Note: there are various ways to cut watermelon squares, but this is by far my favorite way. I’ve experimented with several methods, including the grid pattern, and this method results in the most perfect squares. It’s also simple, with minimal cleanup.
How to Cut Watermelon into Cubes: Step-by-Step
Before you begin: gather all your tools! A sharp knife and large cutting board are essential. I like to place a large rimmed baking sheet under the cutting board to catch juices. Keep the trash/compost close to discard the rind, and have a storage container near to transfer watermelon cubes.
1. Remove the Watermelon Rind
Lay the watermelon lengthwise on the cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut off both ends so it’s more stable to work with.
Lay it on the flat end and carefully cut the thick green rind away from the watermelon flesh using a sharp knife, rotating as you go. Do your best to remove as much white flesh as possible.
2. Cut the Watermelon in Half
Cut the watermelon in half widthwise so it’s easier to work with. Set the other half aside.
3. Slice it Into Half Circles
Lay it flat cut side down on the cutting board and cut the watermelon into 1-2 inch slices. This thickness will ultimately determine how large your watermelon cubes are.
4. Slice Watermelon into Sticks
Lay the half circles flat on the cutting board cut it into 1-2 inch sticks. You can trim off the ends of each stick to achieve more uniform, straight cuts—resulting in perfect cubes.
Stop here if you want to cut watermelon sticks and enjoy! They’re great for popping in the freezer.
5. Dice into Watermelon Cubes
Rotate the watermelon sticks and cut them crosswise into 1-2 inches cubes of watermelon. Transfer the watermelon to a large bowl or plastic bag and refrigerate. Cold watermelon is the best🍉.
You can also learn how to freeze watermelon for this refreshing frozen watermelon margarita!
Video: Watch How to Cut Watermelon Cubes
Looking to sharpen your knife skills? Learn how to cut a pepper, how to cut dragon fruit, how to cut a peach.
How to Pick the Best Watermelon
You’re going to have the best luck finding a ripe one during watermelon season: May – September. Here are some watermelon-picking tips:
- Look for a large yellow spot on the underside, known as the field spot.
- Knock on it and listen for a hollow sound.
- Get a heavy watermelon. Fresh watermelon is dense for its size.
- Look for a uniform shape. A good watermelon will have a uniform or almost perfect oval shape.
Don’t Purchase a watermelon if: it’s shiny, has soft spots, bruises, dents, or irregular bumps.
More Ways to Cut Watermelon
- Watermelon Wedges (Triangles): Cut the watermelon in half crosswise with the rind still on. Lay the melon cut-side down and cut each one in half lengthwise starting at the stem/end. Turn the melon and cut them again crosswise about 2 inches apart. You’ll have large watermelon triangles and you can cut those in half if you want smaller wedges.
- Watermelon balls: with the rind still on, use a sharp knife to cut the ends of the watermelon so it’s stable. Cut it in half width-wise then stand it up on the flat end. Use a melon baller to scoop out the watermelon flesh from each side until the watermelon is gone.
Watermelon Storage Tips
- Uncut watermelon will last at room temperature for 7-10 days.
- Cubed watermelon pieces will last for about 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
- To freeze watermelon, place the watermelon cubes on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Flash freeze until solid, about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or storage bag. Store frozen watermelon in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Uncut watermelon can last for 7-10 days at room temperature. Freshly cut watermelon will last about 2-3 days refrigerated.
Uncut watermelon should be stored at room temperature while cut watermelon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Watermelon juice is best when it’s cold so it’s best to store cut watermelon in the refrigerator. Cut watermelon will last about 3 days in your refrigerator.
You do not need to cut the entire watermelon all at once. If you only cut one half of your watermelon, you can place the other half of the watermelon in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Seedless watermelons are a bit sweeter than watermelons with seeds! It’s also much less of a hassle to cut and enjoy seedless watermelons without having to pick them out.
Watermelon Recipes
How to Cut Watermelon Cubes
Save this Recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 whole watermelon seedless
Instructions
- Place paper towels or a large towel you don’t mind getting watermelon juice on under a large cutting board.
- Lay the watermelon lengthwise on the cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut off both ends of the watermelon. Stand it up tall with one of the ends down so it’s on a flat surface.
- Hold the watermelon near the top with your non-dominate hand. Start at the top and carefully cut the thick green rind away from the flesh, turning the watermelon as you go to remove all of the rinds. Trim away any white pieces of flesh as needed. Discard the rind and wipe down the cutting board with a damp towel as needed.
- Lay the watermelon longways on the board and cut it in half, leaving two large pieces. Set one aside and place the other one upright, with the larger flat surface down on the cutting board.
- Cut the watermelon vertically into 1 to 1 1/2-inch slices, so you’re left with rough half circles when you lay it flat. When they’re flat, cut them into 1 to 1 1/2-inch watermelon sticks. Turn them and cut them crosswise into cubes.
- Transfer the cubed watermelon to a serving dish or store it until you’re ready to eat.
Notes
Video
Equipment
- Large cutting board
- Sharp chef's knife
- Clean kitchen towel or paper towels for cleaning up juices
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
I had a feeling I was doing it wrong! Thanks for the helpful tips – this made perfect cubes!
Welcome!!