Dried sliced oranges hold a special place in my heart. I first discovered their charm in my grandmother’s vibrant kitchen, where every slice of fruit was treated with care and imagination. Over time, this simple tradition turned into one of my favorite ways to combine beauty and function in the kitchen. Whether you’re wrapping gifts, styling a table, or adding a touch of citrus to your drinks, these sun-kissed slices bring a natural, fragrant elegance to any occasion. Let’s explore how these golden slices can bring a little sunshine to your holiday season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dried sliced oranges are more than just pretty—they’re a holiday multitasker. You’re going to love making these for a bunch of good reasons:
- Simplicity at its best: With just fresh oranges and a little time, you can create something uniquely beautiful.
- Versatile usage: Ideal for homemade garlands, wreaths, drink garnishes, or to decorate baked goods.
- Holiday gifting made easy: These slices are lightweight, non-perishable, and packable—perfect for hostess gifts or festive favors.
- Flexible drying methods: Use your oven or a dehydrator—whichever fits your kitchen setup.
- Long-lasting joy: When stored correctly, these slices stay fragrant and usable for months.
They’re also a fun family project. With kids or solo, slicing and drying oranges can become a mindful holiday ritual—cozy, crafty, and completely rewarding.
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Dried Sliced Oranges: A Delightful Homemade Treat
- Total Time: 4–8 hours
- Yield: 25 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These dried sliced oranges are a festive, fragrant, and multipurpose treat perfect for holiday décor, cocktail garnishes, or edible gifts. With just fresh oranges and patience, this recipe brings rustic charm and citrus warmth to any winter day.
Ingredients
- 4–6 small oranges (Blood Oranges, Cara Cara, or Tangelos)
- Water, for rinsing
- Paper towels
Instructions
- Wash the Oranges: Rinse thoroughly to clean the peel, which will be used.
- Slice Evenly: Cut into 3–5mm slices using a mandoline or sharp knife. Blot with paper towels.
- Oven Drying Method: Arrange slices on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 200°F for 3–4 hours, flipping hourly.
- Dehydrator Method: Place slices on trays. Set to 135°F and dry for 4–8 hours, checking regularly.
- Cool and Store: Let slices cool completely, then store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Store in a cool, dry place. Lasts up to 12 months.
- Use parchment to avoid sticking during baking.
- Add lemons or limes for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–8 hours
- Category: Snacks, DIY
- Method: Oven or Dehydrator
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 10
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully minimal. You’ll need:
- Fresh oranges (Blood Oranges, Cara Cara, Tangelos, or any small, colorful variety)
- Clean water (for rinsing)
- Paper towels (for blotting)
- Optional: lemons or limes for citrus variety
Pro Tip: Choose oranges with vibrant skins and minimal blemishes for the prettiest results.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Dried Sliced Oranges
Making dried orange slices is easy and meditative. Here’s how:
- Clean & Prep: Wash the oranges thoroughly, since you’ll be keeping the peel on.
- Slice Carefully: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to create uniform slices about 3–5mm thick. Pat each orange slice with a paper towel to soak up any extra juice.
- Choose Your Drying Method:
- For the oven method, cover your baking sheet with parchment and lay the slices out flat in one layer. Bake at 200°F (93°C) for 3–4 hours, turning slices every hour.
- Dehydrator Method: Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C). Place the slices on drying racks and let them dry out for 4 to 8 hours, checking every couple of hours to see how they’re doing.
The oranges are ready when they’re dry to the touch, translucent in the center, and no longer sticky.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
What makes this recipe a seasonal favorite? It’s the perfect balance of beauty and function:
- Natural sweetness: Slow drying intensifies the orange’s natural sugars without any additives.
- Visual charm: Their jewel-toned centers look stunning on any decor or dish.
- Aromatic depth: As they dry, oranges release subtle, warm citrus notes that linger.
Plus, this method preserves color and flavor without preservatives, aligning with a health-conscious lifestyle.
Serving Suggestions for Dried Sliced Oranges
Once your orange slices are perfectly dried, the fun really begins! Here’s how to use them:
- Holiday decorations: String them into garlands or wreaths for rustic, citrusy charm.
- Cocktail accents: Float them in spiced sangria, cider, or festive mocktails.
- Edible treats: Dip half of each slice in dark chocolate for a gourmet snack.
- Table styling: Add to place settings or centerpieces for an elegant touch.
- Gift wrapping: Tie onto ribbon or nestle inside mason jars for a handmade gift.
Looking for more holiday inspiration? Check out our Traditional Fruits at Christmas and How to Make a Beautiful Fruit Christmas Tree for more seasonal charm.
Conclusion
Dried sliced oranges are one of those magical recipes—simple, stunning, and endlessly useful. Whether you’re crafting, gifting, or just enjoying their aroma, these slices offer a cozy connection to tradition with a fresh twist. Best of all, they remind us how even a humble fruit can brighten winter days. Make a batch this season and discover all the joyful ways to use them. From my kitchen to yours—happy drying!
FAQs
Slice uniformly and blot moisture before drying. Set your oven to 200°F and dry the slices for 3 to 4 hours—or use a dehydrator at 135°F for up to 8 hours.. Turn regularly to prevent curling.
It usually takes about 3 to 4 hours in the oven, or 4 to 8 hours in a dehydrator, depending on how thick the slices are. Check early and often for dryness.
They’re perfect for stringing up in garlands, adding to cocktails, decorating holiday tables, or even dipping in chocolate for a sweet snack. They’re also lovely in gift wrapping or potpourri blends.
They retain some vitamin C, contain no added sugar, and are a natural, eco-friendly way to add beauty and fragrance to your life.
They should feel dry and firm, not sticky—and might even look a bit see-through in the middle. If they’re not fully firm yet, keep drying them until they lose that softness.
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