Next time you hit the trails, don’t forget to pack your Jerky. Use your NESCO Dehydrator to achieve the perfect balance of chewy and tender. Savor delicious protein at your convenience and guaranteed fuel for hours.

Your Key Ingredient:

NESCO Dehydrator

Grocery Ingredients:

Original Jerky Seasoning and cure
2 lbs. of lean ground meat

Instructions:

1. Mix two pounds of ground meat with one packet each of seasoning and cure.
2. Form into strips or sticks using a NESCO Jerky Gun.
3. Dry jerky at 160 degree fahrenheit for 5-8 hours using a NESCO food dehydrator.

Don’t waste money on expensive snacks at the gas station. Instead, make your own healthy trail mix using your NESCO Dehydrator and Vacuum Sealer, perfect for those long summer road trips or packed lunches! Your Dehydrator preserves ingredients while your Vacuum Sealer locks in freshness. We love mixing and matching for the ultimate sweet and salty combo. Stir together cashews, peanuts, dried cherries, or even a handful of M&M’s, and stay full all afternoon.

Your Key Ingredients:

NESCO Dehydrator
NESCO Vacuum Sealer

Grocery Ingredients:

1 package of raw cashews
1 package of raw almonds
1 package of raw peanuts
1 package of sunflower seeds
1 pineapple sliced in 1/2″ to 3/4″ thick pieces
1 package of fresh cranberries or cherries
1 Tbsp salt
Water

Instructions:

1. Place the nuts in a bowl and add the salt. Cover with filtered water by at least 1½ inches. Soak at least 7 hours or overnight except the cashews – soak them for 6 hours exactly. Cashews will become too slimy after a prolonged soaking time.
2. Rinse the nuts thoroughly and drain in a sieve. Place them in a single layer on the NESCO® Dehydrator trays.
3. Dehydrate at 100°F for 24-36 hours. The timing varies depending on the nuts and seeds. Make sure your nuts/seeds are completely dry. Moisture can cause them to mold during storage. Set nuts aside.
4. Place a single layer of pineapple slices on the dehydrator trays.
5. Dehydrate at 135°F for 12-16 hours, turning the fruit after 8 hours to ensure even drying.
6. The dehydrated pineapple will be finished when it is firm, chewy, and lightly sticky. Vacuum seal in your NESCO® Vacuum Sealer and place in refrigerator until needed.
7. Wash cherries and pit them by slicing in half.
8. Place a single layer of cherry halves on the dehydrator trays.
9. Dehydrate at 125° F – 135° F for 9 -16 hours. Cherries are finished when they look plump, but not wet.
10. Combine dried nuts and fruit in a large bowl. Vacuum seal in desired portions for freshness. Enjoy!

1. Peel apples. Cut into 1/4″ thick rings or slices.
2. Dip slices in pineapple juice for 1 minute. Place dipped apples on a mesh-lined NESCO Clean-A-Screen® positioned on a NESCO® Dehydrator tray.
3. Mix together sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle on top of apples. Dry for 6 to 10 hours at 135ºF until crisp.
4. Cool and store in an airtight container.

1. Slice apples 1/4 inches thick. Place slices on a sheet of wax paper and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar lightly over the apple slices.
2. Spread the slices on your NESCO® Dehydrator trays.
3. Set the temperature to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow 4-10 hours to dry.

Not everything at a cookout needs to be unhealthy. These Salt and Vinegar Zucchini Chips are a simple but delicious treat that all ages with gobble up.

Your Key Ingredient:

NESCO Food Dehydrator

Grocery Ingredients:

3 medium zucchini
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar
Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Whisk olive oil and vinegar in a large bowl.
2. Slice zucchini 1/8” thick with a food slicer.
3. Add zucchini to bowl and toss until evenly coated.
4. Lay zucchini slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays and sprinkle with sea salt.
5. Dehydrate zucchini slices for 6-12 hours at 140° or until they reach chip-like consistency.

Who doesn’t love the sweet, savory, tangy taste of a Bloody Mary? Now you can get that same great flavor all day, in your jerky!

Your Key Ingredients:

NESCO Food Slicer 
NESCO Food Dehydrator

Grocery Ingredients:

2 lbs of lean beef or venison
1 cup thick Bloody Mary mix, we like Major Peters’
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp horseradish
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

½ tbsp celery salt
½ tsp Cajun seasoning
¼ tsp cayenne

2 tbsp dried tomato powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Slice meat to 1/2-1/4″ thick with slicer for uniform pieces.
2. Place meat, Bloody Mary mix, Worcestershire, horseradish, salt and pepper in a large vacuum seal bag or zip top bag. Vacuum seal the bag on the marinate setting and seal the top, and the move everything around inside the bag to make sure it’s coated. Refrigerate at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Combine dried tomato powder (optional), celery salt, cayenne and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl.
4. Remove strips from bag, patting excess liquid off with a paper towel, and sprinkle each side of the meat with the dry spice mix.
5. Place strips on dehydrator trays and dry at 160 degrees for 7-10 hours.
6. Enjoy on its own or in your Bloody Mary.

The key to every great cocktail is the garnish added at the very end of the mixing process. Whether it’s cherries or olives in a martini or a whole burger on top of your Bloody Mary, it’s all about rounding out the flavors and adding a little character to your drink. During the hot days of summer, change up your usual routine with your cocktail by adding a fruit roll made in your Dehydrator. The colors make your drink pop and the fruit roll can be eaten first or dissolved in your drink!

Your Key Ingredients:

NESCO Gardenmaster Pro Dehydrator
NESCO Fruit Roll Sheets

Grocery Ingredients:

4 ripe grapefruits
3 tablespoons mint leaves
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup yogurt

Instructions:

1. Scoop grapefruit out of peel and into food processor. Add mint leaves and puree just until smooth. Mix in sugar and yogurt.
2. Spread onto lightly greased Fruit Roll Sheet and dehydrate at 135 degrees for 10 hours, or until no longer liquid.
3. Remove roll from Fruit Roll Sheet and cut into strips with a pizza cutter.
4. Roll up a strip, place it on a toothpick and add to vodka soda or other cocktail of choice.
5. Enjoy responsibly.

Never overpay for dried fruit at the grocery store again. With your NESCO Dehydrator, you can make Cinnamon Apple Chips right at home. This snack is crunchy, tart, and packed with healthy antioxidants. Feel free to swap out granny smith apples for your favorite apple variety. Tip: if you don’t have an apple corer handy, cut fruit thinly crosswise and then cut out the middle of each slice.

Your Key Ingredient:

NESCO Dehydrator

Grocery Ingredients:

1 bag granny smith apples
1 bottle McCormick® cinnamon sugar

Instructions:

1. Peel, core, and slice apples 1/4 inch thick.
2. Place slices on a sheet of wax paper and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar lightly over the apple slices. If you don’t have cinnamon sugar, whisk together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 Tbsps cinnamon.
3. Spread the slices on your NESCO® Dehydrator.
4. Set the temperature to 135ºF. Allow 4-10 hours to dry.

Our Easy Fruit Rolls recipe is ideal for snacking on-the-go. Made with nature’s natural sweeteners, kids and parents alike will enjoy this healthy treat. Use any variety of our NESCO Dehydrators to thicken fruit puree into chewy, juicy strips. If you want, add your favorite mix-ins such as nuts or fresh fruit. 

Your Key Ingredients:

NESCO Dehydrator
NESCO Fruit Roll Sheet

Grocery Ingredients:

24 oz jar applesauce, any flavor
Fresh, pureed fruit, powdered, flavored gelatin, coconut, or nuts (mix in or sprinkle on top before drying)

Instructions:

1. Wipe a NESCO® Fruit Roll Sheet (lightly) with any type of cooking oil. To make small roll-ups, place several tablespoons of applesauce on a sheet.
2. Spread to 1/4″ thickness, about 4″ in diameter. Depending on how large you make them, 6 to 8 can fit on a fruit roll sheet.
3. Place in your NESCO® Dehydrator on a dehydrator tray. Dry at 140° F approximately 5 to 7 hours or until dry and not tacky.
4. Remove and place in a storage container.

Option: Entire fruit roll sheet may be covered with applesauce mixture and then dehydrated. When dry, cut into individual serving sizes.

Next time your craving a crispy snack, reach for Kale Chips. Kale Chips are the perfect balance of light, airy, and slightly chewy. If you’re not a fan of raw kale or haven’t tried it before, our recipe is the perfect introduction to kale’s complex, earthy flavor. All you need is your NESCO Dehydrator. Boost your health and satisfy your appetite with these savory bite-sized morsels.

Your Key Ingredient:

NESCO Dehydrator

Grocery Ingredients:

1 bunch of kale, washed and stems removed
2-3 Tbsps olive oil
3/4 tsp sea salt
A dash of lemon pepper

Instructions:

1. Wash kale leaves and gently pat dry. Discard the stems by folding the leaves together and slicing the stem off.
2. Brush the kale leaves lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning. Cut kale leaves in 2-3″ wide pieces for a quicker drying time.
3. Place kale on your NESCO® Dehydrator trays and spread pieces around. Set your dehydrator at 135º F. Dry for 2-6 hours.

Tip: Adding too much oil will make for longer drying time.

Our smoky Barbecued Jerky recipe is made for adventurers on-the-go and can be prepared right in your NESCO Dehydrator. A combination of cayenne pepper and Dijon adds just the right amount of kick for the perfect chewy snack. Don’t get caught hungry mid-hike. From the trailhead to the mountain range, this recipe will satisfy you every step of the way.

Your Key Ingredient:

NESCO Dehydrator

Grocery Ingredients:

2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 Tbsp white sugar
1 Tbsp oil
1/4 cup minced onion
1 cup beer
2/3 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp cider vinegar
2 Tbsp Worcestershire® sauce
2 Tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp salt
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp liquid smoke
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Dash of cayenne pepper
1 lb meat strips

Instructions:

1. Combine sugars, oil, and onion in a pan. Heat and stir.
2. Reduce heat, cook until onions caramelize. Add beer. Simmer. Cool.
3. Mix remaining ingredients together with the exception of strips. Allow at least 15 minutes for flavors to blend, then puree in blender.
4. Add strips. Marinate at least one hour. For longer marinating time, place in refrigerator in a covered container or in an air-tight plastic bag.
5. Remove from marinade and place in your NESCO® Dehydrator on dehydrator trays at 145° F. Dry approximately 6 to 12 hours until chewy.

Hold onto peak summertime flavor with our Sun-Dried Tomato recipe. While store-bought Sun-Dried Tomatoes can be pricey, the homemade version is perfect for any budget. Simply rely on the drying power of your NESCO Dehydrator and the flexibility of NESCO Clean-A-Screens. Toss these delicious jewels on top of homemade pizza, pasta, salad, or fresh focaccia bread.

Your Key Ingredient:

NESCO Dehydrator
NESCO Clean-A-Screens

Grocery Ingredients:
12 Roma tomatoes
1 bottle olive oil
1 bottle Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Wash and gently dry tomatoes. Slice tomatoes 1/4″ thick.
2. Brush tomatoes lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly on all your slices.
3. Spread tomato slices on NESCO® Clean-A-Screens. Set temperature on your NESCO® Dehydrator at 135°F and allow 5-7 hours to dry or until crispy. Makes about 75 chips

Tip: Adding too much oil will make for a longer dryer time.

If you’re searching for a delicious on-the-go snack, we’ve got you covered. Our Chicken Jerky recipe is perfect for busy people and packs a savory punch with its blend of tangy teriyaki and tropical pineapple. After marinating chicken using NESCO’s Jerky Seasoning, simply place strips on your NESCO Dehydrator and enjoy jerky that lasts for weeks in just a few hours. Wherever you’re headed, you can rest easy knowing this homemade snack is both healthy and satisfying.

Your Key Ingredient:

NESCO Dehydrator

Grocery Ingredients:

1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp teriyaki sauce
1 Tbsp minced onion
1 packet NESCO® Jerky Seasoning
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 pound chicken strips, precooked or processed

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together with the exception of strips. Allow flavors to blend at least 15 minutes. Add strips. Marinate at least one hour. For longer marinating time, place in the refrigerator in a covered container or in an air-tight plastic bag.
2. Remove from marinade and place in your NESCO® Dehydrator on dehydrator trays until dry and chewy, normally 6 to 12 hours.

Backpack? Check. Flashlight? Check. Turkey jerky….? You don’t want to go without our Turkey Jerky on your next camping trip. Not only does it pack light and stay fresh for weeks, but it can also be made easily right in your NESCO Dehydrator. You can spice up this lean alternative to traditional beef jerky with just a few, simple ingredients. Grab a strip of protein-packed flavor and get hiking.

Your Key Ingredient:

NESCO Dehydrator

Grocery Ingredients:

2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp freshly grated onion
2 Tbsp teriyaki sauce
1 Tbsp white sugar
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp fresh grated lemon peel
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp crushed garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp liquid smoke
1/4 tsp tabasco sauce
1-1.5 pound turkey tenderloin
Salt to sprinkle

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together, except sliced meat. Allow flavors to blend at least 15 minutes. While waiting, slice turkey tenderloin into thin, 1/2 inch strips.
2. Add meat strips and marinate at least one hour. For longer marinating time, place in refrigerator in a covered container or in an air-tight plastic bag.
3. Remove from bag, place in NESCO® Dehydrator on dehydrator trays. If desired; sprinkle a little extra salt on top of jerky while it’s still moist. Dry at 160° F for 6 to 12 hours or until chewy.

Not sure what to do with all of your leftover summer pickings? Our Candied Strawberries recipe is the perfect solution. After sprinkling sliced berries with just a bit of sweetener, let your NESCO Dehydrator do the work. We love this crispy snack in trail mix, yogurt, or even on top of breakfast cereal.

Your Key Ingredient:

NESCO Dehydrator
NESCO Clean-A-Screen

Grocery Ingredients:

1 lb fresh strawberries
3 oz strawberry gelatin
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Or substitute:
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Wash strawberries and remove stems. Slice thinly.
2. Sprinkle lightly with strawberry gelatin and powdered sugar, or dip in honey and lemon juice mixture. Honey/lemon yields chewy berries while strawberry gelatin/powdered sugar results in crunchy berries, similar to those found in store-bought cereal.
3. Place slices on NESCO® Clean-A-Screens and place on your NESCO® Dehydrator trays.
4. Dry 4 hours at 135° F until crisp.

You won’t want to season your jerky with anything else after trying our Jerky Marinade. Made with a combination of special spices and zesty sauce, this recipe brings out the best flavor in all your game. All you need are a few ingredients and your NESCO Dehydrator to transform your meat into the chewy snack you know so well. 

Your Key Ingredients:

NESCO Dehydrator
NESCO Jerky Seasoning

Grocery Ingredients:

4 Tbsp soy sauce
4 Tbsp Worcestershire® sauce
1 Tbsp tomato sauce
1 Tbsp grated ginger root (optional)
1/2 tsp black pepper (more pepper for hotter jerky)
1 Tbsp curry powder (optional)
2 cloves garlic
1 packet NESCO® Jerky Seasoning
1 pound meat strips

Instructions:

1. Marinate meat for 4 to 6 hours, then drain.
2. Place on NESCO® Dehydrator trays and dry 6 to 12 hours at 160° F or until dry and chewy. NOTE: Use for beef, venison, and game meats. All wild game meat should be frozen for 60 days at sub-zero temperatures BEFORE DRYING to make certain all bacteria are killed.

If you’re craving a sweet and nutty snack, our Apple Pie and Cheese Roll-Ups were made for you. While most fruit roll-up snacks are filled with artificial ingredients, this recipe combines healthy fruits, nuts, cheese, and is made right in your NESCO Dehydrator. The warm nutmeg brings out the sweetness of the applesauce and subtle cheddar flavor for a memorable treat both you and your kids will love.

Your Key Ingredient:

NESCO Dehydrator
NESCO Fruit Roll Sheets

Grocery Ingredients:

4 cups regular applesauce
3/4 cup pecans, ground
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, puree all ingredients. Spread evenly onto NESCO® Fruit Roll Sheets. Fits 2 large sheets and 1 small sheet.
2. Place in your NESCO® Dehydrator on dehydrator trays. Dry at 135° F for 4 to 8 hours, or until leathery.
3. Gently peel and remove sheets while still warm. Let cool and tear into 4-inch pieces for rolling.
4. Store in dark, dry, cool place or in freezer.

Looking for an afternoon snack that’s both healthy and satisfying? Our Peanut Butter and Banana Graham Crackers are the perfect protein-packed combo. This cookie-like snack tastes similar to Larabars. Simply form chilled dough into slices and let dry using your NESCO Dehydrator. For an extra hint of sweetness, use overripe bananas.

Your Key Ingredients:

NESCO Dehydrator
NESCO Fruit Roll Sheets

Grocery Ingredients:

3 ripe bananas, sliced
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup peanuts, ground
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mash bananas and blend in peanut butter.
2. Add graham cracker crumbs, ground peanuts, and cinnamon. Mix until well blended.
3. Place dough on a large sheet of waxed paper and shape into a long rectangle.
4. Place a top layer of waxed paper on dough and chill 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
5. With a spatula or butter knife, slice dough into desired slices. Place on NESCO® Fruit Roll Sheets positioned on NESCO® Dehydrator trays. Dry at 145° F for 6 to 8 hours or until firm. These are soft like cookies.

Stay full and satisfied on the trail with our Backpacking/Camping Goulash. This recipe is portable, nutritious, and easy to cook right at the campsite. Simply dry ingredients in your NESCO Dehydrator beforehand and rehydrate with water whenever you want. It doesn’t matter if you’re far from home: even by the light of the campfire, you’ll find comfort in this hearty meal. 

Your Key Ingredients:

NESCO Dehydrator
NESCO Fruit Roll Sheets

Grocery Ingredients:

1 Tbsp olive oil
1½ lbs lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
1 cup onion, chopped (¼ inch pieces)
1 tsp garlic, fresh
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp oregano, dried
1/2 tsp black pepper
28 oz can tomatoes
7 oz shell or elbow macaroni (add after re-hydrating)

Instructions:

This makes a great backpacking meal. Once this mixture is dehydrated, it is extremely lightweight. To re-hydrate, just add water, heat, and serve.

1. Place oil, turkey, and onion in large frying pan. Saute on high heat until turkey and onions are thoroughly cooked. Stir often to break mixture into small pieces.
2. Add seasonings and tomatoes. Squeeze tomatoes into smaller pieces. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until most of liquid has evaporated.
3. Remove from heat. Allow to cool. Lightly oil 2 NESCO® Fruit Roll Sheets. Spread 2 cups evenly on each sheet. Dry at 145º F in NESCO® Dehydrator for 6 hours or until all pieces are thoroughly dry. Store in air-tight container. Label with name, date, and weight. Seal and refrigerate up to 6 months. Shelf life is 3 weeks. Wet weight is 2 pounds. Dry weight is 10 oz.

To Re-hydrate:

1. Put dehydrated contents in pan, add 2 cups of boiling water, stir, cover, and allow to rehydrate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Remove cover and cook over medium heat until any excess liquid evaporates. Stir occasionally.
3. In separate pan, bring 2 cups water to a boil on high heat. When boiling, add shell or elbow macaroni. Stir, cover, and remove from heat.
4. Let stand 10 minutes. Add meat mixture to cooked pasta. Stir and serve. Serves 4 to 6.

Recipe submitted by Karen Thomas of Corona, California.