10 Creative Ways to Cut a Watermelon

Nothing beats a juicy, refreshing watermelon during summer. Perfect for everything from salads to chilled soups, this fruit is a must-have for outdoor gatherings. Whether it's a large melon or a smaller one, we've got 10 fun and unique ways to slice it up. Plus, some essential tips for cutting watermelon safely and efficiently.

Essential Tips for Cutting Watermelon Safely

• Before you get started, wash off the melon with soap and water to remove bacteria that could transfer to the flesh when you cut it.
  
• Sharp knives make cutting easier, and actually reduce the chances of injury.
  
• A sturdy bread knife with a serrated edge can make it easier to cut through a very large watermelon.
  
• Cut melons on a clean cutting board with a runnel to catch all the juices.
  
• Break out your pumpkin-carving tools to cut decorative shapes into the rind or the flesh.

How to Slice a Watermelon

There are plenty of ways to cut a watermelon. Here are 10 different methods, ranging from simple snack-friendly slices to creative, eye-catching shapes for entertaining guests.

1. How to Cut Watermelon into Sticks

Start by slicing the watermelon in half lengthwise. Place one half cut-side down, and cut 1-inch wide slices vertically. Then, turn the melon and cut 1-inch wide slices horizontally. Repeat with the other half.

2. How to Slice a Watermelon into Rounds

Place the watermelon on its side and slice it crosswise into 1-inch thick rounds. You can either leave the rind on and cut the rounds into triangles for easy snacking, or remove the flesh and carve it into fun shapes. Add toppings like fruit and yogurt for a picture-perfect watermelon pizza.

3. How to Slice a Watermelon into Triangles

Cut the watermelon into rounds (as described above). Stack a few rounds together and slice them into small triangle-shaped pieces, perfect for snacking on the go.

4. How to Slice a Watermelon into Stars

For a playful twist, after slicing the watermelon into 1-inch rounds (as mentioned earlier), use cookie cutters to cut out star-shaped pieces. These make a dazzling addition to your July 4th picnic spread. Don't forget to save the leftover pieces to make Watermelon and Strawberry Lemonade.

5. How to Slice a Watermelon into Stacks

For bite-sized watermelon circles, cut the melon into 1-inch thick slices. Then, use a round cookie cutter, biscuit cutter, or ring mold to create perfect circular pieces. These neat rounds are perfect for plating and ideal for creating Shrimp Goat Cheese Watermelon Salad Stacks.

6. How to Slice a Watermelon into Wedges

For the classic summer image of kids munching on juicy watermelon wedges, start by trimming both ends of the melon. Slice it in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half again to create quarters. Finally, slice each quarter into wedges.

7. How to Scoop Watermelon Balls

This is a fun and visually appealing way to add a little flair to your summer salads. After slicing your watermelon in half (either lengthwise or crosswise), use a melon baller or a small spoon to scoop out round balls of fruit.

8. How to Slice a Watermelon into Cubes

Cut your watermelon into cubes for a classic watermelon salad or to make a creative Watermelon Salad on a Stick. Slice the melon in half lengthwise, remove the rind, and cut the flesh into 1-inch or larger slices. Stack a few slices, then cut them into strips, and finally, slice across the strips to form cubes. For the cleanest cubes, aim to keep your cuts consistent in width.

9. How to Carve a Watermelon into a Boat

A watermelon fruit bowl is a fun and functional way to display and serve fresh fruit. For the best results, choose a watermelon with a thick rind. Start by drawing a cutting guide around the melon, then slice it in half either crosswise or lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh and set it aside. To ensure the boat stands upright, slice a small portion off the bottom of each half, being careful not to cut too deep into the hollow. Now your watermelon bowl is ready to hold a refreshing salad or watermelon soup.

10. How to Create a Watermelon Basket

This watermelon fruit bowl is an elegant twist on the classic watermelon boat. It's surprisingly simple to make and serves as a charming, waste-free container for any fruit salad recipe.