From Taste of Home · Lindsay Parrill · · 50s
Easy Winter Squash Cutting Trick
Roast winter squash for 20 minutes to cut it with less effort.
In brief
Roast winter squash for 20 minutes to cut it with less effort. Roasting winter squash for 20 minutes at 400°F makes it easier to cut without cooking through. Originally reported by Taste of Home.
Why Cutting Squash is Hard
Winter squash like acorn and Hubbard varieties have tough rinds that make cutting difficult.
The Roasting Trick
Place whole squash in 400°F oven for 20 minutes before cutting to soften it.
How It Works
Heat softens the squash, reducing knife resistance and making seed removal easier.
Test Results
Roasted squash cut with less pressure and stayed firm enough for wedges without falling apart.
When to Use This Trick
Cut before roasting if your recipe needs wedges, cubes or slices that hold shape.
Best Squash Types
Acorn, Hubbard, kabocha, buttercup and butternut squash benefit from this technique.
The headline
Roasting winter squash for 20 minutes at 400°F makes it easier to cut without cooking through.
