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When you’ve got a bunch of zucchini, the best thing to do is use it in recipes that make the most of its mild flavor and versatile texture.
If you’ve ever grown zucchini or bought a big bag at the farmers market, you know how quickly a bunch of zucchini can pile up on your counter.
One day you have two, and the next thing you know, you’re searching for ideas because you have a bunch of zucchini staring back at you.
The good news is that a bunch of zucchini doesn’t have to go to waste, and there are plenty of ways to turn that pile into something delicious.
In this post, we’ll look at what to do with a bunch of zucchini, from simple cooking ideas to clever ways to use up every last one.
Let’s get into it.
What To Do With A Bunch Of Zucchini
What to do with a bunch of zucchini really comes down to a few solid strategies, and here’s why these ideas work so well.
1. Bake It Into Breads And Muffins
When you have a bunch of zucchini, baking is one of the easiest ways to use it up.
Zucchini bread and zucchini muffins are classic recipes that turn a bunch of zucchini into something everyone loves.
The zucchini keeps the baked goods moist, and you barely taste it, which makes it a great way to use up a bunch of zucchini without anyone complaining.
You can grate a bunch of zucchini, squeeze out the extra water, and fold it right into the batter.
2. Toss It Into Savory Dishes
A bunch of zucchini works beautifully in savory dishes too.
You can slice it into stir-fries, sauté it with garlic and olive oil, or add it to pasta and casseroles.
If you’re wondering what to do with a bunch of zucchini on a busy weeknight, a quick sauté is about as simple as it gets.
Zucchini also holds up well on the grill, so a bunch of zucchini can become a easy side dish for dinner.
3. Make Zucchini Noodles
If you have a bunch of zucchini and want something lighter, spiralizing it into zucchini noodles is a fun option.
A bunch of zucchini can turn into a big bowl of “zoodles” that works as a low-carb swap for pasta.
You can top a bunch of zucchini noodles with marinara, pesto, or a simple garlic butter sauce.
It’s a creative way to handle a bunch of zucchini without turning on the oven.
More Ideas For Using Up A Bunch Of Zucchini
Beyond cooking, there are even more ways to deal with a bunch of zucchini when your kitchen is overflowing.
1. Freeze It For Later
If you can’t use a bunch of zucchini right away, freezing is a smart move.
Grate your zucchini, squeeze out the moisture, and pack it into freezer bags.
That way, a bunch of zucchini is ready whenever you want to bake or cook with it later.
Frozen zucchini works best in baked goods and soups, so keep that in mind when you freeze a bunch of zucchini.
2. Share With Friends And Neighbors
Let’s be honest, if you have a bunch of zucchini, chances are someone nearby would love some.
Gardeners famously end up with more zucchini than they can handle, so sharing a bunch of zucchini is a welcome gesture.
Offer a bunch of zucchini to neighbors, coworkers, or friends, and you’ll likely make someone’s day.
3. Pickle Or Ferment It
Pickling is another clever answer to what to do with a bunch of zucchini.
You can slice a bunch of zucchini into spears or rounds and pickle it with vinegar, garlic, and dill.
A bunch of zucchini turns into tangy, crunchy pickles that keep for weeks in the fridge.
Fermenting a bunch of zucchini is also an option if you enjoy a bit of a project in the kitchen.
Tips For Handling A Bunch Of Zucchini
A few small habits make it much easier to deal with a bunch of zucchini before it goes bad.
1. Store It Properly
A bunch of zucchini lasts longer when stored in a cool, dry spot.
Keep a bunch of zucchini in the crisper drawer, unwashed, and it should stay fresh for about a week.
Don’t stack a bunch of zucchini too closely, since trapped moisture speeds up spoilage.
2. Use The Biggest Ones First
Large zucchini tend to have more seeds and a bit more water, so tackle those first.
When you have a bunch of zucchini, start with the biggest ones for baking, where their extra moisture is actually an advantage.
Saving the smaller, firmer zucchini for grilling and sautés gives you the best results from a bunch of zucchini.
So, What To Do With A Bunch Of Zucchini?
What to do with a bunch of zucchini is really a question with plenty of tasty answers.
You can bake a bunch of zucchini into bread, sauté it, spiralize it into noodles, freeze it, pickle it, or share it with friends.
The key is to act before a bunch of zucchini goes soft, and to keep a few go-to recipes on hand.
With these ideas, a bunch of zucchini becomes an opportunity rather than a problem.