What To Do With Excess Summer Squash

Excess summer squash can be a wonderful problem to have, especially when you’ve got more zucchini, yellow squash, and pattypan than you know what to do with.
 
If you’re wondering what to do with excess summer squash, you’re in good company because every gardener who grows these prolific plants eventually asks that exact question.
 
The good news is there are tons of creative, practical, and delicious ways to use up that bounty before it goes to waste.
 
In this post, we’ll explore what to do with excess summer squash, from preserving methods to recipes that keep things exciting all season long.
 

Why You End Up With Excess Summer Squash

Understanding why you have excess summer squash helps you plan better for next season.
 

1. Summer Squash Plants Are Incredibly Prolific

One healthy zucchini plant can produce anywhere from six to ten pounds of squash in a single season.
 
That means even a small garden with just two or three plants can quickly leave you with more summer squash than you can eat fresh.
 

2. Squash Grows Fast

Summer squash can go from a tiny blossom to a full-sized fruit in just a few days.
 
If you skip a day or two of harvesting, you’ll suddenly find giant summer squash hiding under the leaves.
 

3. Neighbors Start Avoiding You

Once you’ve shared bags of summer squash with everyone on your street, you’ll need other ways to deal with the excess.
 
That’s when knowing what to do with excess summer squash becomes a survival skill.
 

Best Ways to Preserve Excess Summer Squash

Preserving your excess summer squash lets you enjoy it long after the season ends.
 

1. Freeze Summer Squash for Later

Freezing is one of the easiest ways to handle excess summer squash.
 
Start by washing, trimming, and slicing or shredding your squash.
 
Blanch the slices for about three minutes in boiling water, then transfer them to an ice bath.
 
Drain well, pack into freezer bags, and squeeze out as much air as possible.
 
Shredded summer squash can also be frozen raw and used later in breads, muffins, and casseroles.
 

2. Dehydrate Summer Squash

Dehydrating is another great option when you have excess summer squash.
 
Slice your squash thinly, sprinkle with a little salt, and dry at 125°F for six to ten hours.
 
The dried slices rehydrate beautifully in soups and stews.
 
You can also grind dried summer squash into a powder and sneak it into sauces for extra nutrition.
 

3. Can Summer Squash in Jars

Canning excess summer squash is a bit trickier because it’s a low-acid vegetable.
 
You’ll need a pressure canner and proper instructions from a trusted source.
 
Pickled summer squash, however, is a fantastic way to preserve your harvest safely in a water bath canner.
 

4. Make Summer Squash Relish

Relish is a genius solution for what to do with excess summer squash.
 
Grate your squash, mix it with onions and peppers, and simmer it with vinegar, sugar, and spices.
 
Jar it up and you’ve got a tangy condiment that lasts for months.
 

Delicious Recipes That Use Up Excess Summer Squash

If preserving isn’t your thing, cooking with excess summer squash is just as rewarding.
 

1. Summer Squash Bread and Muffins

Zucchini bread is a classic, but you can use any summer squash in the same way.
 
Grated summer squash adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that nobody will even notice.
 

2. Summer Squash Casseroles

Layer sliced summer squash with cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs for a comforting casserole.
 
It’s an easy way to feed a crowd and use up a big pile of squash at once.
 

3. Grilled or Roasted Summer Squash

Simply toss slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill or roast until tender.
 
This is one of the simplest answers to what to do with excess summer squash when you want something quick.
 

4. Summer Squash Soup

Simmer summer squash with onions, garlic, and broth, then blend until smooth.
 
You can freeze the soup in portions for a taste of summer during the colder months.
 

5. Sneak Summer Squash Into Everything

Grate summer squash into pasta sauces, meatloaf, burgers, and even pancakes.
 
The mild flavor disappears, but the moisture and nutrients remain.
 

Clever Ideas for Using Up Excess Summer Squash Beyond the Kitchen

Sometimes you need ideas for excess summer squash that go beyond eating.
 

1. Donate to Food Banks

Local food banks and community fridges often welcome fresh produce donations.
 
Just wash your summer squash and drop it off.
 

2. Feed Your Chickens and Livestock

Chickens, pigs, and goats love summer squash.
 
Chop it up and let them enjoy the excess.
 

3. Compost What You Can’t Use

If some summer squash has gone past its prime, toss it into the compost pile.
 
It breaks down quickly and feeds your soil for next year’s garden.
 

4. Share With Neighbors and Coworkers

Leave a basket on your porch with a free sign, or bring bags to work.
 
Someone will always be happy to take excess summer squash off your hands.
 

So, What to Do With Excess Summer Squash?

Excess summer squash can be preserved, cooked, donated, or composted, so nothing goes to waste.
 
Whether you freeze it, bake it into bread, or share it with your community, there are endless ways to deal with the bounty.
 
The next time you’re staring at a mountain of summer squash, remember these ideas and get creative.
 
You’ll never have to wonder what to do with excess summer squash again.