Knowing how to freeze extra Zucchini from your garden for the cooler months is essential. Our Test Kitchen has tried some of the most popular methods to preserve zucchini. We’re now sharing our secret to the question, “Can you freeze a zucchini?” (spoiler: yes! You can also learn to freeze zucchini noodles and avoid freezer burn by freezing raw zucchini. You’ll thank yourself for making your dinners delicious and accessible in a few months when you have the summer squash.
How to freeze Zucchini
You’ll still need to follow four simple steps, no matter how you prefer to cut the Zucchini.
Step 1: Cut Zucchini
Slice the Zucchini using a sharp knife into any shape you desire for freezing. We recommend one of three cuts, depending on your plan with the Zucchini.
- Slices or bite-sized pieces
- Shredded
- Zucchini Noodles made with a spiralizer (48$, target).
Sometimes we’re asked: “Can I freeze an entire zucchini?” It is possible to freeze a whole zucchini, but it would be more challenging to defrost and use later. Imagine trying to shred an entire thawed squash that is soggy. We recommend preparing the shape in advance so you can use the frozen Zucchini quickly when ready.
According to how you cut it, 1 pound of Zucchini usually yields 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups. You can expect to get the following results:
- Around 3 1/2 cups of coarsely chopped Zucchini
- About 3 1/4 cups 1/4-inch-thick zucchini slices
- Shredded Zucchini in loosely packed quantities of 3 1/4 cups
- Around 2 34 cups of packed shredded Zucchini
- About 2 2/3 cups coarse zucchini spirals
Can you freeze it to make bread or muffins? For these recipes, you can freeze shredded zucchini. Sliced or chopped Zucchini is best for soups, sauces, and stews. Zoodles are for you if you love lower-carb noodle dishes and pasta salads.
Step 2: Blanch Zucchini
The length of time you blanch the Zucchini depends on how big your pieces are. We recommend using a Stockpot and a Pasta Insert to boil the Zucchini. This allows you to remove the Zucchini in just one step. Add the Zucchini immediately to a bowl filled with ice water.
Step 3: Dry Zucchini
Paper towels can be used to dry the Zucchini thoroughly. Use a salad spinner or a towel to remove any excess moisture after you have dried the Zucchini. Removing all excess water from the Zucchini is essential to prevent freezer burn.
Step 4: Freeze Zucchini
The last step to master preserving Zucchini is to place the blanched, dried squash in a single layer on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet and freeze overnight. Once the Zucchini is frozen, please put it in freezer bags or containers. Seal, date, and label the packages. Store them in your refrigerator for up to three months.
How to use frozen Zucchini
Although frozen zucchini will not work as well as fresh in raw preparations or for zucchini boats, you can still use it in many cooked or baked recipes.
- If you shredded your Zucchini before freezing it, try using it for baking zucchini bread.
- Try making Zucchini Noodle Lasagna with your favorite pasta, or add a few zucchini noodles to any spaghetti dish, such as our Summer Spaghetti Salad.
- Try grilling, Air-Frying, or sautéing zucchini slices for a delicious, healthy side dish.