Learn how to shred zucchini with this easy step-by-step tutorial. With these helpful tips, you’ll have perfectly shredded zucchini every time!
Table of Contents
5 Steps to Shredding Zucchini
I love to use grated zucchini when I bake. Not only does it make the texture super moist and soft, but it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies. My absolute favorite recipes to make are my chocolate chip zucchini muffins and lemon blueberry zucchini bread. So yummy!
The other day my friend brought over 3 HUGE zucchini from her garden! She’s the sweetest. I was super excited to get in the kitchen and bake up some of my favorite recipes with zucchini, like these zucchini bread and zucchini muffins.
Today I thought I’d share these quick tips on how to cut a zucchini and then shred it. It’s super easy and leaves you with perfectly shredded zucchini every time. You’ll have no choice but to bake up a delicious treat. ;)
How to Cut a Zucchini
Check out the step by step tutorial below.
- Wash your zucchini really well.
- Cut off both ends.
- Slice the zucchini in half if it is really large.
- Then slice each half again vertically.
- Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and place in a bowl.
- Then shred the pieces with a cheese grater or a food processor.
Tips for Shredding Zucchini
Remove Excess Water with Paper Towel
Once you’ve shredded your zucchini, put it on a paper towel so that it will help absorb the excess water. Then put another paper towel on top and pat until all the water is soaked up.
Sometimes I’ll just put it in a paper towel and ring it out over the sink. You could also even use a cheesecloth. This way you won’t get soggy bread! I had to learn the hard way. ;)
Scoop out the Seeds
If I’m baking with zucchini, I always make sure to scoop out the seeds before shredding it. Then just simply discard them. You don’t have to scoop them out if you’re making dishes like grilled vegetables, zucchini fritters or baked zucchini fries though.
Freezing Shredded Zucchini
Once your zucchini is shredded, it’s a good idea to freeze some for later. You know for those times when your craving chocolate zucchini cake?! ;)
I typically will place 2 cups in a sandwich size bag. This way you can pull out a little bit at a time. Just make sure to add a freezer label so you know how much is in the bag. It’s best used within 6 months.
When ready to use, simply remove from the bag and let thaw in a strainer. This helps remove any excess moisture. You may want to give it a quick pat with a paper towel too, just in case!
More Helpful Tutorials
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!
How to Shred Zucchini
Equipment
- Knife
- Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Cheese grater or food processor
Ingredients
- Zucchini
Instructions
- Start by washing the zucchini really well. Then dry the outside.
- Cut the ends off of the zucchini, then slice it in half.
- Slice each half in half again vertically.
- Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and place in a bowl to discard.
- Then shred the pieces with a cheese grater or a food processor.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: Freezer-Friendly, Kitchen Tips, Miscellaneous
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Thank you. Now I can make some zucchini bread.
Very helpful information.
Thank you!
Thanks for the tips! I’ve never grated zucchini in my life before, but I’m about to attempt making a chocolate zucchini cake, so this is perfect! Thanks!
You are so welcome, Thayse! A chocolate zucchini cake sounds SO delicious :)
Can u do with summer squash? Seems like this growing better than zucchini. Do u recommend dicing and slicing squash as less recipes for this vegetable shredded.
Thanks for zucchini shreds idea to freeze for more bread later, living it’.
Yes you can do this with summer squash as well :D
I really need to try shredding zucchini! Definitely a great way to get more veggies on the plate. Great tips!
Thanks for all the great tips they will come in handy this summer when my garden is in full swing. I always have a ton of zucchini.
You’re welcome! Hope you enjoy! :)
Nice tips on how to shred zucchini like a pro no doubt this guidance has helped as I made zucchini slaw and turn out perfect.
This a perfect how-to guide. Makes the process so much easier!
So many helpful tips! Loved the tip to scoop out the centers!
I didn’t realize either that you remove the seeds…so you just discard them?
For baking I like to remove the seeds and discard them, but if you are grilling with them you can leave them in! :)
Must try the muffins! I made Parmesan Zucchini Crisps last night and they were super yummy! Found it on the food network website – Bobby Flay! Toss sliced zucchini in olive oil then dip in a mixture of bread crumbs, shredded parmesan, salt and pepper! (press mixture onto zucchini so it really sticks!) bake at 425* for 20-30! so easy and so good! Eat immediately tho! Hubby was late getting home and his serving was NOT as good as mine! Poor guy! ha ha!
Oh wow! Those sound so amazing!!! I will definitely have to give those a try!
Hi Jamielyn. Wow, guest posting on Better Homes and Gardens (again) that’s amazing, congrats!!! Your tips are perfect and the recipe looks absolutely delicious!
Have a Sweet Day!
Heather
My-Sweet-Mission.com
I love all their recipes! Thanks so much Heather! xo
Love your labels! Where did you get them??
I got these labels at the dollar section in Target! :)
Hi JamieLyn, My zucchini plant is producing like crazy! I’m going to follow your suggestion & freeze some. I also didn’t know that you don’t save the seeds! Thanks!
I would love to have a zucchini plant! Enjoy all your delicious zucchinis Michelle!
Well I feel stupid – I never knew you were suppose to remove the seeds! Thanks for the tip!
OMG!! I MUST do this!! I really MUST! tomorrow I will go and buy the ingredients :) I am very curious to know what it taste like
It is so delicious and you can hardly taste the zucchini! I hope you enjoy them! :)
Thanks for the tips! I love Michelle’s Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2012/07/17/chocolate-zucchini-bread-recipe/.
Double Chocolate? Yummy!! :)
Where is the recipe for the chocolate chip zucchini muffins ?
Hi Bev! Here is the recipe chocolate chip zucchini muffins.