The invention relates to a cutting apparatus (1) for a dough extrusion machine comprising a base body (2) having a plurality of openings (3) for the passage of dough and two opposingly moving cutting plates (4a, 4b) with openings (5a, 5b) for the passage of dough. Furthermore, the apparatus (1) comprises a guide (6) for the cutting plates (4a, 4b) enabling a linear movement of the cutting plates (4a, 4b) in the direction (x) of their longitudinal extension (I). Moreover, the apparatus (1) comprises a single drive unit (7), which is mechanically coupled to the cutting plates (4a, 4b). The drive unit (7) and the mechanical coupling to the cutting plates (4a, 4b) are arranged in the extension of the longitudinal extensions (I) of the cutting plates (4a, 4b) and exclusively on one side of the cutting plates (4a, 4b).
