29 Surprising Ways to Cook With Zucchini

Zucchini slices make perfect finger food. It’s fun to make a topping for zucchini and a good solution for a never-ending crop. — Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grv, Utah

Flavorful, nutritious and versatile, this pizza is easy to prep ahead and freeze—and fun to make with kids. It also quadruples nicely. What's not to like? —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut

Years ago, I added some zucchini to a peanut butter bar I had created, and this time I wanted to try it with a cake. The zucchini makes it super moist but doesn’t get in the way of the chocolate and peanut butter goodness.—Marilyn Blankschien, Clintonville, Wisconsin

Pair up these zucchini boats with charred pork chops, smoked fish and other grilled greats. Not warm enough for cooking al fresco? Your old-fashioned oven will do. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

This tangy shrimp is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois

The first time I made this, I gave some to my daughter, who hates zucchini, and she said it was the best thing I ever made! It has been an excellent and wholesome way to use up all of the zucchini from my garden. If using thawed shredded zucchini, make sure to drain very well. —Tammy Kirsch, Arcade, New York

My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or try sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

I asked my grandmother for this recipe after trying these irresistible spice cupcakes at her home. I love their creamy caramel frosting. They're such a scrumptious dessert you actually forget you're eating your vegetables, too! —Virginia Lapierre, Greensboro Bend, Vermont

I coat zucchini strips with a mixture of panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and spices, then bake them until they're crispy and golden brown. Delicious!—Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

My mother-in-law shared the recipe for this unique pizza with me. It's just right for brunch, lunch or a light supper. Loosen the nutritious zucchini crust from the pan with a metal spatula. —Ruth Denomme, Englehart, Ontario

When we lived on the East Coast, a nearby fruit and vegetable stand had a bakery featuring these soft cakelike cookies. We missed every bite when we moved away, so I developed this recipe. —Barbara Franklin, Tucson, Arizona

With just-picked-from-the-garden-zucchini, your kids won’t even know these burgers are meatless. —Kimberly Danek Pinkson, San Anselmo, California

These colorful little drop biscuits are very easy to put together and yet are packed full of flavor. I serve them warm out of the oven. —Keith Mesch, Mt. Healthy, Ohio

Shredded zucchini adds makes these walnutty muffins extra tender. If you have lots of zucchini in summer as many of us do, this is a good way to use some of it. —Harriet Stichter, Milford, Indiana

A fast-to-fix peanut butter and chocolate frosting tops these moist brownies that are a sweet way to use up your green garden squash. We really like the cake-like texture of these zucchini brownies. —Allyson Wilkins, Amherst, New Hampshire

As novice gardeners, my husband and I sowed zucchini seeds—15 hills' worth! Happily, my family requests this side dish often, so it's a keeper. —Carol Ellerbroek, Gladstone, Illinois

I shred and freeze zucchini from my garden each summer so that I can make this bread all winter long. Our family loves this chocolaty treat.—Shari Mckinney, Birney, Montana

This simple snack recipe is the perfect, low-carb way to satisfy your pizza cravings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

In the great outdoors, we surprise our fellow campers who don't think it's possible to have standout pizza in the backwoods. This one with zucchini proves our point! —Jessee Arriaga, Reno, Nevada

These cookies are great! They don't last very long at my house. Why don't you see how long they last at yours? —Mili Seemar, Chatham, New Jersey

I received this recipe through a friend at a weight loss group. I make at least eight batches of the salsa every year. It's truly a hit with family and friends! —Cheryl Jacobsen, Warburg, Alberta

With so much zucchini in season, I found a new way to use it up in this spiced and lightly sweet cake. It even won a blue ribbon at our county fair! —Regina Stock, Topeka, Kansas

I like to use this jelly as a condiment. It's always a conversation piece—everyone wonders about the "green" ingredient! This beautiful jelly is so easy to make and I often use it as a gift-giving item for the holidays. —Ruth Glick, Dalton, Ohio

I used the corn, peppers and zucchini in my fridge to create these quick and easy quesadillas. Dollop with sour cream and you're good to go. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

I’m always looking for ways to serve my family healthy and delicious food, so I started experimenting with my favorite veggies and ground beef. I came up with this favorite that my three kids actually request! This healthy take on sloppy joes reminds me of my own childhood. —Megan Niebuhr, Yakima Washington

If your garden is overflowing with zucchini this time of year, make these incredible pancakes to use it up. We squeeze the zucchini well before using to remove excess moisture. —Terry Ann Dominguez, Silver City, New Mexico

I saw a bar recipe using apple and lemon peel on a muffin mix box. I tried it from scratch with shredded zucchini and fresh blueberries instead. It’s a nifty combo. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

This loaf has a rugged, textured look that adds to its old-fashioned appeal. The mild Parmesan flavor nicely complements the zucchini, which adds bits of green color to every tender slice. —Christine Wilson, Sellersville, Pennsylvania