The Best Ways to Use All That Zucchini

It’s that time of year again. The time when neighbours are giving away bags of their seemingly ever multiplying garden zucchini. If you’re wondering how to use up all that extra zucchini, I’ve got you covered. These zucchini recipes can be made ahead and frozen so that none of it will go to waste. Zucchini is a summer squash also known as courgette or marrow. This easy to grow garden vegetable is versatile and can be used in both savoury and sweet recipes. Its flowers are also edible.

If you’re wanting to freeze that extra zucchini, here are two ways to freeze zucchini:

Make Ahead Zucchini Recipes:

Make Ahead Zucchini Recipes

Pesto Chicken and Vegetables Freezer Meal Recipe

I love both the colours and the flavours of this easy sheetpan all-in-one meal.

Hearty Sausage and Zucchini Soup

This is my favourite fall soup. It's got such deliciously rich flavours.

Photo Credit: www.thechaosandtheclutter.com

Zucchini Bread

I love taking a slice of this zucchini bread out of the freezer on my way out the door on busy mornings. I tell myself that it's a healthy recipe since it has veggies in it!

Slow Cooker Ragu with Beef and Sausage

This hearty ragu sauce is packed with meat and veggies. Serve it over rice or pasta.

Easy Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore {freezer meal}

Crock pot meals are like a mom's best friend and a freezer to crock pot meal takes that friendship to a whole new level.

Photo Credit: ohsweetbasil.com

Double Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Talk about a great way to hide vegetables so that picky kids (or adults!) will eat them. This double chocolate zucchini cake can be frozen with or without the icing.

Reggae Gumbo Freezer Meal

This is one of those everything-but-the-kitchen-sink recipes, but it works.

Photo Credit: anoregoncottage.com

Zucchini Cinnamon Freezer Muffins

The amazing thing about this recipe is that you can freeze the dough ahead and then bake so that you still have that warm, freshly baked muffin taste and smell!

Photo Credit: gimmedelicious.com

Chicken and Veggie Freezer Packs

These freezer packs mean that a healthy dinner can be on the table in less than half an hour.

Make Ahead Grilled Flank Steak

In this grilling recipe, the vegetables take the side dish role.

Another way to freeze zucchini:

After I’ve made some zucchini freezer meals, I take whatever is left and grate it. I measure the grated zucchini into two cup portions and put those into medium sized freezer bags. I remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn before sealing and freezing.

Personally, I like to leave the juice in as I use these for baking and I like the extra moisture, but if you prefer, you can squeeze out excess moisture and drain the grated zucchini before freezing.

I then use these bags of pre-measured zucchini in double chocolate zucchini muffins, zucchini loaf, and zucchini cake. As most of us know, this is a great way to sneak veggies in to things your kids will actually eat!

You may also be interested in reading:

How to Freeze Rhubarb How to Prevent Freezer Burn
Freezer Meals 101

Make Ahead Zucchini Recipes:

Another way to freeze zucchini:

5 Secrets to Freezer Cooking Success!