I’ll never forget the first time I tried dried oranges – it was during a holiday market visit, tucked between fancy cheeses and artisan breads. The vendor handed me a slice, and wow! That burst of citrusy sweetness with just a hint of chewiness? I was hooked. Turns out, making your own dried oranges at home is ridiculously easy, and they’re the perfect healthy snack or pretty garnish. These little sunshine slices are naturally sweet, require just two ingredients (oranges and a sprinkle of sugar if you’re feeling fancy), and can jazz up everything from your morning tea to a cheese board. Trust me, once you try this simple dried oranges recipe, you’ll be looking for delicious snack ideas to use them in every day!

Why You’ll Love This Dried Oranges Recipe

Let me tell you why this recipe is about to become your new obsession:

Effortless prep – Seriously, if you can slice oranges and turn on your oven, you’re already halfway there
Guilt-free snacking – All the natural sweetness of oranges without any weird additives or preservatives
Endless uses – Toss ’em in tea, top your oatmeal, or make your charcuterie board look like it came from a fancy bistro
Pantry-friendly – Just oranges! (And maybe a sprinkle of sugar if you’re feeling extra)
That perfect texture – A little chewy, a little crisp, with concentrated citrus flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance

Honestly, I make these every Sunday now – they disappear faster than I can bake them!

Ingredients for Dried Oranges

Here’s all you’ll need for these sunny little treats – I bet you’ve got most of it already!

2 large oranges (the juicier the better – I love navel oranges for this)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, but gives a lovely light caramelization)
Parchment paper (trust me, this keeps them from sticking like glue to your baking sheet)

That’s it! Sometimes the simplest things taste the best, don’t you think? Now let’s get those oranges sliced up.

Equipment You’ll Need

Grab these basics from your kitchen – nothing fancy required!

Baking sheet (any size works, but a standard half-sheet is perfect)
Parchment paper (my lifesaver for easy cleanup)
Sharp knife (or a mandoline if you want ultra-thin slices)
Cooling rack (so they crisp up nicely)

See? Told you it was simple. Now let’s make some magic happen!

How to Make Dried Oranges

Okay, let’s get these gorgeous citrus slices baking! I promise it’s easier than you think – just follow these simple steps for perfect dried oranges every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first – crank your oven to 200°F (95°C). While it’s heating up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step saves you from sticky orange disasters later!

Step 2: Slice and Arrange

Now for the fun part – slicing! Aim for 1/4-inch thick rounds (about the width of a pencil). Too thin and they’ll burn, too thick and they won’t dry properly. Arrange them in a single layer with some breathing room – they shouldn’t touch!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop them in the oven and set your timer for 1.5 hours. Then flip each slice like you’re turning pancakes – this ensures even drying. Bake another 1-1.5 hours until they’re leathery with slightly crisp edges. Your kitchen will smell like citrus heaven!

Step 4: Cool and Store

Let them cool completely on a rack – they’ll crisp up more as they cool. Once room temperature, tuck them into an airtight container. If they last long enough to store, that is – mine never do!

Tips for Perfect Dried Oranges

Want pro-level dried oranges every time? Here are my foolproof tricks:

Slice smart – Use a ruler or mandoline for uniform thickness (about 1/4 inch). Uneven slices = uneven drying!
Check often – After 2 hours, peek every 15 minutes. They’re done when leathery with slightly crisp edges – not burnt!
Seal tight – Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll stay crisp for days (if they last that long).
Get creative – Try sprinkling cinnamon, cardamom, or even chili powder before baking for fun flavor twists!

Trust me, these little tips make all the difference between “meh” and “wow!”

Variations and Serving Ideas

Oh, the possibilities with these sunny little slices! Once you’ve mastered the basic dried oranges recipe, try these fun twists:

Spice it up – Dust with cinnamon or cardamom before baking for a warm, aromatic kick
Tea time – Drop a slice in your favorite herbal tea – it infuses beautifully as it rehydrates
Cheese board magic – Arrange them with brie and crackers for a stunning (and tasty!) presentation
Salad sparkle – Crumble over winter greens with goat cheese and walnuts
Sweet treats – Dip half in dark chocolate for an elegant dessert garnish

My personal favorite? Tossing them in trail mix – that citrusy zing cuts through the sweetness perfectly!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the beautiful thing about these dried oranges – they store like a dream! Just pop them in an airtight container with parchment between layers (so they don’t stick together), and they’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to a week. No reheating needed – they’re perfect straight from the container!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are just estimates since orange sizes vary. Each beautiful slice comes in at about 20 calories, with 0g fat and 5g carbs (mostly from natural fruit sugars). They’re packed with vitamin C too – nature’s candy at its finest! Of course, if you add that optional sugar sprinkle, just tack on a couple extra calories. But honestly? These are so guilt-free, I sometimes eat half the batch in one sitting!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about these dried orange slices all the time – here are the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my honest answers!):

Can I use other citrus fruits for this recipe?
Absolutely! Lemons, limes, and grapefruit work beautifully too – just adjust baking times since thickness varies. My personal favorite? Blood oranges – they dry into the most stunning ruby-red slices!

How long do dried oranges last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they’ll stay crisp and delicious for about a week. Though in my house, they rarely last more than two days before disappearing!

Are they supposed to be chewy or crisp?
Here’s the fun part – it’s totally up to you! Less time in the oven = chewier texture (perfect for teas), longer baking = crisper chips (amazing for snacking). I like mine right in the middle – slightly leathery with crisp edges.

Can I make these without sugar?
You bet! The natural fruit sugars caramelize beautifully on their own. The sugar sprinkle is just for a little extra sparkle and sweetness.

Why are some of my slices sticking to the parchment?
Oh, I’ve been there! Make sure to flip them halfway through baking, and let them cool completely before removing. If they still stick, try a light spritz of cooking spray on the parchment first.

Share Your Experience

Did you try this dried oranges recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Tag me with your citrusy creations or leave a comment – your kitchen adventures inspire my next batch!

“35-Minute Dried Oranges Recipe: A Delicious Snack You’ll Crave”

Author: Zach
Total Time: 3 hours 10 mins
Yield: 10-12 slices 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious snack made from dried oranges. Perfect for a healthy treat or as a decorative garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large oranges
1 tbsp sugar (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C).
Slice the oranges into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.
Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Sprinkle lightly with sugar if desired.
Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway, until dried and slightly crisp.
Let cool before serving or storing.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Use as a snack, in teas, or as a garnish.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 20
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: dried oranges, healthy snack, easy recipe, vegan, citrus