your knife or a small paring knife to score a groove in the squash where you want to make the cut. Score the line on either side of the stem to avoid cutting through the toughest part of the squash.
- Position a large chef knife into the groove to help guide the cut and prevent the knife from sliding.
- Cover the back of your knife with a double layer of towel. Use the mallet to pound the knife through the squash. Reposition the large knife as needed.
Option 3 – Cook Squash Whole
- My final advice for how to cut squash is to wait to cut it until after you’ve cooked it. That’s right, cook squash whole and cut it afterwards. Be sure to let the squash cool for 10 minutes before cutting and removing seeds.You can cook whole squash in the microwave, oven, Instant pot or crockpot. Just remember to pierce your squash all over.MicrowaveWash, pierce and cook on high for 15 minutes (check & rotate in between).OvenWash, pierce, place on rimmed sheet and bake at 375°F for 40-50 minutes.Instant PotWash, pierce, place in steamer basket ensuring lid fits securely, set timer for 15 minutes at high pressure and add 1 cup water for a 6 quart pot and 11/2 cups for an 8 quart pot. Use the quick pressure release when time is up.CrockpotWash, pierce, place in cooker and ensure lid fits securely. Cook squash 3 to 4 hours on high or 5 to 6 hours on low. Add an hour for larger squash. Estimate about 1 to 1 1/2 hours on high per pound of squash.
Video
Notes
More Tips and Ideas
- If your squash is really wobbly, shave a slice off the bottom or one side so it rests more evenly on your cutting board.
- If slicing a piece off is impossible, place your squash on a towel to prevent it from moving as much.
- Cut vertically. Cut a little off the bottom so it stands straight up. Using a knife, towel and mallet, drive the knife through the squash from top to bottom.
- Big pumpkins and other squash that you plan to use for purees don’t have to be cut in even halves. Sometimes it’s easier to cut off wedges or pieces. Cut it however works best.
- Go ahead and wrap gigantic, gnarly, wobbly squash in a double layer of plastic bags and drop it onto concrete outside. Sometimes, brute force is the only way in!
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Videos: Getty’s helpful Squash video collection
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More Tips & Recipes for Winter Squash
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What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to try to cut through a tough winter squash? An axe? A chainsaw? An electric knife? Let me know your favourite tips and tricks for getting into squash. Or better yet, show me with a photo! Tag me on Instagram @getgettys and Facebook @GettyStewart.HomeEconomist.