How to Grate Zucchini (2024)

Published on 08/19/22

by Erin

How to Grate Zucchini – We get it. It’s near the end of summer and you have a major overstock of zucchini in your fridge. Or maybe you just over bought at the grocery store. Either way, we’re showing you more than one way to grate zucchini so that rather than ending up in the compost, it’ll be the star of the show in your next sweet or savory recipe.

How To Grate Zucchini: A Step-by-Step Guide

While spelling zucchini isn’t the easiest, baking or cooking with it is. It’s mild flavor, texture, and hearty nutrition lends itself beautifully to some of our favorite desserts, sauces, side dishes, and main courses; Double Chocolate Zucchini Brownies, Zucchini Spaghetti, and Zucchini Boats to name a few. So if you’re thinking, “what can I do with my excess zucchinis,” you’ve come to the right place.

And if you are still finding yourself with excess zucchini – check out our tutorial on How to Freeze Zucchini!

What You Will Need

zucchini – Just one will do, but grab more depending on what your recipe calls for.
box grater or cheese grater – This is the more manual option, but will work just as well as other methods.
food processor – We love our food processor around here, especially when we’re in a time crunch.
cheese cloth – If you plan on draining your zucchini, a cheese cloth is a handy tool. And if it’s not available, squeezing with your hands will work just fine.

Read Also: our guide on How to Cut Zucchini

What Size Zucchini Is Best

We recommend using a small-medium sized zucchini for grating as they are less likely to have large seeds to work around. A medium zucchini will result in approximately 1 cup of shredded zucchini. If you happen to be using a larger zucchini and the seeds are large, cut the zucchini lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.

Should I Peel the Zucchini Before Grating

Nope. Just make sure to rise and dry it to remove any dirt or grime.

Do I Need to Drain My Grated Zucchini

This all depends on the recipe that you’re using your grated zucchini for. Check out the notes section in the recipe card for how to drain grated zucchini.

How To Freeze Grated Zucchini

Good question. Check out our full tutorial on how to freeze shredded or sliced zucchini. If you’re looking for the cliff notes version, grate, sprinkle with salt, let sit, squeeze out the moisture, place in an airtight, freezer safe container, and place in freezer. To keep your zucchini from getting soggy, really make sure you squeeze out as much water as possible.

How to Grate Zucchini with a Box Grater

Cut approximately 1/4 inch off each end and discard. Place grater over cutting board or plate and hold the grater with one hand and the zucchini with the other. Run end of zucchini up and down the grater with even pressure. Watch those fingers as you get near the end of the zucchini and discard the end.

How to Grate Zucchini with a Food Processor

Set up your food processor and ensure that the grating disc is set inside with the grating holes facing up. Cut approximately 1/4 inch off both ends and inert one end of the zucchini into the food chute and press down on the other end with the food pusher. Turn your food processor on and firmly press down on the zucchini while it shreds.

Grated Zucchini Recipes

The opportunities are endless here, my friends. Grated zucchini can be used in pasta sauces, baked goods, and side dishes, But one of our favorites is this Double- Chocolate Zucchini Brownies recipe.

And don’t forget about our light and fluffy Gluten-Free Zucchini muffins. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike.

How to Freeze Grated Zucchini

Simply squeeze as much moisture out of your grated zucchini as possible, place in an airtight, freezer safe container, and freeze for 3-4 months.

Stasher bags are one of our favorite ways to store our grated zucchini, both in the fridge and in the freezer.

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