How To Cut A Squash Into Cubes

You can cut a squash into cubes by first slicing off both ends and then peeling the skin with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler.
 
Once the squash is peeled, cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
 
Then, lay each half flat on the cutting board and slice it into planks about one inch thick.
 
From there, stack a few planks at a time and cut them into long strips, then rotate the strips and cut across them to create even cubes.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to cut a squash into cubes without making a mess, this simple method works for butternut, acorn, kabocha, and most other winter squash varieties.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to cut a squash into cubes step by step, plus share tips that make cubing a squash faster and safer.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

How to Cut a Squash into Cubes: Step by Step

Cutting a squash into cubes is easier when you break the process into a few clear steps.
 
Here’s how to cut a squash into cubes from start to finish.
 

1. Start with a Stable Base

Before you cut a squash into cubes, trim a thin slice off the bottom so the squash sits flat and doesn’t roll.
 
A wobbly squash is the number one cause of slips and cuts in the kitchen.
 
Once the squash is stable, you can safely cut a squash into cubes without chasing it around the board.
 

2. Peel the Skin Completely

To cut a squash into cubes properly, you need to remove all the skin first.
 
Use a sharp vegetable peeler for thin-skinned varieties, or a sturdy chef’s knife for thicker ones like butternut.
 
Slice downward following the curve of the squash and rotate it as you go.
 
When you cut a squash into cubes, any leftover skin will stay tough even after roasting, so take your time here.
 

3. Halve It and Remove the Seeds

Cut the squash in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp with a metal spoon.
 
If you plan to cut a squash into cubes for soup or curry, this is the moment to discard the seeds or save them for roasting.
 
A clean cavity makes it much easier to cut a squash into cubes with uniform size.
 

4. Slice into Planks

Place each half cut-side down and slice it into planks roughly one inch thick.
 
The thickness of your planks determines the size of your cubes, so decide now whether you want half-inch or one-inch pieces.
 
When you cut a squash into cubes, keeping the planks even means your cubes will cook at the same rate.
 

5. Cut Planks into Strips, Then Cubes

Stack two or three planks and slice them lengthwise into strips.
 
Then gather the strips and cut across them at the same width to form perfect cubes.
 
This is the fastest way to cut a squash into cubes because the stacked planks stay put while you slice.
 
Repeat until you’ve cubed the whole squash.
 

Tips to Cut a Squash into Cubes Safely and Quickly

Knowing how to cut a squash into cubes is one thing, but doing it safely and efficiently is another.
 
These tips help you cut a squash into cubes without frustration.
 

1. Use a Sharp, Heavy Knife

A dull knife forces you to press harder, which is how accidents happen when you cut a squash into cubes.
 
A sharp chef’s knife or santoku does the work for you.
 
If you can, sharpen your knife before you cut a squash into cubes, and you’ll notice the difference immediately.
 

2. Microwave Hard Squash for a Few Minutes

Some squash varieties are rock hard and nearly impossible to slice raw.
 
Prick the squash a few times, microwave it for three to five minutes, and let it cool.
 
This softens the flesh just enough to cut a squash into cubes with far less effort.
 

3. Keep Your Cuts Uniform

When you cut a squash into cubes, aim for pieces that are all the same size.
 
Uniform cubes roast evenly and look better on the plate.
 
It also makes it easier to cut a squash into cubes for meal prep, since you can measure portions more accurately.
 

4. Work in Batches

You don’t have to cut a squash into cubes all at once.
 
Cube one half, set it aside, and tackle the other half afterward.
 
Working in batches keeps your board from getting crowded and helps you cut a squash into cubes more cleanly.
 

5. Store Cubes Properly

Once you cut a squash into cubes, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
 
You can also freeze the cubes on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
 
That way, whenever a recipe calls for cubed squash, you already know how to cut a squash into cubes and have them ready to go.
 

So, How Do You Cut a Squash into Cubes?

You cut a squash into cubes by trimming the ends, peeling the skin, halving it, scooping out the seeds, and slicing the flesh into planks, strips, and finally cubes.
 
With a sharp knife and a stable cutting board, the process takes just a few minutes per squash.
 
Now that you know how to cut a squash into cubes, you can prep butternut, acorn, or kabocha for roasting, soups, and stews any time you like.