18 Orange Recipes For Both Sweet And Savory Dishes
Oranges are the ultimate kitchen multitaskers, bringing a burst of bright, citrusy flavor to just about any dish. Whether it’s breakfast, dinner, or dessert, these juicy gems have a way of turning everyday meals into something special.
I’ve rounded up 18 of my favorite recipes that highlight the orange’s versatility in both sweet and savory ways. After reading this text, you’ll never look at this fruit the same again.
1. Glazed Orange Scones
Morning sunshine in pastry form! These buttery scones feature fresh orange zest in the dough and a sweet orange glaze that creates the perfect citrus punch.
I discovered this recipe during a rainy weekend at my grandmother’s house. The secret is using cold butter and handling the dough minimally for that perfect flaky texture.
Pair with coffee for breakfast heaven!
2. Orange-Infused Olive Oil Cake
Moist, tender, and surprisingly light, this Mediterranean-inspired cake uses olive oil instead of butter for a unique flavor profile. The orange juice and zest create a fragrant, citrusy base that’s not too sweet.
The cake develops an even more intense orange flavor on day two, making it perfect for make-ahead entertaining. Try serving with a dollop of whipped mascarpone or Greek yogurt.
3. Spicy Orange Chicken Stir-Fry
Forget takeout! This homemade version beats anything from a cardboard box. Crispy chicken pieces get tossed in a sticky, spicy-sweet orange sauce that caramelizes beautifully.
Last month, I served this at a dinner party and my friend begged for the recipe. The key is fresh orange juice and a touch of orange zest to cut through the richness.
Serve over steamed rice with plenty of green onions.
4. Orange Cranberry Muffins
Bright pops of tart cranberries nestled in orange-scented batter create the perfect breakfast treat. The streusel topping adds a sweet crunch that balances the tangy fruit beautifully.
These muffins freeze exceptionally well. Just microwave for 30 seconds when you need a quick breakfast.
For extra decadence, add white chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
5. Orange-Fennel Salad with Prosciutto
Elegant simplicity on a plate! Thinly sliced oranges and crisp fennel create a refreshing base, while salty prosciutto adds savory depth. A light vinaigrette with hints of honey ties everything together.
I first tasted this combination at a tiny restaurant in Sicily. The contrast between the juicy oranges and paper-thin prosciutto creates magic in your mouth.
Add toasted pistachios for extra crunch.
6. Citrus Duck with Orange Sauce
Duck and orange is a classic pairing for good reason. The rich, fatty duck breast gets balanced perfectly by the bright, slightly acidic orange sauce.
Score the duck skin in a diamond pattern before cooking for extra crispiness. Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to keep all those flavorful juices inside.
This impressive dish actually comes together in under 30 minutes!
7. Orange Cardamom Cinnamon Rolls
Regular cinnamon rolls get a sophisticated upgrade with orange zest in the dough and cardamom in the filling. The orange glaze creates a trifecta of flavors that’s absolutely irresistible.
The aroma that fills your kitchen while these bake is worth the effort alone! Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator for an easy morning bake. Your family will worship you.
8. Orange Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Convert vegetable skeptics with these caramelized sprouts! Roasted until crispy, then tossed in a sticky orange-balsamic reduction that brings out their natural sweetness.
Even my husband, a notorious Brussels sprouts hater, devours these by the plateful. The key is high heat (425°F) and not overcrowding the pan.
For extra flavor, add crispy bacon bits before serving.
9. Orange Creamsicle Popsicles
Nostalgic summer treats made healthier! These homemade popsicles layer tangy orange juice with creamy vanilla yogurt for that classic creamsicle flavor without artificial ingredients.
My kids request these every summer. The trick is freezing each layer separately for that perfect two-tone look.
For grown-up versions, add a splash of Grand Marnier to the orange layer before freezing.
10. Orange-Glazed Salmon
Weeknight dinner magic happens when salmon meets orange glaze. The natural sweetness of the fish pairs beautifully with citrus, while a touch of soy sauce adds umami depth.
I discovered this recipe during a cooking class in Seattle. The glaze caramelizes under the broiler, creating a lacquered finish that looks restaurant-worthy.
Serve with steamed rice and quick-sautéed greens for a complete meal in 20 minutes.
11. Orange Rosemary Roast Chicken
Sunday dinner perfection! A whole chicken roasted with orange halves and fresh rosemary in the cavity creates the most aromatic, succulent bird you’ve ever tasted.
The citrus steams from within while the skin crisps to golden perfection. Last Thanksgiving, I made this instead of turkey, and nobody complained!
Stuff orange slices under the skin too for maximum flavor infusion.
12. Orange Almond Florentines
Delicate, lacy cookies that are crisp at the edges and chewy in the center. The combination of sliced almonds, orange zest, and a hint of honey creates an irresistible caramelized flavor.
These impressive-looking cookies are surprisingly simple to make. The secret is spacing them far apart on the baking sheet; they spread a lot! Dip one side in dark chocolate for an extra-fancy touch.
13. Orange-Ginger Pork Tenderloin
Juicy pork tenderloin gets a flavor boost from a marinade featuring orange juice, fresh ginger, and garlic. The marinade reduces into a glossy sauce that’s perfect for drizzling.
I’ve been making this recipe for nearly a decade. It’s foolproof and always impresses guests. The key is not overcooking the pork; take it out at 145°F and let it rest.
Serve with roasted sweet potatoes for a color-coordinated meal!
14. Orange Sesame Beef Stir-Fry
Tender strips of beef get tossed in a wok with a savory-sweet orange sauce that caramelizes beautifully. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch while fresh vegetables keep things colorful.
The trick to restaurant-quality stir-fry at home is cooking in small batches. When I tried crowding the pan once, everything steamed instead of searing.
Now I work in stages for that perfect caramelization every time.
15. Cardamom Orange Sweet Rolls
Fluffy, tender dough swirled with orange-infused sugar and aromatic cardamom creates breakfast perfection. The cream cheese glaze melts slightly into the warm rolls, adding tangy richness.
I’ve made these for Christmas morning three years running. The dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated for an easy morning bake.
The heavenly scent will lure everyone out of bed faster than any alarm clock!
16. Orange-Braised Short Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone tender beef short ribs slow-cooked in a Dutch oven with orange juice, red wine, and aromatic vegetables. The collagen-rich meat becomes meltingly soft while developing deep flavor.
This is my go-to impressive dinner party main course. The orange adds brightness to cut through the richness of the meat.
Serve over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce.
17. Orange Ricotta Pancakes
Light, fluffy, and impossibly tender, these pancakes get their cloud-like texture from ricotta cheese. Fresh orange zest and juice in the batter create a subtle citrus backdrop.
When my sister visited from Boston, I made these for her, and now she requests them every time she stays. The secret is not overmixing the batter; a few lumps are your friend!
Serve with warm maple syrup and fresh berries.
18. Orange Dark Chocolate Bark
Sophisticated yet simple, this chocolate bark combines bittersweet chocolate with candied orange peel, pistachios, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The contrast of flavors and textures creates an addictive treat.
I make batches of this during the holidays for last-minute gifts. The trick is tempering the chocolate properly for that satisfying snap.
Store in the refrigerator, but let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience.