How to Dry Parsley In the Oven

I love using fresh herbs when I cook. But there are also times when you need some dried herbs on hand and ready to go. If you’ve ever wondered how to dry parsley, I’m here to help you make this kitchen staple quickly and easily.

Dried herbs are really convenient, but they can be expensive. The next time you’re in the grocery store, check out the prices for those little glass jars they sell.

I’m about to show you how to save some money and have a little fun while doing it. Let’s learn how to dry parsley for your recipes.

Dry parsley is one of the dried herbs I use most often. It’s convenient, versatile, and perfect for quick sauces, meatballs, or sprinkling on breadcrumbs for chicken cutlets.

I don’t know about you, but I always seem to have way too much fresh parsley on hand. Whether it’s from a grocery store bundle or an overzealous parsley plant in the garden, drying parsley is a great way to preserve those vibrant leaves and reduce waste.

Why Learn How to Dry Parsley?

Learning how to dry parsley is not only economical, but it also allows you to preserve that fresh, herbaceous flavor for longer. Here are some benefits:

• Reduce Waste: Prevent fresh parsley from wilting and being thrown away.
• Save Money: Skip expensive store-bought dried parsley by making your own at home.
• Convenience: Dried parsley has a longer shelf life and is always ready to use.

Different Methods to Dry Parsley

There are a few methods to dry parsley, depending on what you have available:

• Air Drying: Tie parsley in small bundles and hang in a cool, dry place. While effective, it can take several days.
• Sun Drying: Lay parsley leaves on a tray in direct sunlight for a day or two. Great for summer months!
• Using a Dehydrator: A food dehydrator can quickly dry parsley, but not everyone has one at home.
• Oven Drying: The quickest and easiest method, which we’ll focus on below.

When I go to the supermarket and buy a bunch of parsley for a recipe, I always have lots of parsley leftover. An easy way to save it for future use is to extend the shelf life by drying it in the oven.

How to Dry Parsley in the Oven

The drying process in the oven is really easy. The hot air is fast and efficient.

Here’s how:

1. Clean the Parsley:
   Wash the parsley with water to remove any dirt. Then, thoroughly dry it. You can use a salad spinner or pat it down with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 170°F. If your oven’s lowest setting is 180°F, that will work fine.
3. Prepare the Parsley:
   Place the parsley on a baking sheet in a single layer. There’s no need to remove the stems at this point, but avoid overlapping the leaves to ensure even drying.
4. Dry the Parsley:
   Put the baking sheet in the oven for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. If the parsley isn’t completely dry after 20 minutes, check every 5 minutes until it crumbles easily between your fingers.

5. Store Your Dried Parsley:
   Remove the dried parsley from the oven. Crumble it with your hands and store it in an airtight container like a mason jar or a small spice jar

Dried Parsley FAQs

How should I store my dried parsley?

Store your dried parsley in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like a spice cabinet. Avoid exposure to moisture or direct sunlight to maintain freshness.

How long does dried parsley last?

Properly stored dried parsley can last up to a year. For the best flavor, try to use it within 6 months.

Can I dry parsley without an oven?

Yes! You can air dry parsley by tying it into bundles and hanging it upside down in a dry, well-ventilated space.

How can I use my dried parsley?

Use it in recipes like breaded chicken cutlets, meatballs, lasagna, or even infused olive oil for drizzling on pizza crust.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Dried Parsley

• Use Fresh Parsley: Always start with the freshest parsley possible for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overlap Leaves: Spread parsley out in a single layer to ensure even drying.
• Check Often: Keep an eye on the parsley during the drying process to prevent burning.

Creative Uses for Dried Parsley

Cooking Applications

• Add to breadcrumbs for coating chicken, fish, or vegetables.
• Mix into sauces, soups, and stews for a burst of flavor.
• Sprinkle on pasta dishes or garlic bread for a finishing touch.

Homemade Seasoning Blends

• Combine dried parsley with garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to make a quick Italian seasoning blend.
• Add dried parsley to a homemade herb mix with oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a classic Italian herb blend.

DIY Herb Garnishes

• Use dried parsley to garnish dips, spreads, or creamy soups for an elevated presentation.
• Sprinkle on roasted vegetables for a pop of color and flavor.

Flavor-Infused Oils or Butters

• Mix dried parsley with softened butter, garlic, and a pinch of salt to create a savory compound butter for spreading on bread or melting over steak.
• Steep dried parsley in olive oil along with crushed garlic and chili flakes for a flavorful drizzle on roasted potatoes or pizza crust.

Parsley in Bread or Dough Recipes

• Incorporate dried parsley into focaccia dough or breadsticks to add a subtle herbaceous flavor.
• Add to homemade pizza dough for a unique Italian twist.

Why Dried Parsley Beats Store-Bought

Homemade dried parsley is fresher, more flavorful, and retains its vibrant green color better than many store-bought options. Plus, you control the process, ensuring there are no additives or preservatives.

Bringing It All Together: How to Dry Parsley

I know that having high-quality herbs on hand can make or break a recipe. Learning how to dry parsley is a simple yet impactful skill that ensures you always have this versatile herb ready to enhance your cooking.

From creating flavorful breading for chicken cutlets to finishing a hearty bowl of pasta, dried parsley brings convenience and classic Italian flair to your dishes. Plus, drying parsley at home allows you to preserve its vibrant flavor and color while reducing waste.

Give it a try, and let me know how you use your dried parsley in your favorite recipes! Don’t forget to explore more tips and recipes on the website to keep your kitchen stocked with essentials that make cooking even more enjoyable.