- Food
Preparing a squash can be a time commitment. But it doesn't have to be.
By
Heath Goldman
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Heath Goldman
Heath Goldman is a trained chef, recipe developer, and writer.
Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on September 18, 2023
Medically reviewed by
Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Kristy-headshot-8d9e7b49de1b451a98e8ac4786e47f43.png "Easy Hacks For Peeling and Cutting Squash or Pumpkins (2)")
Medically reviewed byKristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN
Kristy Del Coro is a registered dietitian nutritionist, RDN, and professionally trained chef with more than 10 years of experience in the field of culinary nutrition. Her strong background in nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and culinary education makes her exceptionally qualified to write about food that is good for us and the planet—while not sacrificing flavor.
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We're not suggesting you cheat and buy the pre-peeled and cubed squash in the supermarket aisle. While it's tempting, it's also less fresh and more expensive. But if you want to cook the fresh stuff, you'll need to learn how to peel and cut squash first—and in a reasonable amount of time.
Squash recipes sometimes call for using a Y-shaped peeler. While the vertical handle speeds up the process, you'll still spend at least 20 minutes trying to scrape off the squash's woody exterior. (A knife will speed up the process.) These easy-to-follow steps will help you peel and cut squash in less than ten minutes.
How to Peel Squash
What You Need
- Fork
- Microwave
- Microwave-safe dish
- Y-shaped peeler, paring knife, or chef's knife
Step 1: Use a Microwave
Poke the squash or pumpkin all over with the tines of a fork. Place it in a microwave-safe container and microwave on high for three minutes.
Step 2: Cut into Two Pieces
If your squash type has a thin neck, it's easier to work with two pieces. For example, when cutting butternut squash, cut the base and neck apart and tackle each separately. Skip this step if you are peeling a pumpkin or other rounded squash like acorn squash (unless you need help cutting it). If that's the case, cut a small section off the bottom of the squash to create a flat surface for it to rest on.
Step 3: Peel With Y-Shaped Peeler or Knife
Next, use a chef's knife or Y-shaped peeler to remove the skin. Stand upright and, working from top to bottom, cut off the skin in strips with the knife or peeler, following the shape of the squash. You may take off a bit more flesh with a knife than with a peeler, but the knife will be much faster.
Knives work best for squash with tough skin, and vegetable peelers work fine for softer skin.
How to Cut Squash
What You Need
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
Step 1: Cut in Half
Once the squash is peeled, use a chef's knife to finish chopping. It should be fairly easy to do once the skin is removed and after it has been softened a bit by the microwave. At this point, your squash might already be cut into two pieces (the top and bottom). Start by taking the larger of the two pieces and cutting it in half.
Step 2: Remove the Seeds
Next, remove the seeds by using a spoon to scrape the insides. You can save the seeds to use in a pumpkin seed recipe later or discard them.
Step 3: Cut into Chunks or Wedges
Now take each half and cut into chunks or wedges (or whatever your recipe calls for) using a large chef's knife. Hold the knife properly by ensuring the front is always resting on the cutting board and moving in a rocking movement from front to back, up and down, as you slice through the squash.
Repeat with the other half of the squash, which won't have any seeds inside, by cutting first in half, then into chunks or wedges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of squash should I peel before cooking?
Some squash skin is edible, while other types of squash have tough skin that can be removed before cooking. Remove the skin of butternut, hubbard, buttercup, and turban squash. If you enjoy the taste, leave the skin on acorn, spaghetti, kabocha, and zucchini squash.
How can I safely cut a hard squash?
Some squash is easier to cut than others. To prevent slipping, place a damp kitchen towel on top of and below the cutting board. Use a serrated knife to saw into the tough skin all the way around until you can apply pressure to cut the squash in half. Another option is to cut off a small bottom piece to create a flat surface, allowing you to press hard into the squash (with a cleaver if necessary) without it rolling around.
How should I store cut squash?
Raw, chopped squash will last a few days in the refrigerator. On the other hand, cooked squash can last up to a week in the fridge. Keep both types in an air-tight container until you're ready to cook or consume it.
Baked vs Roasted Butternut Squash: What to Know About Cooking Each
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