How to Freeze Shredded Zucchini
Plus, the best recipes to use it down the road.
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By Alice K. Thompson for Food Network Kitchen
Alice is a contributing writer and editor at Food Network.
Got a green wave of zucchini heading your way? Use that bumper crop to stock your freezer. Shredding and freezing will keep you happily cooking and baking with it for months to come. Here’s the quick, easy way to build a stash.
How to Freeze Shredded Zucchini
You can use this method with yellow summer squash and patty-pan squash, too.
Step one: Wash and trim. Rinse the zucchini under cold water, rubbing the skin gently to remove grit. Slice off the ends.
Step two: Grate. Shred the zucchini on the large holes of a box grater or with the shredding blade of your food processor. Lay a double layer of cheesecloth or a thin kitchen towel on the counter. Put a few cups of zucchini in the center, gather up the edges, and twist the top over a sink to wring out excess liquid. For a step-by-step guide, check out How to Grate Zucchini.
Step three: Freeze. Portion the grated zucchini into an amount that's convenient for you (say, 1- or 2-cup servings) and pack into resealable freezer bags or airtight containers. Put the amount and that day's date on the label. Use within 3 to 4 months.
Step four: Thaw. Defrost the zucchini in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, or place the container or bag in a bowl of cold water on the counter for about an hour. Pour off excess liquid before using.
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How Much Shredded Zucchini Will You Get from One Squash?
Exact amounts can vary based on the size of your zucchini, but here’s a general rule: One medium (6-ounce) zucchini will yield a generous 1 cup squeezed shredded zucchini. A large (8-ounce) squash will give you about 1 1/2 cups.
What to Do with Shredded Zucchini
Baked goods like quick breads, muffins, brownies and cookies are the most popular way to use shredded zucchini, but consider adding a dose of green to these foods as well:
Smoothies
Pancakes
Frittatas
Veggie burgers
Turkey burgers
Meatloaves and meatballs
Lasagna
Fritters
Soups
Casseroles
Rice pilaf
Recipes with Shredded Zucchini
Matt Armendariz
Here’s a classic version of zucchini bread: moist, fresh and delicious. This recipe keeps it super simple, but you could add your favorite chopped nut, chocolate chips or even coconut if you like.
Teri Lyn Fisher
These sweet, rich muffins are excellent for breakfasts, snacks or desserts. A little whole wheat flour and golden raisins give them extra flavor and texture.
Armando Rafael
Shredded zucchini adds moisture and fresh flavor to these lean burgers and helps a 1-pound package of turkey yield 4 generous patties. Replace the spices with Italian seasonings and you can use the mixture for turkey meatballs as well.
Anna Williams
Freezing shredded zucchini means you can enjoy summery dishes like these fritters all year long. Serve them as an appetizer or as a light-and-casual vegetarian meal. Dress them up with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of mint if you like.
Matt Armendariz
Zucchini and chocolate might sound like odd bedfellows, but this recipe proves just how well they go together. There’s a bonus: The shredded squash helps the brownies stay super-moist with less added fat. We can’t think of a more delicious way to use surplus veggies!
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