Abstract: An apparatus for cutting foodstuffs and the like. The apparatus comprises an open-end cutting compartment of rectangular cross-sectional configuration provided with a fixed lateral wall and an oppositely positioned movable lateral press wall. Positioned above and communicating with the cutting compartment is a foodstuff holding compartment from which foodstuff is fed to the cutting compartment. A plate for covering the opening between the holding and cutting compartments is associated with a compacting piston which retracts and repositions the press wall for pre-pressing foodstuff in the cutting compartment. One end of the cutting compartment is provided with means for cutting the foodstuff while the other end is provided with a piston for forcing the foodstuff through the cutting compartment and against the cutting means. A compacting wall for contacting the foodstuff during lateral pre-pressing of the foodstuff is positioned in front of and is adapted to be contacted by the press wall.