How to Cut Butternut Squash

There’s something about cooking with butternut squash that brings on such a cozy feeling. Whether it’s a bowl of hot butternut squash soup or a cheesy helping of butternut squash lasagna, we’re here for all the butternut squash recipes.

What we’re not here for? The dangerous task of trying to cut this notoriously thick-skinned vegetable. Enter Instagram user @SidneyRaz, a creator known for testing life hacks. His viral Instagram reel shows how to cut butternut squash using a super simple method: rolling the squash back and forth to slice right through it.

How to Cut Butternut Squash

“Here’s something I didn’t know until I was in my 30s,” @SidneyRaz says. “Rocking a thick vegetable back and forth makes it easier to cut.” The viral reel shows him placing his knife on the butternut squash and rocking it gently back and forth. His knife easily slices through while his fingers maintain a safe distance from the sharp knife. Genius!

Here’s how the squash hack works.

Step 1: Set the squash on a sturdy surface

Set the butternut squash lengthwise on a sturdy surface, like a wooden cutting board. Grasp the bulb end of the squash with your non-dominant hand.

Step 2: Set the blade on the squash

With a sharp knife in your dominant hand, set the blade about one inch from the stem end of the squash.

Step 3: Roll the squash

Gently roll the squash back and forth with your non-dominant hand while applying steady downward pressure on the knife. The knife should easily slide through the tough skin.

Step 4: Peel and continue to cut the squash

Place the squash on the flat, just-cut end and use a vegetable peeler to peel the skin off the squash. Then, continue slicing or cutting the squash into the desired shapes.

Does this work with other types of squash?

Absolutely! This hack will work with any type of winter squash, like acorn squash, spaghetti squash, buttercup squash, delicata squash or sugar pumpkins.

What’s the best knife to use for cutting butternut squash?

The best knife for cutting butternut squash is a chef’s knife. (A chef’s knife is one of the four knives every kitchen should have.) You’ll want to use one that’s at least 8″ long. The sharper the knife, the better. Sharpen your knives at home with this knife sharpening tool, then send them out to be professionally sharpened every year or two.