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If you’ve got a lot of yellow squash on your hands, there are plenty of delicious ways to use it up before it goes bad.
Whether it’s coming in faster than you can eat it from your garden or you grabbed a big bag at the farmers market, having a lot of yellow squash is actually a great problem to have.
In this post, we’ll go over what to do with a lot of yellow squash, including easy recipes, smart storage tricks, and a few creative ideas you might not have thought of.
Let’s dive in.
What to Do With a Lot of Yellow Squash: The Best Ways to Use It Up
When you have a lot of yellow squash, the key is to use it in ways that highlight its mild flavor and tender texture.
Yellow squash is incredibly versatile, so you can bake it, grill it, sauté it, stuff it, or even turn it into noodles.
The trick is to mix things up so you don’t get bored with the same dish every night.
Here are some of the best things to do with a lot of yellow squash.
1. Bake It Into Casseroles and Gratins
One of the easiest ways to use up a lot of yellow squash is to bake it into a cheesy casserole.
Yellow squash pairs beautifully with cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, so a squash casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.
You can also layer sliced yellow squash into a gratin with cream, garlic, and Parmesan for a rich and comforting side dish.
These dishes freeze well, too, so you can make a big batch and save some for later.
2. Grill or Roast Them for a Simple Side
If you have a lot of yellow squash, grilling or roasting is a fantastic way to bring out its natural sweetness.
Just slice the squash into rounds or planks, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill or roast until tender and slightly charred.
This is a great way to use up a big harvest without a lot of fuss.
You can also add roasted yellow squash to salads, grain bowls, or pasta dishes for extra flavor and nutrition.
3. Turn It Into Noodles or Spiralized Dishes
If you’re looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option, spiralizing yellow squash into noodles is a brilliant way to use a lot of it.
Yellow squash noodles, often called “zoodles,” can be sautéed quickly with garlic and olive oil or used as a base for your favorite pasta sauce.
They’re light, fresh, and a great way to sneak more veggies into your meals.
Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can get mushy fast.
4. Stuff Them With Your Favorite Fillings
Stuffed yellow squash is another delicious way to handle a lot of yellow squash.
Just hollow out the squash, fill it with a mixture of ground meat, rice, cheese, and herbs, and bake until everything is hot and bubbly.
You can customize the filling to your liking, and it’s a great way to use up other odds and ends in your fridge.
Plus, stuffed squash looks impressive on the plate, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
5. Freeze It for Later
If you truly have more yellow squash than you can eat right now, freezing is a smart way to preserve it.
Just blanch sliced or cubed yellow squash in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
Drain well, pack it into freezer bags, and freeze for up to a year.
That way, you can enjoy your yellow squash in soups, casseroles, or stir-fries long after the season is over.
Creative Ways to Use a Lot of Yellow Squash
Beyond the usual recipes, there are some fun and unexpected ways to use a lot of yellow squash.
These ideas are perfect when you want to try something new or impress your family and friends.
1. Make Yellow Squash Bread or Muffins
Just like zucchini bread, yellow squash can be grated and baked into moist, delicious bread or muffins.
The squash adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that works beautifully with cinnamon, nutmeg, and walnuts.
It’s a great way to use up a lot of yellow squash without anyone even realizing they’re eating veggies.
2. Pickle It
Pickled yellow squash is tangy, crunchy, and a fantastic way to preserve a big batch.
You can slice it into rounds or spears, pack it into jars with garlic, dill, and spices, and cover it with a hot vinegar brine.
Once cooled and refrigerated, pickled yellow squash will keep for weeks and makes a great snack or sandwich topping.
3. Add It to Soups and Stews
Yellow squash blends nicely into soups and stews, adding body and nutrition without overpowering other flavors.
You can chop it and toss it into vegetable soup, minestrone, or even a hearty chili.
It’s an easy way to use up a lot of yellow squash without much effort.
4. Blend It Into Smoothies
If you’re feeling adventurous, frozen yellow squash can be added to smoothies for a creamy texture and a boost of vitamins.
It doesn’t add much flavor, so it pairs well with bananas, berries, and yogurt.
It’s a sneaky way to use up extra squash and get more veggies into your day.
How to Store a Lot of Yellow Squash So It Lasts
Knowing how to store yellow squash properly is key when you have a lot of it.
Yellow squash is best kept in the refrigerator crisper drawer in a perforated plastic bag or a container lined with paper towels.
Don’t wash it until you’re ready to use it, as excess moisture can cause it to spoil faster.
If you have more than you can use within a week or two, freezing or pickling is the way to go.
You can also share the wealth with neighbors, friends, or coworkers who might appreciate some fresh yellow squash.
So, What to Do With a Lot of Yellow Squash?
What to do with a lot of yellow squash is really just a matter of picking the method that fits your time and taste.
With so many options, from casseroles and grilling to freezing and pickling, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy it.
So the next time you’re wondering what to do with a lot of yellow squash, just remember these ideas and get cooking.
You might even find yourself hoping for an even bigger harvest next year.