The Easiest Way To Cut Watermelon Sticks, Just In Time For Summer

So you've picked the ripest watermelon and can't wait to sink your teeth into all that sweet summery goodness. If you don't mind getting watermelon juice everywhere, you can cut it into big wedges and munch away. But for an easier, mess-free way to enjoy the fruit, try making watermelon sticks. It's simpler than cutting it into cubes and great for sharing or eating alone. Best of all, you can enjoy eating watermelon with your hands without the cleaning up that's usually needed afterward.

Watermelon sticks can be made from large or small watermelons and modified to fit any summer occasion. Everything from a quick snack to a boozy summer get-together will benefit from a big bowl of these juicy popsicle-like fruit pieces, which also double up as an excellent margarita garnish. You can store watermelon sticks in the fridge for up to a few days, and with all the ways they can be used, you'll be glad you have a batch ready to go. So, grab a knife (carefully!), heave that watermelon onto your countertop, and let's get started.

The first step to making watermelon sticks is to cut the whole thing in half. Do so carefully, as the knife can slip while cutting the rind. Once you have your halves, place them with their flat side down on the counter. Cut the half into 1-inch slices, and then, holding the slices together, rotate the watermelon by 90 degrees. Repeat the step by making cuts 1 inch apart to cut the rind into squares. Now, you can pull out one of these squares, and you're holding a ready-to-eat watermelon stick.

You can serve half of the watermelon already portioned into sticks or separate the sticks and put them in a bowl. The latter is preferable if you plan on seasoning or covering and refrigerating the watermelon sticks before serving. Once you're done eating, there are many delicious ways to use leftover watermelon rind.

When your palate craves something fancier than plain fruit or salt, level up your watermelon sticks with a few spices. You could try sprinkling some Tajín over a clutch of sticks or drizzling some chamoy for a sweet-spicy-savory flavor. If you want to get a bit more involved, a mix of chopped cilantro and garlic salt or a simple dressing of honey, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil can make watermelon's flavors pop. Keeping with the gourmet angle, make luscious watermelon salad by topping (rindless) chunks) with crumbled feta, finely chopped mint leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and some seasoning. A sweeter option is to top the watermelon sticks with Greek yogurt and chopped berries.

Watermelon sticks also make a great addition to picnics and cookouts. Blend up watermelon margaritas for your friends and shove the sticks on the rim, or throw some of that watermelon on the grill; you'll be pleasantly surprised by the results. For bigger pieces, consider preparing dessert watermelon popsicles by inserting a stick and popping some in the freezer. And since you're surely enjoying them at the same time as the warm weather, use this simple ice tray hack to keep them chilled for hours.