How to Freeze Zucchini – learn how to freeze shredded zucchini, slices, quarters and zoodles! Your go-to guide on freezing zucchini!
How to Freeze Zucchini 101
This is your go-to guide to on freezing zucchini! About this time every year gardens are just exploding with zucchinis (or summer squash) and sometimes you just don’t have the time to make ALL the recipes right then and there (like this Stuffed Zucchini)- that is when it is time to freeze some to use for use later on in the Fall and Winter.
Read Also: How to Cut Zucchini
Can You Freeze Zucchini Raw?
Yes, you can freeze zucchini raw. If you are shredding your zucchini you can just pop it in the freezer (after squeezing out the water). If you are freezing slices zucchini then it is highly recommend that you blanch the slices first.
How Do You Keep Zucchini From Getting Soggy When Frozen?
If you are freezing shredded zucchini then the best way to is REALLY squeeze out as much of the water as you can using a cheesecloth. If you are freezing slices or quarters then make sure you blanch them first and them pat them dry before freezing.
Do I Have to Blanche Zucchini Before Freezing
Blanching vegetables before freezing helps stop or slow the enzyme action which can cause loss of flavor, color and texture. You can read more about that here!
What Can You Use Frozen Zucchini For
- Shredded: muffins, double-chocolate zucchini brownies, zucchini bread, etc.
- Slices/Quarters: soup, bolognese, stir-fries, or casseroles.
- Zoodles: serve with some spaghetti sauce for a quick, healthy dinner.
How to Freeze Zucchini
The first step, no matter how you are freezing your zucchini, is to wash the outside and cut off the ends.
How to Freeze Zucchini Slices
Slice into 1/4-1/2 inch thick slices.
Place the slices in boiling water for up to a minute.
Immediately transfer to an ice bath until cool.
Pat dry with clean paper towel.
Place in a single later on a lined baking sheet; ensure they aren’t touching.
Place in the freezer for 1-2 hours or until fully frozen.
Scoop up and transfer to a freezer-safe storage bag.
Place in the freezer for 3-4 months.
How to Freeze Zucchini Quarters
After removing the frozen slices of zucchini simply cut into quarters.
Place in a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for 3-4 months. These are great for soup!
How to Freeze Shredded Zucchini
After cutting off the end of the zucchini use either a box grater or a food processor to grate as much zucchini as you want.
Place on top of a cheese cloth (paper towel works too, but not quite as well since it will fall apart).
Squeeze out as much water or excess moisture as you possible can!
Place in freezer bags and store in the freezer for 3-4 months.
It is definitely helpful to write down how much you are freezing (1 cup, 2 cups, etc) so you know for later use.
You can also store in a mason jar if you want!
How to Freeze Zoodles
I personally I prefer making fresh zoodles, but freezing them can certainly be done! To freeze them simply:
- Use a spiralizer to make some zoodles (aka zucchini noodles).
- Bring a small/medium sauce pan of water to a boil.
- Meanwhile, get an ice bath ready by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice.
- Place the zucchini noodles in the boiling water for 15-30 seconds.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately place in the ice bath until cool.
- Remove and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Place on a baking sheet so the noodles aren’t touching as little as possible (single layer) and place in the freezer until frozen (about 1-2 hours).
- Then place in a freezer-safe storage bag for 3-4 months (don’t for get to label your bag).
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Other Recipes You Might Like
Fried Zucchini
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Healthy Zucchini Muffins
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How to Freeze Zucchini
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: How-to
- Method: Freezer
- Cuisine: American
Description
How to Freeze Zucchini – learn how to freeze shredded zucchini, slices, quarters and zoodles! Your go-to guide on freezing zucchini!
Ingredients
- 1 or more fresh zucchini
Instructions
Slices:
- Slice zucchini into 1/4-1/2 inch slices.
- Bring a small/medium sauce pan of water to a boil.
- Meanwhile, get an ice bath ready by filling a medium mixing bowl with cold water and ice.
- Place the zucchini slices in the boiling water for 30 seconds – 1 minute.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately place in the ice bath until cool.
- Remove and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Place on a baking sheet so the slices aren’t touching (single layer) and place in the freezer until frozen (about 1-2 hours).
- Then place in a freezer-safe storage bag for 3-4 months (don’t for get to label your bag).
Quarters:
- After you have reached Step 6 of the Slicing section above, simply use a knife to cut the zucchini slices into quarters. Then place in a freezer-safe bag and freezer for 3-4 months.
Shredded:
- Wash and cut off ends of zucchini.
- Using either a box grater or food processor grate zucchini.
- Place shredded zucchini on top of cheesecloth and squeeze out as much water was you possibly can.
- Place zucchini shreds in a mason jar (pack it pretty tight) or a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 3-4 months.
Zoodles:
- Use a spiralizer to make some zoodles (aka zucchini noodles).
- Bring a small/medium sauce pan of water to a boil.
- Meanwhile, get an ice bath ready by filling a medium mixing bowl with cold water and ice.
- Place the zucchini noodles in the boiling water for 15-30 seconds.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately place in the ice bath until cool.
- Remove and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Place on a baking sheet so the noodles aren’t touching as little as possible (single layer) and place in the freezer until frozen (about 1-2 hours).
- Then place in a freezer-safe storage bag for 3-4 months (don’t for get to label your bag).
- Note: you can skip the blanching process if you want, but at least try and squeeze out some extra water from the noodles before freezing.
Notes
- Pre-Measure: definitely try and measure out your zucchini (especially the shredded version) before freezing. Super easy to know you have 1 cup or 2 cups in a package for later use!
Jane VanLaningham says
I have some shredded frozen zucchini in the freezer but don’t want to make cookies or bread or cake. Can I just put it in the skillet and fry it and eat it that way? Draining off the liquid.
Erin says
Hi Jane – you can definitely do that!