How to Freeze Squash So You Can Enjoy It All Year Long (2024)

How to Freeze Raw Squash

Peel and slice winter squash before you freeze it, and your future self will thank you. Then, follow the steps below:

1. Peel the squash, and remove its seeds with a spoon.
2. Slice the squash into manageable chunks (roughly 1-inch cubes).
3. Lay out the diced squash on a baking sheet in a single layer, then place it in the freezer for about an hour, or until frozen.
4. Transfer the squash to a plastic bag, and store in the freezer for up to a year. Label the bag with the date to keep track of its age.

Once you’re ready to thaw the squash you have frozen, go ahead and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can also drizzle the squash with olive oil and roast it from frozen. Just note that it will take a bit longer to cook.

How to Freeze Cooked Squash

The best way to freeze cooked squash is by puréeing it and freezing it in that form. This method not only preserves the squash, but helps it retain its flavor and texture once defrosted.

1. Scoop squash purée into an ice cube tray, then place it in the freezer for about an hour, or until frozen.
2. Transfer squash purée cubes to a plastic bag, and store in the freezer for up to three months. Label the bag with the date to keep track of its age.
   

When you’re ready to use the squash, heat it up from frozen in a saucepan on the stovetop. It should be fully defrosted within a few minutes.

How Long Does Frozen Squash Last?

Good news, squash fans: Your frozen squash will still be delicious for up to 10 months in the freezer before it starts to lose quality. Of course, the sooner you enjoy it, the better the quality will be. (And you'll reduce the risk you get the dreaded freezer burn.)

Can All Types of Squash Be Frozen?

You can freeze both winter and summer squashes, including everything from acorn and butternut to spaghetti and zucchini.

For summer varieties like zucchini, blanching helps preserve the quality—and avoid having the zucchini weeping as you thaw it.

How to Use Frozen Squash in Your Cooking

While you can defrost squash in the freezer overnight or on the defrost setting in your microwave, you can also just use it straight from the freezer.

It's best to use frozen squash in recipes where it's cooked, whether you opt to roast them, sauté them, or bake them into zucchini bread. Try your frozen squash on these recipes:

Pork and Kabocha Squash Curry

This flavorful curry can be served with other types of squash, including acorn or pumpkin.

Slow-Cooker Squash Lasagna

If you froze pureed squash, this creamy (and oh-so-easy) slow cooker recipe is just the thing to use it. You'll just need to thaw your squash to layer in with ricotta and lasagna noodles.

Red Lentil Squash Soup WIth Lemon

Cubed butternut squash lends a creamy texture to this hearty and healthy winter soup. And if you have leftovers of the soup, it also freezes beautifully.

Grilled Turkey-Zucchini Burgers

Freeze some of your zucchini bounty in a shredded form, and you can use it to add moisture and tenderness to this lighter version of the classic burger.

Roasted Butternut Squash With Tahini Sauce

Roasting is a great way to use frozen squash. Just add a few extra minutes to the roasting time to ensure that crispy, caramelized texture.

Butternut Squash and Sausage Stuffing

This hearty stuffing is a perfect side dish for the winter months. (Or it can be a main dish, too!)