Wondering how to freeze squash or if it can be done? Yes! Freezing squash is one of the easiest ways to preserve it! Freezing squash is easy, quick and gives you the great taste of summer squash late in the year.
Is your garden providing you with more squash than you know what to do with? Do you have access to fresh squash at a local farmer's market? Whether it is zucchini or yellow summer squash, have I got the answer for you - Freeze it!
Freezing squash could not be easier, especially if you have a food processor to shred it. If not, a hand grater also works, but just takes longer :)
How to Freeze Squash
First wash the squash - I rinse mine in running water.
Then, cut up the squash into pieces that will fit through your food processor and shred it. I love my Cuisinart Food Processor!
Next, put the shredded squash into freezer bags or other freezer containers and place in the freezer.
That's it!
There is no blanching required so, freezing squash does not heat up your kitchen. Later, when you are ready to use it, simply remove the squash from the freezer and thaw it. The squash is now ready to use in your favorite recipe.
How to Freeze Squash - Suggested Uses for Frozen Squash
Frozen squash can be used in any recipe calling for squash. It does have a softer texture so it is best used in recipes that are cooked.
- Soups
- Casseroles
- Spaghetti sauce
- Muffins - Chocolate Zucchini Bread and Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Freezing Squash is a great way to handle your garden produce.
I hope this tutorial for how to freeze squash has encouraged you not to dread the abundant produce a garden can supply. Now, you can freeze the leftover squash and enjoy it later.
Freezing garden produce is a great way to cut down on your grocery budget throughout the year. For more tips on menu planning and budgeting, see my Menu Planning on a Budget Bundle.
KimH says
Yep, super easy.. and I gotta love that. I've been dehydrating mine lately since I dont really have any room in my freezer at the moment. I use my Cuisinart with the slicer attachment and just run them thru quickly so it gives me a nice uniform slice. Then I just lay them out on my dehydrator trays and in 5 or 6 hours, they're ready for the canning jars which is where i store my dehydrated goods.
My squashes are putting on like gangbusters right now, and Im just loving it.
Have a great day!
Darlene says
I was just looking at all my squash and wondering if it could be frozen. Now I know! I will have to give it a try. Also, dehydrating sounds interesting, too.
Dina-Marie says
It is really easy and works great to freeze it, Darlene. Like Kim who commented on dehydrating her squash, my daughter-in-law has also done it since she did not have the freezer space - worked well also but for me, freezing is easier!
Miz Helen says
My friend had asked me about preserving squash just the other day and I will just send her your post, this is a great process. Hope you have a great week end and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
vicky says
can you freeze pattypan squash also without blanching?
Dina-Marie says
Vicky, I have not done it, but would do it too without blanching. I have done zucchini, yellow summer squash, pumpkin and butternut.
Curt Hart says
Hello Ms Dina-Marie,
Thanks for the concise optimistic advice for how to handle some of extra summer squash I have. I have an editing suggestion. Beneath the picture of the two bags of shredded squash it says "That's it!" and then there is a short paragraph that ends with the line
"...squash is not ready to use in your favorite recipe."
I'm guessing whoever wrote that line meant "squash is now ready...." instead of "squash is not ready".
Thanks again for your helpful advice. Have a good day. Curt Hart Potosi WI 53820
SkylarBowker says
Great catch Curt! Post has been updated.