Vegetable

How to Peel & Prep Butternut Squash

December  1, 2011

Peeler vs. knife? A&M get down and dirty (well, not too dirty -- you'll see why!) with winter's darling belle: the butternut squash. Cube it, plank it, leave the seeds or scoop 'em; it never, ever gets old. We're sure you'll be eating it as much as we are this season.

This week's video was once again shot and edited by our fabulous videographer Elena Parker.

See what other Food52 readers are saying.

  • loubaby
    loubaby
  • Kwelicakes
    Kwelicakes
  • hennef7
    hennef7
  • Jane Eyrehead
    Jane Eyrehead
  • vgonyea
    vgonyea
Brette Warshaw

Written by: Brette Warshaw

I'm a reader, eater, culinary thrill-seeker, and food nerd.

9 Comments

loubaby December 5, 2011
I learned an even easier way to peel one...and it worked. Pop the squash in the microwave and depending on size cook on high for 30-60 seconds. Then use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. I found I lost virtually no meat this way as opposed to using a knife.
 
Marian B. October 1, 2012
Awesome tip! Thanks!
 
Kwelicakes December 4, 2011
I always wondered if there might be an easier way. Thank you!
 
hennef7 December 4, 2011
Ladies,
After struggling many times to deal with cutting a butternut squash, I finally figured out a very easy way to do it. I pare cook it, either in the microwave or over till it's softened up a bit. It's then much easier to peal and cube. Then I finish roasting it in a hot oven.
 
Jane E. December 4, 2011
I should add that I use the tip to scoop out the seeds. I roast the squash and then remove the peel.
 
Jane E. December 4, 2011
I use the rounded tip of the famous butterknife/spreader that was touted a while back--only mine is from Cutco.
 
vgonyea December 4, 2011
One thing I would add is that I use a grapefruit spoon to scoop out the seeds. The teeth on the spoon makes it much easier to get all the seeds and strings out!
 
vgonyea December 4, 2011
I would just add one thing to this that makes it slightly easier....I use a GRAPEFRUIT spoon to scoop out the seeds! The teeth on the spoon makes it much easier to do. Just my .02!
 
Roxanne D. December 4, 2011
I've always used a peeler instead of a knife. But one better is Costco, they sell 2 lbs. diced for $3.49. We now enjoy butternut squash soup every day.