How to Peel and Cut a Butternut Squash

I used to shy away from cooking butternut squash. Its ginormous, boulder-like quality was so intimidating, just the thought of peeling it made me consider changing into workout clothes and logging Weight Watchers activity points for the effort. What a drama queen I was!

I’ll be honest. Peeling a butternut squash takes a teeny bit more effort up front, but if you follow these 5 easy steps, you’ll be well on your way to cooking up some delicious meals.

What you will need:

• 1 Butternut Squash
• 1 butcher knife
• 1 ice cream scooper or large spoon
• 1 vegetable peeler

Step 1. Chop off the top of the butternut squash.

Step 2. Cut the squash into two pieces. Make the cut at the spot where the squash starts to swell.

 Step 3. Cut each piece in half lengthwise. You now have 4 pieces.

Step 4. Grab a ice cream scooper or large spoon and scrape out the stringy, seed-y insides.

Step 5. Grab a piece of squash and your vegetable peeler and start peeling off the skin. It’s best to do this over a bowl or garbage bin. Bonus: The cored round pieces provide a nice little gripping mechanism for easy peeling. Squash is even ergonomic!

Once your squash is fully peeled, you’re done…with the peeling part at least! Now, it’s time to start a choppin’ and cookin’! Need a meal idea? Check out this Roasted Butternut Squash and Strawberry Salad. And stay tuned! More butternut squash recipes are comin’ atcha really soon!

More Butternut Squash Recipes:

Thai Butternut Squash and Chicken Soup

Roasted Butternut Squash and Strawberry Salad

Butternut Squash Plantain Lasagna with Chipotle Cream