Prevent the dreaded freeze burn when you learn How to Freeze Zucchini, or yellow squash!, using one of these TWO easy methods. Whether sliced or shredded, you’ll get the most flavor-packed zucchini to use in your favorite recipes all year long!
2 Different Ways to Freeze Zucchini
Before we jump into freezing zucchini you first need to consider how you will be using it in the future:
- As larger pieces in a Chicken Vegetable Soup? You’ll need to boil and blanch the zucchini to preserve the best flavor and texture! (Much like you do when freezing peaches!)
- Or shredded in Chocolate Zucchini Bread? You’ll want to grate it, wring out the moisture, and freeze it WITHOUT boiling and blanching.
Both of these methods will ensure you get the best tasting zucchini or yellow squash after thawing and… with no freezer burn!
Table of Contents
- 2 Different Ways to Freeze Zucchini
- How to Freeze Zucchini Slices
- What is Blanching?
- How to Freeze Shredded Zucchini
- FAQs
- Zucchini Recipes to Try
- How to Freeze Zucchini (Slices or Shredded)
How to Freeze Zucchini Slices
1. Rinse and Slice
Run the whole zucchini under cool waterfor about a minute and rinse away any visible dirt. Once it has been thoroughly rinsed,rub the squash with a paper towel to remove any remaining debris.
Cutand remove both the stem and blossom ends from the zucchini. Make½-inch slices.
2. Boil and Blanch the Zucchini
In order to preserve the quality of the zucchini, it’s best toblanchitbefore freezing.
To blanch,cook zucchini slices for 1 minute in boiling water. Remove the pieces with a slotted spoon andimmerse them into an ice bathfor a few minutes or until cool to the touch.
Dry off the zucchini with paper towels or dish towels.
What is Blanching?
Blanching is a method that consists of cooking a vegetable in apot of boiling waterand then immediatelyimmersing it in a bowl of ice waterto stop the cooking process. Quickly cooking the vegetable deactivates enzymes that would normally cause it to get mushy and lose its flavor.
3a. Freeze Zucchini Slices on Baking Sheet
Once the blanched zucchini slices have been thoroughly dried, place them in asingle layeron a large baking sheet.It’s important that the pieces do not overlap so they don’t stick together while freezing.
Place the baking sheet into the freezerfor 1 to 2 hours or until the zucchini is firm and frozen.
4. Store in Freezer Bags
After the cut zucchini is firm and frozen, place them in a large gallon-sized Ziploc bag or other airtight container.
Be sure to remove as much air as possible before zipping it tight.
Add the date on the bag before placing it in the freezer.
Frozen zucchini will last for up to 3-4 months.After this time the zucchini will begin to get freezer burn and will lose a large majority of it’s flavor.
How to Freeze Shredded Zucchini
If you want some shredded zucchini forzucchini bread,zucchini brownies, orzucchini fritters, the process is just as simple.
Shred zucchiniusing afood processoror a box grater. Because zucchini has a high water content, you’ll want towring out as much excess moisture as possibleusing a cheesecloth.It’s best that you do this BEFORE freezing to prevent a mushy mess after thawing.
Measureand store grated zucchini in1-cup portionsin a 1-quart freezer-safe bag.
FAQs
What can you use frozen zucchini for?
You can use previously frozen zucchini slices in vegetable soups and stir-frys, or use shredded zucchini inchocolate breador muffins.
Do I need to thaw frozen zucchini before using?
If adding zucchini slices to soup, it is not necessary that you thaw it out before using.
However, if you will be sautéing it in a skillet or adding shredded zucchini to bread or muffin batter, you will want to thaw it before using.
Much like thawing other frozen vegetables, you can place the bag of frozen zucchini in the refrigerator overnight, soak it in room temperature water for a few hours, or pop it in the microwave.
Can I freeze zucchini without blanching it?
Yes, you absolutely can freeze zucchini without blanching or cooking it! Instead of cutting it into slices, you will need to grate or shred the zucchini before freezing. Storing it like this will save you quite a bit of time.
Can I freeze spiralized zucchini noodles?
While you can freezezoodles, they will lose a lot of their moisture after thawing and become soft and limp. My recommendation is to make fresh zucchini noodles for the best taste and texture.
Zucchini Recipes to Try
When you thaw out that frozen zucchini squash, there are plenty of yummy recipes to try. These might become your new favorite zucchini recipes for a healthy main or easy side dish!
- Pasta Primavera
- Crispy Zucchini Fritters
- Sautéed Zucchini and Squash
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- Lemon Zucchini Bread
- Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups
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4.83 from 23 votes
How to Freeze Zucchini (Slices or Shredded)
Enjoy the best and most flavorful squash year-round when you learn How to Freeze Zucchini, sliced or shredded, using these two easy methods.
Yield 4 servings
Prep 5 minutes mins
Cook 5 minutes mins
Total 10 minutes mins
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Ingredients
- 4 Zucchini squash rinsed and scrubbed
Instructions
Freezing Zucchini Slices:
Cut and remove both ends from the zucchini squash. Slice into ½-inch pieces.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and boil zucchini slices for 1 minute. Remove zucchini with a slotted spoon and immediately immerse into an ice bath until cool to the touch. Dry off with a paper towel or dish towel.
Place squash pieces in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours or until firm.
Place frozen zucchini pieces into a large gallon-sized ziplock bag and store for up to 3-4 months in the freezer.
Freezing Shredded Zucchini:
Shred zucchini using a food processor or a boxed grater.
Wring out as much moisture as possible using a cheese cloth. It's best that you do this BEFORE freezing to prevent a mushy mess after thawing.
Measureand store zucchini in 1 cup portions in 1-quart freezer safe bags.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!
Tap stars to rate!
4.83 from 23 votes
Notes
- To thaw: Place the bag of frozen zucchini in the refrigerator overnight, soak it in room temperature water for a few hours, or pop it in the microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 33kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 16mg, Potassium: 512mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 392IU, Vitamin C: 35mg, Calcium: 31mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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How-To's, Ingredients, , Recipes
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