Frozen Zucchini How To Freeze Zucchini

This post contains helpful tips and tricks! If you’re in a rush, please use the “Jump to Recipe” above!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Great way to preserve zucchini. Zucchini is a seasonal vegetable, so it’s not always available. When zucchini is frozen properly, it will retain its flavor and texture, and you can enjoy it all year long! Simple process. Freezing zucchini is super simple. You don’t need any special equipment or skills! You can freeze zucchini as slices or shredded, and freeze it with or without blanching. Cost-effective. There is an abundance of zucchini during summer, so it’s relatively inexpensive. Freezing extra zucchini is a great way to save money.Versatile. Zucchini can be used in a variety of recipes, including soups, stews, casseroles, and breads. [Shruthi to include links]

📋 Ingredients and notes

You’ll need zucchini, some plastic wrap (or beeswax paper), and an airtight container or freezer-safe bag (and maybe a baking sheet!)

How can you freeze zucchini?

You can freeze zucchini in different ways. It is important to understand how to best prepare the zucchini based on what you want to use them for.

If you intend to use them in soups, casseroles, or sauces, slicing them is the best way to freeze them so you can retain some of the structure!If you want to use them in smoothies or in baked goods (like zucchini bread) — you should freeze them as grated or shredded zucchini instead!

📖 Freeze zucchini slices

Start by rinsing the zucchini — this helps get rid of any dirt on the skin that might transfer inside as you slice them open. Dry them thoroughly. Use a sharp knife to remove the ends of the zucchini. Slice them into ¼" thick slices and set them aside. Blanch the zucchini by first adding the zucchini to a pot of boiling water for a minute and then transfer them to an ice bath using a slotted spoon. This process deactivates enzymes that typically cause discoloration of zucchini! Drain the zucchini and gently pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Line a baking tray with a silicon mat or parchment paper and then flash-freeze the zucchini by laying slices on the baking sheet. Place this in the freezer for 1-2 hours so it’s frozen. This helps to avoid a big clump once you throw them all together in a freezer container. Once frozen, transfer the frozen zucchini pieces into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. I typically like portioning them into individual zucchini amounts!

📖 Freeze grated or shredded zucchini (no blanching)

If you’re wondering if it’s possible to freeze zucchini without blanching, this method is for you! When you grate zucchini, it still works for sauces and baked goods — but might be a bit more difficult for stuff where you want to preserve the structure of the zucchini. Start by rinsing the zucchini — this helps get rid of any dirt on the skin that might transfer inside as you slice them open. Dry them thoroughly. Slice off the top and the bottom edges. If you’re planning to save the zucchini for baked goods, cut the zucchini vertically in half and then scoop out the seeds. Using a box grater, grate the zucchini onto a clean cutting board. Use a clean kitchen towel to wring the shredded zucchini dry — this helps absorb excess moisture. Then, using a measuring jar, portion out the grated zucchini into single-cup portions. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to wait until it defrosts to measure out the right amounts. Store each individual portion in a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn! Freezing zucchini is a simple process that will preserve its flavor and texture. Following these tips will give you the best results so you can make your favorite zucchini recipes later.

🍴 How to cook frozen zucchini

Store: Frozen zucchini can be stored in the freezer for at least 3 to 4 months. I’ve found that it starts getting freezer burned after the 4-month mark, so typically try to use it up in that timeframe. Note that given the water content of zucchini, it’s best used in soups, stews, casseroles, smoothies, or baked goods (versus as a side dish, for instance). Don’t forget to check out these other food preservation recipes:
If you tried this recipe, don’t forget to comment and rate! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐