What To Do With Large Crookneck Squash

Large crookneck squash are best used when you harvest them young and tender, but if you’ve ended up with a giant one, don’t panic because there’s plenty you can still do with it.
 
When you’re wondering what to do with large crookneck squash, the answer usually comes down to working around the fact that bigger squash have tougher skin and more mature seeds.
 
You can still roast, stuff, puree, or bake with a large crookneck squash as long as you handle it the right way.
 
Oversized crookneck squash often show up at the end of the season when you missed one hiding under a leaf, and suddenly it’s the size of your forearm.
 
The good news is that a large crookneck squash is still perfectly edible and can be turned into soups, casseroles, breads, and more.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best things to do with large crookneck squash and how to make the most of that bumper crop.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

What to Do With Large Crookneck Squash

There are several great ways to use large crookneck squash, and most of them start with dealing with the seeds and the tougher texture.
 
Here are the best options for putting a large crookneck squash to good use.
 

1. Roast It for a Deep, Sweet Flavor

Roasting is one of the simplest things to do with large crookneck squash because the oven brings out its natural sweetness.
 
Start by cutting the squash in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
 
Drizzle the flesh with olive oil, sprinkle on salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F until it’s fork tender.
 
A large crookneck squash may need 45 minutes to an hour because of its size.
 
Once it’s roasted, you can scoop out the soft flesh and eat it as a side dish or mash it like you would a potato.
 

2. Stuff It With Your Favorite Fillings

Stuffed squash is a fantastic way to use a large crookneck squash, especially if you have guests to feed.
 
After halving and seeding the squash, roast it partway so the flesh softens.
 
Then fill the hollow with a mixture of rice, ground meat, cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs.
 
Return the stuffed large crookneck squash to the oven and bake until the top is golden and bubbly.
 
This turns an oversized squash into a hearty main course that looks impressive on the table.
 

3. Turn It Into Soup or Puree

When you’re not sure what to do with large crookneck squash, blending it into a soup is always a safe bet.
 
Peel the squash, remove the seeds, and chop the flesh into chunks.
 
Simmer the chunks in broth with onion and garlic until they’re soft, then blend everything until smooth.
 
A large crookneck squash gives you a creamy, velvety soup that freezes well for later.
 
You can also puree the cooked flesh and use it in place of pumpkin in pies, muffins, and pancakes.
 

4. Bake It Into Breads and Muffins

Grated or pureed large crookneck squash works beautifully in quick breads and muffins.
 
The moisture from the squash keeps baked goods tender and adds a subtle sweetness.
 
If you’re dealing with a large crookneck squash, shred it, squeeze out some of the excess water, and fold it into your batter.
 
This is a great way to use up a big harvest without feeling like you’re eating squash at every meal.
 

How to Handle a Large Crookneck Squash

A large crookneck squash needs a little more prep than a small one, but it’s nothing complicated.
 
The skin on a big squash can be tough, so peeling it is often the best move.
 
You should also scoop out the seeds because they get hard and woody as the squash grows.
 
If the flesh seems stringy, just scoop it out and discard those parts.
 
Once peeled and seeded, a large crookneck squash behaves just like any other winter squash in the kitchen.
 

Can You Freeze Large Crookneck Squash?

Yes, you can freeze large crookneck squash, and it’s one of the smartest ways to preserve an oversized harvest.
 
Start by cooking the squash first, either by roasting, steaming, or boiling it.
 
Then mash or puree the flesh and let it cool completely.
 
Pack the puree into freezer bags or containers, leaving a little headroom, and freeze for up to a year.
 
That way, whenever you’re stuck on what to do with large crookneck squash from your garden, you’ll have ready-to-use puree on hand.
 

So, What to Do With Large Crookneck Squash?

Large crookneck squash are best used by roasting, stuffing, pureeing, or baking them, since their size makes them perfect for these methods.
 
You can still enjoy a large crookneck squash even though its skin and seeds are tougher than a young one’s.
 
Whether you turn it into a creamy soup, a stuffed centerpiece, or a batch of muffins, there’s no need to let a big squash go to waste.
 
So the next time you’re wondering what to do with large crookneck squash, just pick one of these ideas and get cooking.