CookingLight diet CookingLight diet

How to Peel and Cut Butternut Squash

By Text: Brandy Rushing
October 22, 2008
Follow these steps to peel and cut this squash with confidence.
Start Slideshow

1 of 5

Peel and Cut with Confidence

Randy Mayor
Shaped like a bowling pin―long, cylindrical, and bulbous at the base―this winter vegetable is a cold-weather staple. Its bright orange flesh has a slightly sweet nuttiness that's similar to a sweet potato, and a texture that is even silkier. But to reach it, you must first remove the squash's thick, shiny skin. Cooking Light Test Kitchens Professional Mary Drennen finds that a sturdy serrated peeler works better than a paring knife. Follow her steps to peel and cut this squash with confidence.
Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 5

Step One

Randy Mayor
For stability, use a sharp kitchen knife to cut one inch from the top and bottom of the squash, and discard.

3 of 5

Step Two

Randy Mayor
Using a serrated peeler, peel away the thick skin until you reach the deeper orange flesh of the squash.
Advertisement

4 of 5

Step Three

With a spoon or melon baller, scoop away the seeds and membranes; discard. Then cut according to your recipe directions.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Popular in Cooking 101

All Topics in Cooking 101

Advertisement