How to Make Dried Orange Slices
Today we’re making DIY dried orange slices to use for Christmas decor. When I think of the holidays, I think of baking, cozy nights, and all thing centered at home. So, it’s really no surprise that when it comes time to pick our my Christmas decor, I trend to trend towards DIY and homemade. There is something so comforting about gingerbread ornaments and popcorn garland.
Scroll on to learn how to make easy DYI orange slices.
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Dried Orange Slices Materials
- Oranges
- Knife
- Paper or kitchen towel
- Baking Sheet
- Silicon baking mat or parchment paper
- Cooling Rack
Directions
Step 1. Pre-heat Oven
Pre-heat your oven to 250 degree Fahrenheit
Step 2. Slice Oranges
Slice oranges 1/4 inches thick, slight variations are perfectly fine, but make sure to slice the oranges as uniform as you to ensure they bake evenly.
Step 3. Prep Oranges For Baking
Pat the orange slices dry with a towel and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Try to press as much juice out as possible without compromising the slice.
If you are using parchment paper, place the slices on a wire rack to avoid them from sticking to the paper, and allow for more airflow. If you don’t have an extra rack, it’s okay to skip this step.
Step 4. Bake and Flip
Bake for 2.5- 3 hours, flipping every 30 minutes, and removing when just beginning to brown and dry to the touch.
This process is magical and your house will smell *AMAZING.* I played this process by ear, and took some slices out early and let other bake a little longer- again it’s all about how thick the slices are.
Step 5. Let it Cool
Let the slices cool. Depending on who you ask, this can take anywhere from a few hours, until they are cool to the touch, to a few days to ensure they are fully dried out.
I don’t have the patience to wait days. Do what works for you. I will say, It’s been a few days, and I can see that some of my thicker pieces are still not fully dry- this goes back to step one- making sure they are thin enough.
Step 6. Get Creative
Make sure that when you are stringing or hanging the slices, you poke the needle or hook through the flesh of the orange, not the rind. This will save you some frustration.

How to Make A Dried Orange Garland
I love the traditional touch this garland gives my kitchen while still adding a festive pop of color.
I bought my garland for about $12 at Trader Joe’s this year, but you can certainly use any garland you want – both real and artificial. To be honest, artificial might be easier- hanging these was a little tricky because of the type of garland I chose. But, hey, it sure looks pretty.
Dried Orange Slices FAQs
How long do dried oranges last?
If dried and stored properly, dried oranges can last for years as decorations. If you plan on eating them, store them in an air-tight container for 1-2 years.
What can you use dried orange sliced for?
So many things! I’m using them for garland and gift tags, but you can also use them in floral arrangements, bowls, and even to garnish food.
Do dried oranges smell good?
Throughout the entire baking process, my house was filled with a warm citrus scent. It was heavenly.
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Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be sure to answers for you. What are your favorite DIY décor projects? Let me know in the comments!
This post DIY Dried Orange Slices first appeared on sophiemarini.com
I have been wanting to make orange garland this holiday season but didn’t know where to begin! Thank you for these instructions!
Of course- Enjoy! ??
Lovely written article, very easy to comprehend and beautiful photos! I can’t wait to try making these this year
I’ve been seeing these orange garlands going around on Instagram, but no one really said how they made them, aside from “dry the orange slices”. Thanks for the instructions! Do you think I would be able to adapt them to use a dehydrator instead of an oven?
I think it using a dehydrator would take a little longer but you would end up with a prettier result! Plus you don’t risk burning them!
This DIY looks easy and fun to make ! Friendly on the pocket as well . Thanks for sharing
Opened my mind up for a new and innovative also natural way for decorations this Christmas !
Say safe and merry Christmas !
What a wonderful ideas!
And also at low cost… I want to immediately put it into practice for this Christmas.
Thanks for sharing
Oh, I think I will try with my dehydrator too. Thank you for the post and idea! Your garland makes your house so homey!