I am so excited to be sharing one of my favorite tried-and-true kitchen how-to’s with you today! Because, if you’re anything like me, summer means only one thing: watermelon season.
As far as I’m concerned, it isn’t summer unless I’m shoveling watermelon into my mouth at least once a week. Growing up, when I had somebody who would lovingly chop this difficult-to-cut fruit for me (thanks, Mama Fooduzzi!), I absolutely hated the stuff. I just didn’t appreciate watermelon’s unique texture as a kid. A few years ago, however, something just clicked. Now, I can’t get enough of this refreshing, sweet, delectable fruit! Eaten plain, in salads, in smoothies…I crave the watermelon bad.
Those cravings were quickly put on hold when I realized just how gosh-darn difficult it is to extract that juicy pink fruit from its tough exterior. I went watermelon-less for much too long. And let me tell you from experience, a life without watermelon is just plain sad.
A couple of weeks ago, I was watching Food Network’s The Kitchen, when one of the hosts demonstrated this method of chopping a watermelon. To say it was brilliant would be a morbid understatement. After just a few swift cuts, you can have your perfectly extracted watermelon in a bowl, waiting for your eager fork to dig right in. Guys, this kitchen hack will change your entire summer: watermelon in under a minute. Is this real life?! Read on for some step-by-step photos, a Pinnable image, and video, all showing you just how it’s done!
The Easiest Way to Cut Watermelon: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose a watermelon. Any sized watermelon will do here; however, like most things in life, bigger is always better. Stick it in the fridge and let it chill. Once cut, a cold watermelon retains its shape more so than a room temperature watermelon.
Step 2: Grab your sharpest large knife and a large cutting board. A sharp knife is key: you don’t want to have to struggle with a dull blade when trying to slice through the skin of your watermelon. A dull knife increases the probability of slippage, which increases the probability of cutting oneself, which increases the probability of a bad day. Don’t have a bad day: use a sharp knife.
Step 3: Slice your cold watermelon in half longways (aka. hot dog-style), exposing the beautiful pink interior. Take a second and admire the beauty that is the watermelon. Juicy, refreshing, glorious. Don’t be afraid of this seemingly difficult-to-chop fruit; you’re about to put it in its place (aka. your stomach) in less than a minute.
Step 4: Flip one of the halves upside down on your cutting board so that it’s pink side-down. Carefully slice the watermelon, from the top-down, into 1-inch slices.
Step 5: Keeping the slices lined up, carefully slice the watermelon into 1-inch cubes in the opposite direction. It helps if you try to keep the shape of the watermelon with your hand as you’re cutting. But be careful. Uniform cuts are less important than preventing bodily injury.
Step 6: Remove the chunks to reveal beautifully-chiseled watermelon sticks! You may keep your watermelon looking just like this, or you can cut the sticks into chunks! Repeat this process with the second watermelon half.
And there you have it! Fresh watermelon in under a minute! If you want a better visual of the method described above, check out this nifty video I shot!:
I promise you that your summer will never be the same after using this method; it truly is the easiest way to cut watermelon! I should have some recipes using this delectable watermelon in the upcoming weeks, but until then, have fun chomping on this classic summer treat!
The Easiest Way to Cut Watermelon
Cut that watermelon in under a minute! Read the article above for step-by-step photos and a helpful video!
- Prep Time: 1
- Total Time: 1 minute
- Yield: 1 cut watermelon
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 watermelon (seeded or seedless)
Instructions
- Choose a watermelon. Any sized watermelon will do here; however, like most things in life, bigger is always better. Stick it in the fridge and let it chill. This is so the juices won’t run as much and so the watermelon chunks will keep a more uniform shape.
- Grab your sharpest large knife and a large cutting board. A sharp knife is key: you don’t want to have to struggle with a dull blade when trying to slice through the skin of your watermelon. A dull knife increases the probability of slippage, which increases the probability of cutting oneself, which increases the probability of a bad day. Don’t have a bad day: use a sharp knife.
- Slice your cold watermelon in half longways (aka. hot dog-style), exposing the beautiful pink interior. Take a second and admire the beauty that is the watermelon. Juicy, refreshing, glorious. Don’t be afraid of this seemingly difficult-to-chop fruit; you’re about to put it in its place (aka. your stomach) in less than a minute.
- Flip one of the halves upside down on your cutting board so that it’s pink side-down. Carefully slice the watermelon, from the top-down, into 1-inch slices.
- Keeping the slices lined up, carefully slice the watermelon into 1-inch cubes in the opposite direction. It helps if you try to keep the shape of the watermelon with your hand as you’re cutting. But be careful. Uniform cuts are less important than preventing bodily injury.
- Remove the chunks to reveal beautifully-chiseled watermelon sticks! You may keep your watermelon looking just like this, or you can cut the sticks into chunks! Repeat this process with the second watermelon half.
Stay classy, Internet friends!
P.S. Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin‘, Tumblr, and Snapchat! If you try any of my recipes, be sure to use #fooduzzi! I’d love to see your whole food creations!
This is really helpful! Now i just need to build some arm strength to handle the knife..
Wow! You go girl! Great tips here! Perfect sizes for the kiddos!
Thank you, Tonya! It seriously changed my whole outlook on watermelon!
Super cool! Thanks for sharing! :D
I’m glad you liked it, Joy! This method was life-changing for me!
Please don’t forget to give your watermelon a good scrubbing before cutting into it. Some are husked in the same trucks as cattle and you don’t want that contamination!
Great tip, Cindy! I always make sure to give my produce a good scrub!
Crap! Literally.. I wash everything but Watermelons. Why I don’t have a clue. Never got sick before. But your right they should be washed first.🤦♀️
Great Tip!
Thanks, Kai! I hope you try it out this summer! :)
it works very well just did it with a ham slicing knife.
I cut the ends off.
I’m so glad it worked for you, Mike!
This is so smart! Can’t wait to try this summer. Watch out, watermelons. :)
Thanks so much, Kate! It’s seriously the only way to go when cutting watermelon :)
O.K. Now how do you get that watermelon onto nice dish? Love ideal?
You can dice it up, or eat it as little sticks! The sticks are great because you don’t need utensils :)
I’m so glad I found your blog and this post Alexa! I cut up a watermelon a day in my house – my kids are totally addicted to them. It’s always a struggle. I’m so psyched to try out your technique.
Aw, Lisa! You totally made my day :) I, too, am watermelon-obsessed in the summer. I hope that this technique saves your some time!
What a great treat for Wstermelon , I’m doing this on Wed. my Brice is coming with her three boys ! I can’t wait to serve at the pool on our hot days ! Thank you , I’m also trying on my canilope !!! I’ll post a pin of it ! ???
What a easy and nice way …thanks allot and always be happy.
Used a similar method on July 4th. I used our electric knife to cut the watermelon into slices and then into sticks. It was a breeze and so good!
LOVE the idea of using an electric knife! What a great idea :)
You just made my day! Easy way to cut and serve watermelon.
SO true!!
So cool and simple! It really works! Thank you
“Definitely! Watermelon rind is edible and versatile. While it might not be as popular as the juicy red flesh, it can be used in jams, preserves, and even desserts. Some people also blend it into smoothies for an added nutritional boost. It’s a great way to minimize food waste and explore new flavors!”