A kitchen appliance is only worth having if you’ll actually use it. So, if you’re only using your dehydrator once a year when you have an abundance of apples, then we have a few new uses for your dehydrator.
We love to use ours for all sorts of fruits and vegetables. Check out this post, for more fruit and veggie tutorials.
This post features a few other uses, ones you might not think of for your dehydrator.
1. Jerky
With a variety of marinades, seasonings, and proteins, there are endless amounts of possibilities for making jerky. This recipe for beef jerky is great place to start. But then get creative and you’ll love these new uses for your dehydrator.
The Best Beef Jerky – Gimme Some Oven
Tofu jerky is a great snack for your outdoor adventures. If you like spice, this recipe is amazing. But tofu is a great protein for so many flavors! Get creative and surprise your vegetarian and vegan friends with this tasty snack.
Spicy Sriracha Tofu Jerky – Connoisseurus Veg
2. Raw Granola
The advantage of using your dehydrator for making granola is that you can dry it below 135* F, making it a raw snack. This will preserve all the nutrients your body needs. This recipe is slightly sweet, with just enough syrup to bind it all together. Make it a sweeter with a little extra syrup, if your sweet tooth is needing a little extra attention.
Raw Vegan Granola
3. Dog Treats
Customize treats for you pooch with your dehydrator. Biscuits or dried fruits and veggies.
Dehydrating Dog Treats – Treat Dreams
Consider some sweet potato and banana sticks for your pup! These are simple and so tasty for any breed of dog.
Healthy Homemade Dehydrated Dog Treats – Jeannette’s Healthy Living
4. Whole Meals
Dehydrating a whole meal seems over-the-top, until you consider its potential for hiking, camping, and backpacking. Homemade goodness with a bit of boiling water! You control the ingredients and quality of your food! This website has all the info you need for dehydrating food for backpacking.
Dehydrating Whole Meals – Trail Recipes
5. Fruit Roll Ups
This favorite snack is often filled with an excessive amount of sugar. Take control of the sugar and ingredients and make your own! This will get gobbled up as fast as you can make it!
Homemade Fruit Leather – Two Peas and Their Pod
6. Homemade Pasta
Making pasta a home is easier than you’d think. And tastier. And now you can make a bunch to eat now and dry the rest for later. Drying in your dehydrator ensures your final product is shelf stable and will cook up beautifully!
Homemade Pasta – Nourishing Joy
Our favorite food dehydrator, the Nesco Gardenmaster, comes with 8 trays, allowing you to make an abundance of dried food! It also includes fruit leather trays and non-stick trays, setting you up for success with all these tasty new uses for your dehydrator.
