How to make dried orange slices for cocktails, mulled beverages, and seasonal decorating. No dehydrator needed for this fun holiday project!
Dried orange slices are a fun and festive project for the winter holiday season ~ just follow my easy step by step instructions!
What you’ll need to make dried orange slices
- Fresh oranges
- any variety such as tangerines, clementines, blood orange, or navel oranges
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Paper towels
- Baking sheet
- Baking rack
how to dry orange slices in the oven
I dry my oranges in the oven. If you prefer to do yours in a dehydrator, instructions are in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). A low temperature ensures the slices dry slowly and evenly. - Wash & slice the oranges
Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the oranges into 1/4-inch thick rounds (try to keep the slices even for consistent drying.) - Pat the slices dry
Lay the orange slices on a paper towel and gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This helps speed up the drying process. Remove any large seeds. - Arrange on rack on a baking sheet
Place a rack on a baking sheet. Arrange the orange slices in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. - Bake slowly
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Let the slices dry for 2-3 hours, flipping them occasionally. Check periodically, the slices are ready when they are dry and slightly translucent. If they are soft or sticky, give them more time. - Cool completely
Remove the orange slices from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will continue to harden as they cool.
Storage tips for dried oranges
For long-term storage, keep them in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
Store the dried slices in an airtight container or cellophane bags to keep them crisp.
If you plan to consume your dried orange slices use them within 6 months. For crafting purposes they will last up to 2 years.
culinary uses for dried orange slices
Cocktails and Beverages
Use dried orange slices as a garnish for fall and winter cocktails like a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Boulevardier.
Float dried oranges in mulled beverages for a festive look and a hint of citrus flavor. I will sometimes add dried orange slices to my Mulling Spice Recipe.
They also work well in hot teas. You can make a simple orange tea with dried orange slices and hot water.
- Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
- Mulled Cider
- Pomegranate Mulled Cider
- Mulled Wine Poached Pears
- Easy Mulled Cranberry Jelly
- Mulled Cider Jelly
Cheese plates and charcuterie boards
Dried orange slices are a beautiful accent for holiday appetizer platters. While they are completely edible, and some love the crisp bittersweet flavor, I tend to use them more as a garnish.
- Holiday Appetizer Wreath
- How to Make an Epic Cheese Board
- Mini Cheese Ball Holiday Platter
- How to Make the Ultimate Cheese Board
crafting uses for dried oranges
garlands and wreaths
- String dried orange slices with twine or ribbon to make garlands for your mantel, windows, or Christmas tree. Use them as natural ornaments by adding a loop of string. Just use a regular needle and thread for this.
- Tuck them into your fresh or faux wreaths.
gift wrapping
- Use dried orange slices as natural decoration for gifts. Tie them onto presents with twine or raffia or tuck into a ribbon or bow. I like to add a sprig of rosemary or evergreen.
potpourri
- Combine dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, dried flowers (like lavender or rose), and dried herbs (such as rosemary) in a small decorative bowl.
Dried Orange Slices
Make your own dried orange slices at home with this easy oven method ~ for mulled drinks, tea, cheese plates, and potpourri!
Servings: 24
Equipment
- baking rack
- sharp knife or mandoline slicer
Ingredients
- 3 oranges, washed and dried
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). A low temperature ensures the slices dry slowly and evenly.
- Using a sharp chef's knife, serrated knife, or mandoline, slice the oranges into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Try to keep the slices even for consistent drying.
- Lay the orange slices on a paper towel and gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This helps speed up the drying process.
- Place your rack onto a baking sheet. Arrange the orange slices in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Let the slices dry for 2-3 hours, flipping them occasionally. Check periodically as ovens vary quite a bit. The slices are ready when they are dry and slightly translucent. If they are still soft or sticky, bake a little longer.
- Let the slices cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
If you plan to consume your dried orange slices use them within 6 months. For crafting purposes they will last up to 2 years.
To dry orange slices in a dehydrator
- Prep the oranges:
Wash the oranges thoroughly. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline for even slices. - Remove excess moisture:
Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps speed up the drying process. - Arrange on dehydrator trays:
Place the slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, making sure they don’t overlap. This allows for proper airflow. - Set dehydrator temperature:
Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C), which is ideal for drying fruits. - Dehydrate:
Dry the orange slices for 8-10 hours, depending on the thickness and moisture content. Check periodically for doneness; they should be dry but still slightly pliable, not brittle.
Nutrition
Calories: 9 kcal · Carbohydrates: 2 g · Protein: 0.2 g · Fat: 0.03 g · Saturated Fat: 0.003 g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01 g · Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01 g · Sodium: 0.2 mg · Potassium: 29 mg · Fiber: 0.4 g · Sugar: 1 g · Vitamin A: 43 IU · Vitamin C: 10 mg · Calcium: 8 mg · Iron: 0.02 mg
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although The View from Great Island attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Did You Make This?We love seeing what you’ve made! Tag us on social media at @theviewfromgreatisland for a chance to be featured.
more orange recipes!
Candied Orange Peel
Soft and chewy candied orange peel is delicious on its own, or baked up into holiday treats!
View this recipe
Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies
Chocolate dipped orange shortbread cookies are slice and bake citrus-infused cookies dipped in dark chocolate.This classic combination is fabulous!
View this recipe
Tangerine Poppy Seed Cake
A coffee cake for tangerine lovers with a burst of citrus flavor and a subtle crunch from poppy seeds/
View this recipe
Blood Orange Jam
Blood Orange Jam is an easy small batch jam that highlights the unique flavor and color of blood oranges!
View this recipe
Orange and Cardamom Muffins
Orange and Cardamom Muffins ~ delicately fragrant muffins flavored with bright orange zest and warm, spicy cardamom, this easy muffin recipe is unique and delicious!
View this recipe
Not only did you explain how to dry the orange slices, you offered so many ways to use them. Great post!