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    Home » How to » How to Cut an Acorn Squash Safely

    How to Cut an Acorn Squash Safely

    Published: Nov 3, 2022 by Elaine · This post may contain Amazon affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This blog generates income via ads · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Image with text for how to cut acorn squash.

    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!

    Slices of both green and white acorn squash.
    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why choose acorn squash?
    • 🔪 Equipment you'll need
    • ❓How to safely cut an acorn squash
    • ❓Frequently Asked Questions
    • 🗒 Side dish recipes to try

    ❤️ 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.

    An acorn squash with the ends sliced off.

    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.

    An acorn squash sliced in half, showing the seeds.

    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.

    An acorn squash cut into slices.

    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.

    An acorn squash cut into wedges and cubes.

    ❓Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need to peel acorn squash?

    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.

    What do I look for when choosing acorn squash?

    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

    • A bowl of asparagus topped with lemon aioli and lemon wedges.
      Quick Skillet Asparagus with Easy Lemon Garlic Aioli
    • Roasted Asparagus with Sesame Miso Sauce on a square white dish
      Sesame Miso Air Fryer Asparagus
    • Collage of images with text for 30 gluten-free holiday sides.
      30 Holiday Side Dish Recipes - Gluten-Free
    • Honey Balsamic Roasted Acorn Squash and Brussels Sprouts
    An acorn squash cut in half with one half cut into slices.

    How to Cut an Acorn Squash Safely

    Instructions for cutting an acorn squash into slices, boats, or halves for stuffing, baking or roasting.
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1 squash
    Author: Elaine
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Cost: $1.25

    Equipment

    1 sharp Chef's knife
    1 cutting board

    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.

    Notes

    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.
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @enessman or tag #flavourandsavour!

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