Watermelons are a beloved summer fruit, perfect for picnics, barbecues, and refreshing snacks. Their juicy, sweet flavor makes them a go-to treat, but their large size and thick rind can make cutting them seem like a challenge. In this article, I’ll show you step-by-step instructions on how to cut a watermelon into slices, cubes, sticks, and wedges.

1. How To Cut a Watermelon

What You’ll Need

  • A ripe watermelon
  • A large chef’s knife or serrated knife
  • A sturdy cutting board
  • (Optional) A melon baller for creative serving

Before we dive in, make sure to choose a ripe watermelon. A good watermelon will feel heavy for its size, have a dull (not shiny) rind, and have a creamy yellow spot where it sat on the ground to ripen.

Instructions

Step 1: Wash the Watermelon

Before cutting, wash the watermelon thoroughly under running water. Even though you won’t be eating the rind, cleaning the surface of the watermelon helps prevent dirt or bacteria from transferring to the flesh when you cut into it.

Step 2: Cut Off Both Ends

Place the watermelon on your cutting board. Using a large chef’s knife, slice off about 1 inch from both the top and bottom of the watermelon. Cutting off the ends gives you a stable base, making it easier to cut the rest of the watermelon.

Step 3: Stand the Watermelon Upright

Turn the watermelon so it stands upright on one of the flat ends you just cut. This will keep it steady on the cutting board and prevent it from rolling around as you slice.

Step 4: Slice the Watermelon in Half

Using your sharp knife, carefully slice the watermelon straight down the middle to create two halves. At this point, you can decide how you’d like to cut the watermelon—into wedges, cubes, sticks, or slices. Let’s walk through each method one by one.

Method 1: How to Cut a Watermelon into Wedges

Watermelon wedges are perfect for serving at picnics, barbecues, or potlucks. They’re easy to hold and eat on the go.

How to Cut Watermelon Wedges:

Halve again: After slicing the watermelon in half, place one half cut-side down on the cutting board. Cut it in half again to create two quarters.

Slice into wedges: Take each quarter and cut it into 1-2 inch thick slices, working from one end to the other. You’ll end up with classic triangular watermelon wedges.

Key Tip:

If you’re serving a large crowd, you can cut the wedges in half again to make smaller, bite-sized pieces.

Method 2: How to Cut a Watermelon into Cubes

Watermelon cubes are great for fruit salads, snacks, or adding to smoothies. This method is slightly more involved but results in neat, bite-sized pieces.

How to Cut Watermelon Cubes:

Quarter the watermelon: After slicing the watermelon in half, cut each half in half again, creating four quarters.

Remove the rind: Place one quarter on the cutting board, with the flesh side facing up. Carefully slide your knife between the flesh and the rind, cutting along the curve of the rind to remove it in one piece.

Slice the flesh: Once the rind is removed, slice the watermelon flesh lengthwise into strips, about 1 inch thick.

Cut into cubes: Turn the strips and slice them crosswise to create cubes. Repeat with the other quarters.

Key Tip:

For larger cubes, make the strips wider; for smaller cubes, make the strips thinner.

Method 3: How to Cut a Watermelon into Sticks

Watermelon sticks are a fun and easy-to-eat option, especially for kids. This method creates long, rectangular sticks that are easy to grab and bite into.

How to Cut Watermelon Sticks:

Halve the watermelon crosswise: Instead of cutting lengthwise, slice the watermelon crosswise to create two circular halves.

Place flat side down: Lay one half cut-side down on the cutting board.
Slice vertically: Cut the watermelon vertically into strips, about 1-2 inches wide.

Turn and slice again: Rotate the watermelon 90 degrees and slice again, creating a crisscross pattern. You’ll end up with long rectangular watermelon sticks, perfect for snacking.

Method 4: How to Cut a Watermelon into Slices (Rounds)

Watermelon rounds or slices are a classic way to serve watermelon at parties or for simple summer snacks. This method is quick and requires minimal cutting.

How to Cut Watermelon Slices:

Halve crosswise: Cut the watermelon in half crosswise to create two large circular halves.

Slice into rounds: Lay one half flat on the cutting board. Slice the watermelon into 1-inch thick rounds, working from one end to the other.

Serve as is or cut further: You can serve the watermelon in full rounds, or cut each round into halves or quarters for smaller portions.

2. Alternative Method: Using a Melon Baller

If you want to get fancy or create a fun presentation, you can use a melon baller to scoop out small, round balls of watermelon. This method is perfect for fruit salads or decorative serving.

How to Use a Melon Baller:

Halve the watermelon: Start by cutting the watermelon in half.

Scoop the flesh: Use your melon baller to scoop out round balls of watermelon, working from the center outwards. You can serve these balls as a fun snack or mix them with other fruits for a colorful fruit salad.

Key Tip:

For added flair, combine watermelon balls with cantaloupe and honeydew balls for a beautiful melon salad.

3. Tips for Cutting Watermelon Safely

Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will make cutting through the tough rind much easier and safer. Dull knives can slip and cause accidents.

Cut on a stable surface: Make sure your cutting board is stable and large enough to hold the watermelon securely.

Work in sections: Watermelons are large and can be heavy to handle. Cutting it into more manageable sections (halves, quarters) before slicing can make the process easier.

Cutting a watermelon may seem daunting due to its size, but with the right approach, you can slice, cube, or stick it with ease. Whether you prefer watermelon wedges for easy snacking, cubes for fruit salads, or fun sticks for kids, this guide has you covered.

Remember to store any leftovers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh, or freeze extra watermelon for smoothies or refreshing frozen treats. Now that you know how to cut a watermelon, you can enjoy this juicy, refreshing fruit all summer long!

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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