How to Cut Acorn Squash
Updated Nov 22, 2025
A simple step-by-step guide for how to cut an acorn squash, including how to soften it safely and cut it into halves, slices, wedges, cubes, and rings.
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5 WAYS TO CUT ACORN SQUASH!
This quick guide will walk you through how to cut acorn squash like a pro! You’ll learn 5 different ways to cut acorn squash, how to soften acorn squash, how to peel it, and how to best store it after being cut. Recipes are made easier when you master your knife skills!
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
how to soften acorn squash before cutting
- Boil. Place the whole squash in boiling water for about 15 minutes.
- Steam. In a double boiler or a pot with a steamer or colander on top, place the whole squash in and add a lid on top. Steam for about 15 minutes or until the skin is tender.
- Microwave. Pierce the squash with a knife or fork to make a few holes for steam to escape. Then, place the acorn squash in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 3-4 minutes, depending on size.
how to peel an acorn squash
Alternatively, if you are comfortable with your knife skills, use a chef’s knife to carefully slice the outermost part of the skin from the squash. Start by cutting off the top and bottom. Place the cut side down on a cutting board and use a knife to cut down the sides of the squash, following its curvature.
Soften acorn squash by using one of the above methods: boil, steam, or microwave.
After softening the squash, add to cold water and chill for 5 minutes until able to handle.
The safest way to peel an acorn squash is to use a vegetable peeler. You can peel it while whole, or cut it down into slices or wedges and then peel.”
How to Cut Acorn Squash – 5 Ways
Cutting acorn squash can feel intimidating because of how tough the exterior is, but once you know a few simple techniques, it gets a lot easier (and safer). Here are five ways I cut acorn squash, depending on what I’m making, starting with the most common method.
Cut into Halves
Cut into Slices
Cut into Wedges
Cut into Cubes
Cut into Rings
How to Cut Acorn Squash (5 ways)
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash
Instructions
Cut in Half
- Lay the squash on its side and remove about ½ inch from the top and bottom. Place the squash on the cutting board with the cut side down.
- Place a sharp knife in the middle of the squash and use both hands to rock the knife in a sawing motion to slowly and carefully slice it down the middle and create two halves
- Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and the membrane. Discard the seeds or save them for roasting.
Cut into Slices
- Cut the acorn squash in half per above, then place the acorn squash cavity side down. Slice across the ridges crosswise into desired sizes.
Cut into wedges
- Cut the acorn squash in half per above, then place the acorn squash cavity side down. Slice along the ridges lengthwise into desired sizes.
Cut into cubes
- Cut the acorn squash into wedges per above, then cut across the wedges into cubes.
Cut into rings
- Lay the squash on its side, remove about 1-inch from the top, then make slices across the ridges crosswise until you reach the other end of the squash. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and the membrane from each ring. Discard the seeds or save them for roasting.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Tutorial Tips
- Place the cutting board on a damp paper towel or towel. This will prevent the cutting board from slipping while you cut the squash.
- Make sure to cut the top and bottom ends of the squash before cutting any of the styles. This way, you can stand the squash on one of the cut ends and prevent it from rolling.
- Use the microwave. If you are having trouble cutting through the squash, pierce the skin with a fork and cook for 2 to 3 minutes in the microwave to soften slightly.
- Use a rubber mallet if the squash is tough to cut. You can insert the knife in the middle of the acorn squash, then tap the mallet on the knife slowly, which will then split the acorn squash in half.
- Don’t worry about peeling the acorn squash rind. It is completely edible, full of fiber, and also delicious. If the skin feels waxy, wash well with hot water and a little vinegar.
- Choose a ripe squash. The color should be a mix of orange and green, it should be heavy for its size, and the skin should be dull with no soft spots.
Recipes to Make with Cut Acorn Squash
- Acorn Squash Soup
- Roasted Acorn Squash
- Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Or, use my Pumpkin Puree recipe to make a roasted squash puree.
