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
How to Freeze Zucchini Slices
1. Rinse and Slice
Run the whole zucchini under cool water for 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.
Cut and remove both the stem and blossom ends from the zucchini. Make ½-inch slices.
2. Boil and Blanch the Zucchini
In order to preserve the quality of the zucchini, it’s best to blanch it before freezing.
To blanch, cook zucchini slices for 1 minute in boiling water. Remove the pieces with a slotted spoon and immerse them into an ice bath for a few minutes or until cool to the touch.
Dry off the zucchini with paper towels or dish towels.
3a. Freeze Zucchini Slices on Baking Sheet
Once the blanched zucchini slices have been thoroughly dried, place them in a single layer on 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 freezer for 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 for zucchini bread, zucchini brownies, or zucchini fritters, the process is just as simple.
Shred zucchini using a food processor or a box grater. Because zucchini has a high water content, you’ll want to wring out as much excess moisture as possible using a cheesecloth. It’s best that you do this BEFORE freezing to prevent a mushy mess after thawing.
Measure and store grated zucchini in 1-cup portions in a 1-quart freezer-safe bag.
FAQs
You can use previously frozen zucchini slices in vegetable soups and stir-frys, or use shredded zucchini in chocolate bread or muffins.
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.
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.
While you can freeze zoodles, 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
- Zucchini Fritters
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How to Freeze Zucchini (Slices or Shredded)
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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.
- Measure and store zucchini in 1 cup portions in 1-quart freezer safe bags.
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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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My mother in law gifted me multiple bags of frozen diced zucchini. Can I shred it frozen, then thaw for zucchini bread? Or should I only use those for savoury recipes? Thanks in advance.
I would stick with using the diced zucchini as is. Once thawed, it will soften and release moisture, making it very hard to shred.
Can I do this same blanching, cooling process with Bell peppers and Serrano peppers?(to freeze afterwards)
Absolutely!
Love to grill my garden zucchini. I slice it long, about a 1/4 inch thick, spritz it with olive oil and lightly sprinkle it with season salt. Then I cook it till tender flipping it often and just placed around the meat I’m cooking on the grill. It’s an easy side to the main dish.
I am hoping to freeze it so I can grill it in the winter….
Thanks for the helpful tips!
What a great way to cook it, Cassie! I’m a HUGE fan of grilled zucchini and squash, as well. Happy to hear you found the post helpful!
London, do you blanch squash then shred for winter zucchini breads? My zucchini I shred and froze last year was pure water when i thawed and I didnt have enough squash to make the bread
I don’t blanch them. I would recommend squeezing out the excess moisture BEFORE you freeze. Simply place shredded zucchini in a cheese cloth or kitchen towel, then twist and squeeze until no more water comes out.
This was very helpful. Its very easy . Thanks so mych!
You’re so very welcome, Debby! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment 🙂
Thank you very helpful
Yay! So happy it helped you out, Carolyn. Thanks so much for your comment and rating!
Thank you
You’re very welcome, Patty!