Here are instructions with step-by-step photos for how to safely cut an acorn squash. Acorn squash can be difficult to slice, but the rewards are many! This post describes how to cut acorn squash into halves, wedges, slices or cubes without cutting yourself!
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❤️ Why choose acorn squash?
- It has a sweet, almost nutty flavour, different from other squash varieties.
- It's beautiful! Its dark green skin contrasts with its delicate yellow-orange flesh. A white variety is sometimes available, too.
- When sliced, it forms beautiful half-moon shapes, making an attractive side dish.
- Its shape lends itself to cutting in a variety of ways: in half for stuffing, or in wedges, slices or cubes for roasting or baking.
- Squash is budget-friendly!
- It has a delicious, mild texture and soft edible skin. It makes a nice change from butternut squash.
🔪 Equipment you'll need
You'll need a sharp Chef's knife with a blade about 8 to 10 inches long. If you don't have one, a serrated knife will be the next best choice.
You'll also need a sturdy cutting board. If you think it may slip, lay a damp cloth underneath it to prevent it from sliding around.
❓How to safely cut an acorn squash
Start by thoroughly washing and drying the squash. Next, slice off the ends of the squash, removing about ½ an inch off of both ends. This gives you a flat surface with which to work.
Next place the squash with the flat end down. Slice from the stem end through the tip end. You may need to use a sawing motion, or use your other hand as a helper to press down and slice the squash in half.
Use a metal spoon to remove the seeds and the membrane. You can either compost the seeds or save them to roast.
Now you'll have a vessel if you want to stuff your squash. You can stuff acorn squash with mixtures made of sausage, rice or other grains, veggies and more. You'll find ideas for stuffed squash in this collection of 17 Stuffed Squash Recipes.
If you're planning to cut your acorn squash into slices instead, turn the scooped-out half face down and cut cross-wise. Make your slices about ¾ inch thick. Try to cut them all the same width so they'll cook at the same rate.
Use sliced squash in these recipes for Garlic Parmesan-Crusted Roasted Acorn Squash or Honey Balsamic Roasted Acorn Squash and Brussels Sprouts.
Want to make acorn squash "boats" instead? If I'm baking acorn squash with brown sugar and pecans, I like to cut it into wedges instead. This time you'll place the squash halves flesh side down and cut lengthwise along the ridges, usually every second one.
And finally, if you want to cut an acorn squash into cubes, cut lengthwise along each ridge, then cut each wedge cross-wise into cubes.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike other squash varieties like butternut, there's no need to peel acorn squash. The skin is edible and it becomes soft once it has been baked. If you don't want to eat it, it's easy to slip it off.
How do you know which will be the best acorn squash to choose?
Look for ones that have smooth skin with no soft spots, cracks, or mold. The skin should be dull. If it's shiny, it may mean it was picked too early and will not be as naturally sweet.
The skin should be almost all dark green. If it has a lot of orange, that indicates it is overripe and it may be dry and stringy. Smaller squash (about 1 to 3 pounds) are the best. If they're larger, they are sometimes dry and lack flavour.
🗒 Side dish recipes to try
How to Cut an Acorn Squash Safely
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium acorn squash
Instructions
- Start by thoroughly washing and drying the squash. Next, slice off the ends of the squash, removing about ½ an inch from both ends. This gives you a flat surface with which to work.
- Next place the squash with the flat end down. Slice from the stem end through the tip end. You may need to use a sawing motion, or use your other hand as a helper to press down and slice the squash in half.Use a metal spoon to remove the seeds and the membrane. You can either compost the seeds or save them to roast.Now you'll have a vessel if you want to stuff your squash.
- If you're planning to cut your acorn squash into slices instead, turn the scooped-out half face down and cut cross-wise. Make your slices about ¾ inch thick. Try to cut them all the same width so they'll cook at the same rate.
- To cut wedges or "boats," place the squash halves flesh side down and cut lengthwise along the ridges, usually every second one.
- And finally, if you want to cut an acorn squash into cubes, cut lengthwise along each ridge, then cut each wedge crosswise into cubes.
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