Summer wouldn’t feel the same without biting into a juicy watermelon, but if you've ever stood in front of a big, round melon with a knife in hand and no idea where to start, you're not alone. Cutting watermelon can be tricky, especially if you're new to it or want to avoid a mess. The good news? There's a simple, clean, and effective way to cut watermelon into slices, cubes, or even fun sticks without making a sticky mess.

Whether you're preparing a snack for yourself or slicing up a refreshing treat for a summer picnic, knowing how to cut watermelon properly makes all the difference. The process isn’t as intimidating as it looks, and once you know the steps, you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated.

So if you're looking for a clear, step-by-step guide on how to cut a watermelon like a pro, you're in the right place. We’ll show you how to pick the ripest melon, the tools you’ll need, and how to cut it in three easy ways: slices, cubes, and sticks.

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Table of Contents

• Choosing a Ripe Watermelon
• Tools You’ll Need
• How to Cut Watermelon into Slices
• How to Cut Watermelon into Cubes
• How to Cut Watermelon into Sticks
• Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a Ripe Watermelon

Before you even reach for a knife, it’s important to pick a watermelon that’s actually ripe and sweet. After all, even the best cutting technique won’t help if the fruit is bland or underripe.

Look for a few key signs of ripeness:

• Color: A ripe watermelon has a deep, dull green rind, not shiny or bright green. The bottom, where it rested on the ground, should be yellowish or cream-colored.
• Sound: Tap the watermelon with your fingers. If it sounds hollow, that’s a good sign it’s ripe. A flat or dull sound might mean it’s underripe.
• Weight: Pick it up and see how heavy it feels. A good melon should feel surprisingly heavy for its size, which means it’s full of water and flavor.

You can find watermelons at most grocery stores during summer, but if you have access to a farmers market, you may get a fresher, locally grown one. Keep in mind that once a watermelon is cut, it should be eaten or refrigerated within a day or two to keep it fresh and crisp.

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Tools You’ll Need

To cut a watermelon safely and efficiently, you don’t need a lot of fancy tools—just a few basics:

1. A large, sharp chef’s knife: This helps you cut through the thick rind without slipping or struggling.
2. A cutting board: Make sure it’s sturdy and large enough to hold the entire melon as you cut.
3. A melon baller (optional): If you want to make fun melon balls, this handy tool can help. But it’s not necessary for slices, cubes, or sticks.
4. A clean kitchen towel: Sometimes things get a bit messy, so having a towel nearby is always a good idea.

And of course, you’ll need a ripe watermelon. Once you have everything ready, you can start cutting with confidence and a bit less worry about making a sticky mess on your counter.

How to Cut Watermelon into Slices

Slices are the classic way to enjoy watermelon, especially for kids or a casual snack. Here’s how to do it:

1. Wash the melon: Give the outside a quick rinse to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Trim the ends: Slice off a small portion from both the top and bottom. This creates a flat surface so the melon won’t roll while you're cutting.
3. Cut the melon in half: Stand the watermelon upright on one of the cut ends and slice straight down the middle to make two halves.
4. Quarter the halves: Take each half and cut it into two more pieces, so you end up with four large quarters.
5. Slice into wedges: Now lay each quarter flat on the cutting board and slice into thick wedges. You can make them as wide or thin as you like.

These slices are perfect for eating by hand, serving on a platter, or even grilling for a slightly smoky flavor. Just be sure to serve them on a plate or tray that can catch the juice to keep your table or counter clean.

How to Cut Watermelon into Cubes

Cubes are great for fruit salads, kebabs, or as a refreshing snack on their own. Here’s how to make neat, bite-sized pieces:

1. Start with the quarters: Follow steps 1–3 from the slice method, ending up with four large pieces of melon.
2. Remove the rind: Lay one quarter flat on the cutting board and carefully slice the red flesh away from the green rind. You can do this in one long strip or in smaller sections, depending on your comfort level.
3. Stack and slice: Once the rind is removed, stack a few pieces together and cut them into strips. Then turn the strips and cut across to make small cubes.
4. Repeat: Do this with the remaining quarters until you have a nice pile of neat watermelon cubes.

These cubes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. If you're planning to use them in a salad or snack mix, you can toss them with a little lime juice or mint for extra flavor.

How to Cut Watermelon into Sticks

Sticks are a fun and tidy way to eat watermelon without the mess. They’re also great for kids and make for a cool, refreshing snack on the go.

1. Trim the ends and cut in half: Just like before, start by washing the melon and slicing off the top and bottom. Then cut it in half vertically.
2. Remove the core: Scoop out the seeds if your melon isn’t seedless, then slice each half into thick planks (about 1–2 inches wide).
3. Cut into strips: Stack a few planks and cut them into long, even strips. These are your watermelon sticks!
4. Trim the rind (optional): If any green rind is still attached, you can carefully slice it off after cutting the sticks for a cleaner, more polished look.

These sticks are perfect for packing in a lunchbox, serving on a tray, or even dipping in lime or chili powder for a fun twist. They’re also easier to eat without getting juice all over your face, which is a big plus!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cut watermelon ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely cut watermelon in advance. Just store the pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 2–3 days for the best flavor and texture.

How do I keep cut watermelon fresh longer?

To keep it fresh, wrap the cut pieces tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container. You can also freeze watermelon, though the texture will change and it’s best used in smoothies or sorbets.

What can I do with leftover watermelon rind?

Don’t throw it away! The rind can be pickled, stir-fried, or even used to make a refreshing watermelon rind tea. Some people also use it in compost for gardening. Learn more about using watermelon rind on Simply Recipes.

How to cut a small watermelon?

For smaller watermelons, you can use the same techniques. Just adjust the size of your slices or cubes based on the melon’s dimensions. A small melon is easier to handle and perfect for single servings or small gatherings.

Can you cut watermelon with a serrated knife?

Absolutely. If you don’t have a chef’s knife, a serrated knife works well for cutting through the tough rind. Just be sure it’s sharp and you use a steady, sawing motion to avoid slipping.

If you're looking for more ways to enjoy summer fruits, Learn more about watermelon recipes on our site, or link to this page for more tips on slicing other summer favorites.