Prepare another versatile pantry staple with those Dehydrated Tomatoes Recipe. Learn how to easily dehydrate tomatoes using a food dehydrator, creating a perfect dry tomato snack or a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes. Discover the simplicity of making dehydrated tomatoes at home with the intense and concentrated flavors these tomatoes bring to your meals.
The first time I made my own, I was hooked. The taste, flavor, and flexibility of making dried tomatoes at home are unreal.
Sprinkle on your favorite vegetable soups for an instant tomato flavor, or mix with your go-to snack platter with soaked almonds, baked radish chips, and gluten-free pretzels.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Strong Tomato Flavor – dehydration strengthens the natural sweetness and umami of tomatoes, creating a concentrated burst of flavor that can enhance even the simplest dishes.
- Extends Tomatoes Shelf Life – by removing the moisture, dehydrating tomatoes extends their shelf life, allowing you to enjoy the taste of summer all year round.
- Versatile Ingredient – from salads to pasta, pizzas, and beyond, dehydrated tomatoes add a twist to various recipes you cook. You can go even further and prepare tomato powder on hand at all times.
Best Season For Tomatoes
The best season for tomatoes is summer. They thrive in warm weather and get the most sunlight this season, making them taste juicy and flavorful. I always include tomatoes in my grocery list, especially in summer. I get a bunch of tomatoes at their freshest and most delicious state.
How To Make Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Drying tomatoes in direct sunlight is an old way of dehydrating them, and some people still use this method as it does not require any gadgets, only natural sunlight.
You can sun-dry them by placing the tomatoes on trays or baking sheets, ensuring they are not touching. Use screens or cheesecloth to protect them from insects. Put the trays of tomatoes in a shaded location with good air to circulate and rotate them from time to time for even drying.
Remember to bring them indoors at night to prevent moisture from coming back.
Dry Tomatoes In The Oven
Drying tomatoes in the oven is almost the same as sun-drying, but the difference is this method requires a gadget, which is the oven. It is one of my easiest drying methods, second to using a dehydrator.
Tomatoes or any vegetables are okay to dry using the oven, and they are also safe. The only downside of this method is how you will control the temperature during the drying process. Make sure your oven is set at the lowest temperature.
How To Make Dehydrated Tomatoes In The Food Dehydrator
Let us get into making this easy-to-follow recipe. This recipe will not only help you preserve your tomatoes sitting in your kitchen, but it will also let you experiment with various dishes where you can add twists and make different takes using dehydrated tomatoes.
Kitchen Gadgets:
- Dehydrator: This is used to dry the tomato slices perfectly. Drying tomatoes in the dehydrator or oven is recommended.
- Kitchen Brush: A vital tool for spreading the olive oil onto the dehydrator trays.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Tomatoes: Opt for ripe, fresh, and flavorful tomatoes. Roma tomatoes work well due to their low moisture content, but you can use any type you like.
- Olive Oil: It will allow the tomato slices to breathe and prevent sticking during the drying process. It can also enhance the flavor of the tomatoes once they are dried.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS WITH STEPS FOR DRIED TOMATOES IN A DEHYDRATOR
First Step: Prepare Your Tomatoes
Wash your tomatoes thoroughly and fully clean their outer skins. You can get your plum tomatoes from grocery stores or farmer’s markets to ensure you have the freshest ones with excellent quality.
Since we are dehydrating tomatoes in this recipe, it does not matter if you use small or large tomatoes.
Slice the tomatoes evenly into 1/4-inch thick rounds for an even drying later—no need to cut the sides of the tomatoes.
Second Step: Brush Olive Oil
Prepare your dehydrator trays by attaching a silicone insert inside. You can use parchment paper for the trays if you do not have that.
Brush a little olive oil on the surface and spread it evenly.
Third Step: Assemble The Tomato Slices
Once you have the olive oil, arrange the sliced tomatoes in a single layer of the dehydrator trays. Make sure the tomatoes do not stack to each other. Close the lid and dehydrate for 8-10 hours or until the tomatoes are thoroughly dried.
Fourth Step: Check The Tomatoes
After dehydrating the sliced tomatoes, check for their texture if they are dried enough for you. You can tell by its appearance and texture if they are done or need more drying.
If they look like this, they are excellent and ready for storage.
TRICKS AND TIPS FOR MAKING THESE DRIED TOMATOES:
- Picking tomatoes – you are free to use any tomato you want if it is fresh and plum red. Cherry and grape tomatoes are also okay. Try to avoid the ones with high water content.
- Drying process – with the drying process, you can use other methods like sun-drying and oven-drying. I just used the food dehydrator because it is convenient and easy to use.
- Season – You can also experiment with seasoning your tomatoes before drying them for a flavorful taste. Add herbs and spices for a savory kick once the tomatoes are dried.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I Make Tomato Sauce Using Sundried Tomatoes?
Yes, you can, and in this process, you will have to rehydrate the tomatoes in hot water. You have to let them get soft so you can blend them with other ingredients of your tomato sauce.
How Long Can Dehydrated Tomatoes Last?
Dehydrated tomatoes can last for a long time if stored properly. Please keep them in an airtight container like a pantry in a cool, dark place. They can last for several months to a year.
Remember to check them also when stored. If you notice any discoloration or off-odors, discard them immediately so they will not affect your dishes.
Yes, you can use cherry tomatoes to make dehydrated tomatoes. Cut them in slices, and follow the same process as what I have made. Cherry tomatoes are juicy tomatoes with a sweet and concentrated flavor, perfect for any dish.
What to Serve With Dried Tomatoes?
You can serve your dehydrated tomatoes as an appetizer with rutabaga fries and pickled daikon on the side. Use them for topping your homemade pizza and sprinkle on pasta dishes.
Add them to your oven-baked cauliflower rice for an additional flavor from the tomatoes. They are also perfect for adding a sweet and tangy taste to salads.
You can also add them to various meals, like 20 Minute Orzo Pasta.
How Do I Store Dehydrated Tomatoes?
To store them, place tomatoes in an airtight container or sealable bag. Keep them in a cool, dry place at room temperature and away from direct sunlight, such as a pantry or cupboard. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture from getting in, which can cause the tomatoes to spoil.
If stored properly, you can preserve and use tomatoes all year round, maintaining their flavor and quality.
More Dehydrated Food Recipes
In addition to this dehydrated recipe, let us explore more of our dried food recipes, which you can have as snacks or add to your dishes.
Try our dehydrated cucumbers for a healthier snack and a substitute for potato chips. These chicken chip jerky are also perfect for a chewy snack and topping chicken dishes like crack chicken casserole. You can also try our dehydrated cranberries for a sweeter treat.
When starting clean eating, you should also start making your homemade snacks, and you will realize they are better than the store-bought ones.
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How To Make Dehydrated Tomatoes At Home
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Teaspoon Olive Oil
- 2 Cups Tomatoes Sliced
Instructions
- Wash your tomatoes thoroughly and fully clean their outer skins. Slice the tomatoes evenly into 1/4-inch thick rounds for an even drying later—no need to cut the sides of the tomatoes.
- Prepare your dehydrator trays by attaching a silicone insert inside. You can use parchment paper for the trays if you do not have that. Brush a little olive oil on the surface and spread it evenly.
- Once you have the olive oil, arrange the sliced tomatoes in a single layer of the dehydrator trays. Make sure the tomatoes do not stack to each other. Close the lid and dehydrate for 8-10 hours or until the tomatoes are thoroughly dried.
- After dehydrating the sliced tomatoes, check for their texture if they are dried enough for you. You can tell by its appearance and texture if they are done or need more drying.
Video
Notes
- Picking tomatoes –Â you are free to use any tomato you want if it is fresh and plum red. Cherry and grape tomatoes are also okay. Try to avoid the ones with high water content.Â
- Drying process –Â with the drying process, you can use other methods like sun-drying and oven-drying. I just used the food dehydrator because it is convenient and easy to use.
- Season –Â You can also experiment with seasoning your tomatoes before drying them for a flavorful taste. Add herbs and spices for a savory kick once the tomatoes are dried.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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