In this post: How to freeze zucchini the easy way! Step by step directions for freezing zucchini to use in cookies, cakes & breads.
It’s that time of year. Even though summer is definitely still here, I have to admit I’m thinking about fall. I’m not ready for it…just thinking about it. One of my favorite things to do when the cooler days appear is retreat to my kitchen and bake. Fall recipes mean comfort food. Comfort food means homemade bread fresh from the oven. One of my favorite quick bread recipes is zucchini bread…but you have to take care of freezing zucchini while it’s available from the garden or farmers market. Soooo…here I am with a quick tutorial on how to freeze zucchini.
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How to Freeze Zucchini
Grab yourself a few regular sized zucchini. (Or they can be the giant ones that come straight from the garden.) I got mine at our local market because I’m not a vegetable gardener. I got four zucchini this time around. Two medium zucchini will chop up to equal about two cups. That’s your go-to amount for most recipes (more or less.) Chunk the zucchini into small pieces and shred in a food processor. As I’m shredding, I dump the zucchini into a 2 cup measurer. When I hit the 2-cup mark, the zucchini goes into a resealable bag.
Freezing Zucchini Tips
- My four zucchini shredded to equal 4 cups. Back in the day, I used to shred my zucchini with a hand grater. It wasn’t hard but it took some time. A food processor is easier but if you don’t have one, a regular old grater will work.
- The bagged, shredded zucchini lasts in the freezer for up to three months. I have kept it longer and still used it…and it was fine. I wouldn’t keep it for longer than six months.
- Freezing zucchini noodles: Spiralize your zucchini. Place the noodles in a colander and sprinkle with kosher salt. Lightly toss the noodles and let them drain in the colander for 30 minutes. Place the noodles in resealable bags.
- This tip is from a reader: Make up the zucchini bread batter, put it in freezer bags and freeze flat. Stores easily and fresh bread is just a thaw away.
Easy bread and cake recipes that use zucchini:
10 Tips for Perfect Quick Breads
See you soon!
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Carol says
Sunday, August 11, 2019 at 4:06 pmI see that you can freeze zucchini bread batter and it was suggested to do that flat. Is there a reason for that? Or just to have room in the freezer??
Ann Drake says
Sunday, August 11, 2019 at 5:21 pmI’m not 100% sure…but I think it would be much easier to store if the bags were flat. It always helps to remove as much air from bags before placing in the freezer too. Thank you!
Vickie says
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 10:17 amI could not believe that freezing zucchini bread batter would actually work, but I tried it after reading about it on your blog. It was a tip from another reader. It works beautifully!
Sharon says
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 8:59 amI have been grating and freezing zucchini for years using this same method. For those wondering, I have found that draining the liquid after thawing results in baked goods that are too dry. I keep all the liquid and my breads and cakes turn out nice and moist.
Mary Ann says
Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 8:34 amI used to make Zucchini Bread frequently when my children were young but haven’t made it in several years. These recipes are great and have rekindled my enthusiasm to get busy in my kitchen! I’m going to try the Bundt Cake first! Loved the cornbread corn casserole recipe too!! Thank you Ann!
Laura says
Thursday, August 7, 2014 at 12:05 pmI have a zuchine bread that I have Made since 1976 and I put put 1/4 tsp of ground cloves in with flour I also put 1 cup walnuts. It is really diff. and very good. Try it!
Ann Drake says
Sunday, August 10, 2014 at 8:51 amHi Laura! I do sometimes add walnuts too. My daughter prefers it without though!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 4:19 pmGreat tip Ann! I think zucchini breads are perfect all year!
Linda Sangirardi says
Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 3:39 pmHi Ann, I had to check your recipe for the Zucchini Nut Bread as I just made a few the other day to bring to work for our “Race for the Cure” fundraiser. My recipe is almost the same but I add raisins with walnuts. Love it! Linda
Betty says
Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 12:53 pmI make up my zucchini bread batter put it in freezer bags and freeze flat. Store easily and fresh bread is just a thaw away.
Ann Drake says
Sunday, August 10, 2014 at 8:51 amThis is an incredible tip. Thank you!
Lori says
Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 11:34 amI absolutely love your decorating, all of the blue colors. Zucchini…aahh…I just started my own blog and posted about zucchini. Would appreciate your visit sometime at LLfarmblog.blogspot.com
Carrie says
Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 3:19 pmI haven’t frozen zucchini in a few years. I do the hand grating… just gotten watch the fingers at the end). :)
Tracy says
Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 2:46 pmWhat do you do with the zucchini after you shred it??
Ann Drake says
Sunday, August 10, 2014 at 8:52 amHi Tracy!
Just throw the bags in the freezer. When you are ready to bake just thaw it out a few hours before!
Martha says
Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 1:02 pmThis is a great tip for making use of that extra zucchini that comes our way in the summer. I freeze mine in 2 cup measures too, and then thaw it before adding to a zucchini bread recipe. And shredded zucchini can also be added to spaghetti sauce, or drained and made into a quiche with some sauteed onions…yum! I love your blog, Ann – you include so many different things!
Ann Drake says
Sunday, August 10, 2014 at 8:53 amHi Martha!
Adding to spaghetti sauce is brilliant. Thanks for the tip!
Dawn says
Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 11:20 amI freeze mine too, there’s nothing better than zucchini bread warm from the oven. I shred mine with my kitchen aid attachment. I’m not sure I would even bother if I had to do it by hand.
Bethany Aten (The Pinterest Mom)! says
Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 10:10 amAnn,
Thanks so much for sharing this tutorial! We have enjoyed lots of recipes with zucchini in them this summer, but I am so glad that I will now be able to bake with it in the off season this fall too! Thanks again! Love your blog!!!
Carolyn says
Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 10:06 amSounds good! I love the Fall weather but it can wait awhile. At the moment I’m enjoying Summer.
Rhonda says
Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 9:10 amWhat a great idea… I love fall and I am ready for it! These hot summer days are for the birds!
Sandy says
Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 8:51 amWe don’t plant zucchini, but last year a friend gave us some and I made zucchini bread with chocolate chips. This year, I plan to bake lemon zucchini bread with a glaze which I found on Pinterest. Thank you for your tips and tricks.
Kim says
Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 8:36 amSo…that’s it? Just grate, ziplock, and freeze? For soups, sauces, I’ll just toss in frozen, but for baked goods? Should I defrost first and then blot some of the excess moisture? And what’s the best way to defrost? Room temp or overnight in fridge? Thanks!
Ann Drake says
Sunday, August 10, 2014 at 8:56 amHi Kim!
Yep…just grate, bag and freeze. When I want to bake with it I remove from the freezer a few hours before. Actually in the refrig overnight would work just as well. I don’t usually drain or blot any extra moisture. I dump the contents of the bag right into my batter. Draining it though would be fine I’m sure. Your batter might be a bit thicker but that might be good!
Carole West says
Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 8:16 amThis is great and your zucchini is pretty. I grew a different kind this year and I don’t like it as much because the skin is harder than I prefer. Most of it is headed to the freezer later today as I like to add it to sauce and soup in the winter. Great post!
Carole @ Garden Up green
Penny @ The Comforts of Home says
Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 7:53 amWell, I do have an abundance so I will be freezer some of mine for fall bread too! Thanks for the tip Ann.