My son is absolutely OBSESSED with watermelon. Like, genuinely, it is the one food I could put in front of him every single day this summer and he would never complain.
So with BBQ season officially here and my gorgeous new outdoor sofa and sculptured waterfall just begging to be shown off, watermelon is very much on the menu.
The only problem is I used to cut watermelon like I was in a rush and slightly angry about it. Chunks flying everywhere, juice running off the cutting board, the whole thing looking like a fruit-based disaster zone.
PIN FOR LATER 📌
Not exactly the vibe when you’re trying to impress guests. 🙈
So this year I decided to actually figure out how to cut a watermelon properly.
Turns out it’s incredibly easy once you know what you’re doing, and the difference between a chaotic hack job and a beautifully presented fruit platter genuinely comes down to a few simple steps.
Here’s everything you need to know, including how to pick a good one in the first place.
How to Pick a Good Watermelon
Before you even think about getting a cutting board out, you need to start with a good watermelon. A bad one is a disappointment nobody has time for, especially in summer. Here’s what to look for:
- Check the field spot. This is the creamy yellow patch on the underside where the watermelon sat on the ground. A deep, buttery yellow means it ripened properly in the sun. White or pale green means it was picked too early.
- Give it a tap. A ripe watermelon sounds hollow when you knock on it. A dull, flat sound usually means it’s either underripe or past its best.
- Look for a dull surface. A shiny watermelon is actually underripe. You want a matte, slightly dull skin.
- Pick it up. It should feel heavy for its size. Watermelon is about 92% water, so a good one has some serious weight to it.
How to Cut a Watermelon into Cubes
Cubes are my personal favorite for BBQs because they’re easy to eat, easy to serve, and look really neat on a platter. Here’s how to do it cleanly:
- Cut the watermelon in half, straight down the middle.
- Halve each side again, then one more time.
- Now cut the watermelon from three sides about one inch thick.
- Transfer to a bowl or platter and you’re done.
The key to clean cubes is a sharp knife and taking your time with each cut. Rushing is how the crime scene situation happens.
How to Cut Watermelon Triangles
The classic. Watermelon triangles are the slice everyone reaches for first at a BBQ, and they’re honestly the easiest cut to pull off. Great for kids too; my son can demolish one in about forty-five seconds flat.
- Place the watermelon on your cutting board and slice into two halves.
- Cut each side in half again, then halve it again (it should look a bit like a pyramid).
- Halve it one more time.
- Take each quarter and slice across into triangles at whatever thickness you like. About an inch is a good starting point.
That’s genuinely it. Stack them on a plate and they look beautiful with zero effort.
How to Cut Watermelon into Sticks
Watermelon sticks are slightly underrated, and I am here to change that. They’re fun, easy to hold, great for kids, and look really striking on a summer table. Think of them as the grown-up version of a popsicle.
- Slice the watermelon in two, and lay each one face down.
- Cut one-inch strips.
- Turn your sliced watermelon half the other way and cut one-inch strips again.
These are great served standing upright in a glass or laid out flat on a long platter. Either way, they look really impressive for something that takes about five minutes to put together.
How to Serve Watermelon
Now for the fun part. A few easy ways to make your watermelon look as good as it tastes this summer:
- On a platter. Mix all three cuts together on a large board or platter for a casual, generous spread that looks abundant without requiring much effort. Add some fresh mint leaves and a few slices of lime for color.
- In a bowl with extras. Cubed watermelon tossed with fresh mint, crumbled feta, and a tiny squeeze of lime is one of those combinations that sounds unexpected but is absolutely delicious. It always gets comments at a BBQ.
- Sticks in a glass. Stand watermelon sticks upright in a tall glass or mason jar for a simple but really effective way to serve them at a party. Easy to grab, no plates needed.
- As a fruit platter. Watermelon alongside strawberries, mango, and grapes on a big board is the easiest, most crowd-pleasing summer spread there is. My son thinks it’s the best thing I make, which honestly might be the highest compliment I’ve ever received.