How to Use Zucchini - Recipes & Fun Facts

Zucchini season peaks in the summer and, let me tell you, farmers are in for it once it does. This is a rapidly growing vegetable that needs to be picked daily. The prickly parts of the plant make it bothersome to harvest in large quantities and will leave most individuals' skin irritated if not covered properly. Still, it is a delicious and well-growing crop in our home state of Pennsylvania so it’s very common to see it in abundance from the area growers as early as mid-June.

Many hobby gardeners will also choose to grow it at home and there is often a period where locals will show off their zucchini that has reached a monstrous size. Ironically, the zucchini should be picked long before it reaches such a size and the general rule of thumb is actually smaller=better. The larger zucchinis are not as flavorful, have a tougher skin, and will not pack as much nutrients as the small types so reach for those that are just about 8-10 inches long and on the thin side.

Zucchini can be enjoyed so many ways, which is quite possibly why it’s so popular. It can be cooked in the oven, on the stove top and the grill, shredded, and even enjoyed raw. If you own the right tool, you may create zucchini noodles (or zoodles as they say). 

Use the recipes below to enjoy zucchini from the Produce Patch or let them serve as inspiration for your own creations.

Easy Sauteed Zucchini

You’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 5 medium zucchini (thinly sliced)
• salt & black pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Full recipe: https://www.savorynothings.com/easy-sauteed-zucchini/

Japanese Zucchini

You’ll need:

• 3 medium zucchini,
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium sweet onion, coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teapsoon toasted sesame seeds

Full recipe: https://spicysouthernkitchen.com/japanese-zucchini/

Zucchini Garlic Bites

You’ll need:

• 1 cup zucchini grated and drained well
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated fine
• 1 clove garlic grated fine
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh basil chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano chopped
• pinch of salt and pepper
• tomato sauce for dipping

Full recipe: https://growagoodlife.com/zucchini-garlic-bites/

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

You’ll need:

• 40 ounces (approximately) Zucchini, large, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 5 ounces Onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• ½ cup Heavy Cream
• 6 ounces Gruyere Cheese, grated and divided
• 4 ounces Parmesan Cheese, grated and divided

Full recipe: https://www.homemadeinterest.com/cheesy-zucchini-casserole/

Zucchini Breakfast Cookies

You’ll need:

• 1 1/2 cups quick oats
• 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 cup oat flour OR ground grain of your choice
• 1/4 cup ground golden flax OR chia seeds
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 4 tablespoons melted coconut oil OR butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Full recipe: https://www.savorynothings.com/zucchini-bread-breakfast-cookies/

Zucchini Cheddar Bread

You’ll need:

• 1 1/2 cups zucchini, grated
• 2 cups all purpose white flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon vinegar, white or apple cider
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar
• 2 green onions, chopped

Full recipe: https://laughingspatula.com/savory-zucchini-cheddar-quick-bread/

Grilled Zucchini

You’ll need:

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced into thick strips
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for garnish
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 basil leaves, torn into medium pieces

Full recipe: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a53484/grilled-zucchini-recipe/