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    Home » Recipes » Fruit » How To Cut A Watermelon

    How To Cut A Watermelon

    Published: Jun 8, 2021 · Modified: Apr 29, 2023 by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE ↓ JUMP TO VIDEO

    Wondering how to cut a watermelon? Here’s the best way to cut a watermelon into wedges, cubes, sticks, rounds, stars, and balls!

    collage of different watermelon cuts

    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
    • How to Cut A Watermelon Into Cubes
    • How to Cut Watermelon Sticks
    • How To Cut A Watermelon Into Circles
    • Fun Watermelon Cutting Ideas
      • Watermelon Stars
      • Watermelon Balls
    • How To Store Watermelon
      • Whole Watermelon
      • Sliced Watermelon
      • How to Freeze Watermelon
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Watermelon Recipes
    Watermelon triangles.

    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.
    Watermelon cubes.

    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.

    Horizontal slices in red flesh.

    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.

    Vertical slices in red flesh.

    Next, make several evenly spaced widthwise cuts starting from the pointed top of the flesh all the way down to the watermelon rind.

    Slice along the rind.

    Finally, slice along the rind on both sides to free the watermelon cubes and dump them into a bowl.

    watermelon slice comparison graphic

    If you are looking for a watermelon slicer, check out my comparison post!

    a watermelon stick

    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.

    A watermelon cut into sticks.
    • 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.
    watermelon sliced into rounds

    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.

    watermelon stars

    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 in a white bowl next to a melon baller

    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
    A whole ripe watermelon.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does watermelon last?

    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.

    Do I need special tools to cut watermelon?

    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.

    Should you wash a watermelon before cutting it?

    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
    Collage showing six methods of how to cut a watermelon.

    How To Cut A Watermelon

    Wondering how to cut a watermelon? Here's the best way to cut a watermelon into triangles, cubes, sticks, circles, stars, and balls!
    4 from 1 vote
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    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 7
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    Cutting Board
    Star-Shaped Cookie Cutter
    melon baller
    Kuhn Rikon Melon Knife

    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.

    Video

    Notes

    Store watermelon cuts in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2cups | Calories: 389kcal | Carbohydrates: 98g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 1451mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 80g | Vitamin A: 7374IU | Vitamin C: 105mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 3mg
    Course: Fruit
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

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    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 12+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

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    Comments

    1. D'Neece Becka says

      September 2, 2023 at 2:01 am

      4 stars
      Good descriptions but would like a few extra pic’s to show the steps. It helped me enough to get the job done. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Tonia Larson says

        September 2, 2023 at 1:33 pm

        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.

        Reply
    2. Patty Tikalsky says

      May 27, 2021 at 10:14 pm

      Thanks for sharing this information. It’s always nice to see the preparation in photos. Made me hungry.

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        May 28, 2021 at 10:18 am

        You are very welcome! I’m so excited about all of the summer fruit!

        Reply

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    Tonia Larson and Brian LarsonHi, We are Brian and Tonia Larson! We hope you enjoy our family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and tasty desserts!
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