What To Do With Overgrown Summer Squash

Overgrown summer squash is still perfectly edible and useful, even when it’s the size of a small torpedo.
 
If you’ve been staring at a giant zucchini or yellow squash wondering what to do with overgrown summer squash, you’re in the right place.
 
These monsters are often mild in flavor, a bit seedy, and watery, but they can absolutely be turned into delicious meals and creative projects.
 
In this post, we’ll look at what to do with overgrown summer squash, from cooking hacks to preserving methods, so nothing goes to waste.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

What to Do With Overgrown Summer Squash in the Kitchen

The most obvious answer to what to do with overgrown summer squash is to eat it, but you’ll need to adjust your usual approach.
 
When summer squash gets huge, the seeds harden and the flesh holds more water, so simple slicing and sautéing can turn mushy.
 
The good news is that a few smart techniques make overgrown summer squash taste great again.
 

1. Scoop Out the Seeds First

The first step for any overgrown summer squash recipe is to cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seedy center.
 
Those big seeds are tough and slightly bitter, and removing them gives you a cleaner texture.
 
Once the seeds are out, you can grate, cube, or stuff what’s left.
 
This one move solves most of the problems with overgrown summer squash.
 

2. Grate It for Baking

Grating is probably the best thing to do with overgrown summer squash because it hides the tough texture completely.
 
Grated summer squash works beautifully in zucchini bread, muffins, fritters, and even chocolate cake.
 
Just squeeze the grated flesh in a clean towel to remove excess water before adding it to your batter.
 
You can freeze the grated squash in two-cup portions, so you always have overgrown summer squash ready for baking.
 

3. Make Fritters and Patties

If you want a savory way to use overgrown summer squash, fritters are a winner.
 
Combine grated, drained squash with egg, flour, cheese, and herbs, then pan-fry until golden.
 
The outer crust hides any mushiness, and the mild flavor of overgrown summer squash soaks up whatever seasoning you add.
 
Serve them with yogurt sauce or a squeeze of lemon.
 

4. Stuff and Bake Them

Another excellent option for what to do with overgrown summer squash is to treat it like a boat.
 
Halve it, scoop out the seeds, and fill the cavity with rice, ground meat, tomatoes, and cheese.
 
Bake until the squash flesh is fork-tender and the filling is bubbling.
 
Because the squash is so large, one stuffed half can feed two people easily.
 

Preserving Overgrown Summer Squash for Later

If you can’t eat it all now, preserving is a smart answer to what to do with overgrown summer squash.
 
These big squash hold a lot of water, so you’ll need to account for that in every preservation method.
 

1. Freeze It

Freezing is the easiest way to deal with overgrown summer squash.
 
Grate it, squeeze out the liquid, and pack it into freezer bags flat for easy stacking.
 
You can also blanch cubed squash for three minutes, then freeze on a tray before bagging.
 
Frozen overgrown summer squash works best in soups, stews, and baked goods rather than as a standalone side.
 

2. Dehydrate It

Dehydrating concentrates the flavor and removes all that excess water.
 
Slice overgrown summer squash thin, sprinkle with salt, and dry it until crisp.
 
You can eat the chips as a snack or rehydrate them later for casseroles.
 
This is a fantastic low-effort method when you have several overgrown summer squash on the counter.
 

3. Make Relish or Pickles

Overgrown summer squash makes a surprisingly good relish or pickle because it stays crunchy when handled right.
 
Dice it, salt it overnight, then simmer with vinegar, sugar, onions, and spices.
 
The result tastes a lot like cucumber relish and works on burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches.
 
This is one of the most rewarding things to do with overgrown summer squash if you enjoy canning.
 

Creative Non-Cooking Uses for Overgrown Summer Squash

Believe it or not, the kitchen isn’t the only place for overgrown summer squash.
 
If you’re still wondering what to do with overgrown summer squash beyond eating it, here are a few fun ideas.
 

1. Feed It to Animals

Chickens, pigs, goats, and rabbits all enjoy overgrown summer squash.
 
Just chop it up so they can manage the tough skin and seeds.
 
Many backyard flock owners count this as their favorite answer to what to do with overgrown summer squash.
 

2. Compost It

If the squash is too bitter or damaged, composting is a clean solution.
 
Chop it into smaller pieces so it breaks down faster, and bury it in the pile to avoid attracting pests.
 
Overgrown summer squash adds moisture and nutrients to your compost.
 

3. Donate It

Food banks and community fridges often accept garden surplus, including large squash.
 
Call ahead to confirm, then drop off your overgrown summer squash so someone else can enjoy it.
 
It’s a generous way to handle an abundance you can’t use yourself.
 

So, What to Do With Overgrown Summer Squash?

Overgrown summer squash is still edible and useful, even when it’s the size of a small torpedo.
 
You can grate it for baking, stuff it, fry it into fritters, freeze it, dehydrate it, or turn it into relish.
 
You can also feed it to animals, compost it, or donate it to someone who needs it.
 
The next time you’re stuck with a giant squash, you’ll know exactly what to do with overgrown summer squash.