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You can cut watermelon spears by slicing a seedless or seeded watermelon into planks, then cutting those planks into long, rectangular sticks that are easy to hold and eat.
If you’ve been wondering how to cut watermelon spears without making a sticky mess of your kitchen, you’re in the right place.
Learning how to cut watermelon spears is one of those simple kitchen skills that makes summer snacking so much better.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cut watermelon spears step by step, plus a few tips to keep them neat, fresh, and ready for your next cookout.
Let’s dive in.
How Do You Cut Watermelon Spears?
Cutting watermelon spears starts with turning the whole melon into flat, stable planks.
Once you have those planks, cutting watermelon spears becomes as easy as slicing strips of bread.
Here’s the basic method for how to cut watermelon spears:
1. Start With a Sharp Knife and a Stable Melon
A long, sharp chef’s knife is your best friend when you cut watermelon spears.
Place the watermelon on a sturdy cutting board so it doesn’t roll around while you work.
If you’re cutting watermelon spears for the first time, a sharp knife makes every slice cleaner and safer.
2. Slice Off Both Ends
Cut about half an inch off the top and bottom of the watermelon.
This gives you flat surfaces that make it much easier to cut watermelon spears evenly.
A melon that sits flat won’t wobble, which means your watermelon spears will come out uniform.
3. Cut the Melon in Half and Then Into Planks
Stand the watermelon upright on one flat end and slice it down the middle.
Lay each half flat-side down, then cut it into thick slices about one inch wide.
These slices are the planks you’ll use to cut watermelon spears in the next step.
4. Slice the Planks Into Spears
Take each plank and cut it lengthwise into strips about one inch wide.
That’s really all there is to how to cut watermelon spears, just repeat this until the whole melon is done.
If you want thinner watermelon spears for kids, simply cut the strips narrower.
Why Cutting Watermelon Spears Beats Cubes and Wedges
Cutting watermelon spears is often easier than cubing because you skip the fiddly dicing at the end.
Spears also give you a natural handle, so no fork is needed when you serve them.
And when you cut watermelon spears, they stack neatly in containers, which saves space in the fridge.
1. Spears Are Perfect for Parties and Picnics
When you cut watermelon spears, guests can grab one without touching the rest of the fruit.
That makes watermelon spears a cleaner, more hygienic option for buffets and potlucks.
They also look impressive on a platter with barely any extra effort.
2. Spears Hold Up Better in Lunchboxes
If you cut watermelon spears and pack them in a lunchbox, they stay firm and easy to eat.
Cubes tend to roll around, but watermelon spears stay put.
Kids especially love watermelon spears because they’re easy to hold with small hands.
3. Spears Work Great for Freezing and Snacking
You can cut watermelon spears and freeze them for smoothies later.
Frozen watermelon spears blend into slushies and drinks beautifully.
So when you cut watermelon spears, make a few extra for the freezer.
Tips to Cut Watermelon Spears Like a Pro
Once you know how to cut watermelon spears, a few small tricks make the job even smoother.
These tips help you cut watermelon spears quickly, safely, and with less mess.
1. Chill the Watermelon First
A cold watermelon is firmer, which makes it easier to cut watermelon spears neatly.
Pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours before you plan to cut watermelon spears.
Chilled watermelon spears also taste more refreshing on a hot day.
2. Use a Bigger Board Than You Think You Need
Watermelon is bulky, so give yourself room when you cut watermelon spears.
A large board keeps the juice contained and stops pieces from sliding off.
It’s a small change that makes a big difference when you cut watermelon spears.
3. Keep a Bowl Nearby for the Rind
As you cut watermelon spears, toss the rinds straight into a bowl or compost bin.
This keeps your workspace clear while you cut watermelon spears.
Less clutter means faster, safer slicing every time.
4. Pat the Spears Dry Before Storing
After you cut watermelon spears, blot them gently with a paper towel.
Removing excess juice helps your watermelon spears stay crisp longer.
Then store the watermelon spears in an airtight container in the fridge.
So, How Do You Cut Watermelon Spears?
You cut watermelon spears by trimming both ends, halving the melon, slicing it into planks, and then cutting those planks into long strips.
It’s a quick method that turns a big, awkward melon into neat, grab-and-go pieces.
Now that you know how to cut watermelon spears, you can serve them at your next picnic, pack them in lunches, or freeze a batch for smoothies.
Give this method a try the next time you cut watermelon spears, and you’ll wonder why you ever did it any other way.