Wondering how to cut a watermelon? Here’s the best way to cut a watermelon into wedges, cubes, sticks, rounds, stars, and balls!
Now that you’ve learned how to pick a watermelon you are probably wondering how to cut a watermelon! But before you do, think about what you plan to use the watermelon for. Triangles and sticks are great for eating with your hands.
On the other hand, watermelon cubes, stars, and balls are often eaten with a fork. And watermelon circles are often used for making fruit pizzas.
What You’ll Find In This Post
Watermelon Triangles
Watermelon triangles and wedges are the classic way to slice a watermelon. It’s what we picture when someone mentions watermelon at a picnic in the summer!
- Use a long, sharp, sturdy knife to cut the watermelon in half lengthwise. Then, slice each piece in half again so that you have four equal sections.
- Now, turn a section onto its side and divide the section into wedges. You can make them as thick or as thin as you want. If you need pointier triangles, cut each wedge in half.
- Another way to make watermelon wedges is to cut the watermelon into rounds (see below for directions) and then each round into triangles.
How to Cut A Watermelon Into Cubes
If you want to be able to easily eat watermelon with a fork, then cubes are the way to go. This is a popular way to cut watermelon for a party because it is the easiest way!
To make watermelon cubes, use a long, sturdy, sharp knife to make one cut the across the center. Then, slice each piece in half again so that you have four equal sections.
Now take one of the sections and make two or three evenly spaced lengthwise slices in the red flesh. Turn the wedge and do the same to the other side.
Next, make several evenly spaced widthwise cuts starting from the pointed top of the flesh all the way down to the watermelon rind.
Finally, slice along the rind on both sides to free the watermelon cubes and dump them into a bowl.
If you are looking for a watermelon slicer, check out my comparison post!
How to Cut Watermelon Sticks
Kids love to eat watermelon cut into sticks. With watermelon sticks, you don’t need silverware and there is a small piece of rind that you can hold onto while eating it.
- To make sticks, use a long, sharp, sturdy knife to slice the watermelon in half widthwise.
- Now, turn one of the watermelon halves over so that the cut side is down.
- Make evenly-spaced cuts all the way across each half.
- Then, turn and make evenly spaced cuts in the opposite direction.
How To Cut A Watermelon Into Circles
You can slice watermelon circles and use them for making fruit pizza or as a starting point for other shapes.
To make rounds, lay the watermelon on its side and use a long, sharp, sturdy knife to cut evenly spaced widthwise slices.
Fun Watermelon Cutting Ideas
Watermelon Stars
Kids love eating anything cut into shapes. So for a fun watermelon cutting idea, use cookie cutters to make watermelon stars and other shapes!
- Follow the instructions above to make circles. Then, lay a round slice flat on a cutting board and use a small star cookie cutter to cut shapes from the watermelon flesh.
- Star-shaped pieces would look really pretty in a 4th of July salad! Or you can make moon and stars watermelon kabobs by adding moon-shaped pieces of canteloupe.
Watermelon Balls
Sometimes it’s fun to get fancy and use a melon baller to make watermelon balls.
- Cut the watermelon in half and then use a melon ballers to scoop out balls.
- Watermelon balls are often served in a melon salad with other kinds of melon balls, such as cantaloupe and honeydew.
How To Store Watermelon
Whole Watermelon
A whole watermelon can be stored at room temperature for 7-10 days according to the Watermelon Board.
Sliced Watermelon
- Refrigerator: Transfer the pieces to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Cooler: If you want to bring it with you, store it in a cooler with ice to keep it cold.
How to Freeze Watermelon
Did you know that you can store cut watermelon in the freezer? Put it into a freezer-safe, airtight storage container and store it in the freeze for cup to six months. Defrosted watermelon can be used in so many ways! Here are some suggestions:
- Add it to a smoothie
- Turn it into popsicles
- Make slushies or sorbet
- Add it to lemonade
Frequently Asked Questions
A whole one will last for 7-10 days at room temperature. Cut watermelon will last for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
No, you do not need special tools unless you are looking for cool ways to cut watermelons. Then, you may need things like a cookie cutter or melon baller.
Yes, you need to wash it before cutting into it because it has been handled and touched by many people.
Watermelon Recipes
- Watermelon Salsa Recipe
- Watermelon Lemonade
- Watermelon Salad
- Watermelon Cake
- Watermelon Cupcakes
- Watermelon Pizza
How To Cut A Watermelon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 20 lb watermelon
Instructions
Watermelon Triangles
- Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise.
- Slice each piece in half again so that you have four equal sections.
- Cut each section into wedges.
Watermelon Cubes
- Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise.
- Slice each piece in half again so that you have four equal sections.
- Cut lengthwise slices into the flesh, followed by widthwise slices, on each of the wedges.
- Slice along the rind on both sides to free the watermelon cubes.
Watermelon Sticks
- Cut the watermelon in half widthwise.
- Turn the halves flesh down on the cutting board.
- Make evenly spaced cuts across the watermelon.
- Turn and make evenly spaced cuts in the opposite direction.
Watermelon Circles
- Lay the watermelon on its side.
- Cut evenly spaced widthwise slices across the watermelon.
Watermelon Stars
- Cut the watermelon in rounds as directed above.
- Lay the slices flat on a cutting board and use a small star-shaped cookie cutter (or other shapes) to cut the watermelon into shapes.
Watermelon Balls
- Cut the watermelon in half.
- Use a melon baller to scoop balls of watermelon flesh.
D'Neece Becka says
Good descriptions but would like a few extra pic’s to show the steps. It helped me enough to get the job done. Thanks.
Tonia Larson says
Did you watch the video that shows every step for each different method? We do include step by step photos for cutting it into cubes but the rest are in the video so keep the post from getting even longer.
Patty Tikalsky says
Thanks for sharing this information. It’s always nice to see the preparation in photos. Made me hungry.
Tonia says
You are very welcome! I’m so excited about all of the summer fruit!