Oh, let me tell you about my latest obsession – dried orange slices! I stumbled upon these little gems when I needed a healthy snack that wasn’t boring. Now I’m hooked. They’re like nature’s candy – sweet, tangy, and packed with sunshine. Perfect for when you want something satisfying without the guilt. Plus, they’re so versatile! I toss them in my tea, use them to fancy up cocktails, or just snack on them straight from the jar. And the best part? You only need two ingredients (oranges and maybe a drizzle of honey) to make magic happen. Trust me, once you try homemade dried orange slices, you’ll never look at store-bought snacks the same way again.
Why You’ll Love These Dried Orange Slices
Let me count the ways these little slices of sunshine will steal your heart:
- Natural sweetness that satisfies cravings without processed sugar – the honey glaze is optional but oh-so-good
- Incredibly versatile – toss them in tea, garnish cocktails, decorate cakes, or snack right out of the jar
- Packed with vitamin C – a healthy treat that actually tastes amazing (no “health food” aftertaste here)
- Super easy to make – just slice, bake, and you’re done! No fancy kitchen skills needed
Honestly, I keep a batch in my pantry at all times now. They’re that good.
Ingredients for Dried Orange Slices
Here’s the beautiful part – you only need two simple things to make these gorgeous dried orange slices. I love recipes like this that don’t require a grocery run or fancy ingredients!
- 2 large oranges – I always use seedless varieties like navel oranges (trust me, picking out seeds is no fun when you’re slicing thin)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional) – This is my little secret for extra caramelized edges and sweetness, but the oranges are delicious on their own too
That’s seriously it! The oranges need to be washed and dried really well though – I like to give mine a good scrub under warm water to remove any wax or residue. And if you’re feeling fancy, organic oranges work beautifully here since we’re using the whole fruit, peel and all.
How to Make Dried Orange Slices
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – turning those beautiful oranges into crispy, sweet slices of sunshine! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. I’ve made this so many times I could do it in my sleep (but please don’t try that – ovens and sleep don’t mix well).
Step 1: Prep the Oranges
First things first – grab your sharpest knife or, better yet, a mandoline if you have one. I learned the hard way that uneven slices don’t dry at the same rate (hello, burnt edges!). Aim for slices about 1/4-inch thick – thin enough to dry properly but thick enough to hold their shape. Pro tip: If you’re using a knife, take your time and pretend you’re a sushi chef going for perfect sashimi slices.
Step 2: Optional Honey Glaze
Here’s where I usually cheat and make my slices extra special. Warm the honey slightly (10 seconds in the microwave does the trick) so it brushes on easily. Use a pastry brush or even just the back of a spoon to lightly coat one side of each slice. Don’t go overboard – we’re going for a delicate sweetness, not sticky orange candy (though that doesn’t sound terrible either).
Step 3: Baking and Drying
Set your oven to 200°F (93°C) – low and slow is the name of the game here. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper (trust me, cleanup is so much easier this way). Arrange the slices in a single layer – no overlapping! Pop them in and set a timer for 90 minutes. When it goes off, flip each slice carefully with tongs. They’ll need another 60-90 minutes until they’re dry but still slightly flexible. Your kitchen will smell like a citrus grove – bonus!
Step 4: Cooling and Storing
This is the hardest part – waiting! Let the slices cool completely on the baking sheet. I know it’s tempting to taste one right away, but they crisp up as they cool. Once they’re room temperature, store them in an airtight container. If you skip this cooling step, you might end up with soggy slices from trapped steam – and nobody wants that.
Tips for Perfect Dried Orange Slices
After burning my fair share of batches (oops!), here are my hard-earned secrets for perfect dried orange slices every time:
- Seedless is best – Navel oranges work beautifully, and you won’t waste time picking out seeds
- Check early and often – Ovens vary, so peek at the 2-hour mark. They’re done when slightly flexible but not sticky
- Storage is key – Airtight containers keep them crisp. If they soften, pop them back in the oven for 15 minutes
- Thickness matters – Too thick and they won’t dry properly, too thin and they’ll burn. Aim for that sweet 1/4-inch spot
Follow these simple tricks, and you’ll have perfect citrus jewels ready for snacking or decorating!
Creative Ways to Use Dried Orange Slices
Oh, these little citrus gems are so much more than just a snack! I’ve gone wild experimenting with them – my favorite is dropping a slice into my morning tea (it makes me feel fancy without the Starbucks price tag). Try them in holiday cocktails – they make even a simple gin and tonic look magazine-worthy. Last Christmas, I strung them with cinnamon sticks for the prettiest homemade garland. And don’t get me started on baking – pressed into cookie dough or perched on a cake, they turn ordinary desserts into showstoppers. Honestly, once you start using them, you’ll find excuses to put orange slices in everything!
Storing Dried Orange Slices
Here’s the secret to keeping your dried orange slices fresh and crisp – an airtight container is your best friend! I use mason jars because they look pretty on my countertop too. At room temperature, they’ll stay perfect for about a week (if they last that long without being eaten!). If you want to extend their life, pop them in the fridge where they’ll keep for 2-3 weeks. Just make sure they’re completely cool before storing – any trapped moisture will make them soggy, and we definitely don’t want that!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates (my kitchen isn’t a lab, after all!). Per slice, you’re looking at about 15 calories, 3g natural sugar, and a nice vitamin C boost. They’re naturally fat-free and seriously guilt-free – my kind of snack!
FAQs About Dried Orange Slices
Can I use other citrus fruits?
Absolutely! Lemons, limes, and grapefruit work beautifully too. Just adjust the drying time – thinner citrus like limes may dry faster. My personal favorite is blood oranges when they’re in season – the color is stunning!
How long do they stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they’ll stay crisp for about a week at room temperature. If they soften, just pop them back in a low oven for 10-15 minutes to crisp up again.
Can I make these in a dehydrator?
You sure can! Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and let them go for 6-8 hours. Check occasionally – they’re done when leathery but not brittle.
Why are my slices sticking to the parchment?
This usually means they weren’t quite dry enough before flipping. Next time, wait until the edges start to curl slightly before turning. A light spritz of cooking spray on the parchment helps too!
Are the peels edible?
Yes! The peel becomes deliciously sweet when dried. Just make sure to wash the oranges thoroughly first to remove any wax or residue.
5 Irresistible Reasons to Love Dried Orange Slices
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Dried orange slices are a simple, healthy, and delicious snack. They are naturally sweet, packed with vitamins, and make a great addition to teas, cocktails, or as a garnish.
Ingredients
- 2 large oranges (preferably seedless)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Wash and dry the oranges thoroughly.
- Slice the oranges into thin, even rounds (about 1/4-inch thick).
- If desired, lightly brush each slice with honey for added sweetness.
- Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway, until dried but not burnt.
- Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for even slices.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to a week.
- Great for decorating cakes or adding to holiday wreaths.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 15
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: dried orange slices, healthy snack, citrus garnish, homemade