15 Easy Recipes Any College Student Can Make In Their Microwave
With ever changing, crazy chaotic schedules, and often a lack of a kitchen, preparing healthy meals and snacks in a college dorm room can be a challenge. But eating right (and eating tasty) doesn’t have to be so hard! All you need is a microwave, a few ingredients, a mug, and a little creativity. You’ll be on your way to culinary greatness.
1. Blueberry Mason Jar Pancakes
Pancakes on a Sunday morning were one of the meals I missed the most in college. But they don’t have to disappear with your kitchen! All you need for this recipe is a box of your favorite pancake mix, 1 egg, 2 tbsp. of butter, ⅔ cup of your favorite milk (I like using vanilla almond milk), a mason jar, fresh or frozen blueberries, and maple syrup. It takes five minutes to make and even less time to eat (these pancakes are so good!)
2. Avocado Toast & Poached Eggs
DIY brunch anyone? Keep your body healthy, your taste buds happy, and your instagram on trend with this super easy-to-make meal! Poaching an egg in the microwave is super easy, and as for your other ingredients, make sure you have a ripe avocado, your favorite toast, chili flakes, a lemon or lemon juice to squeeze on top, and any other toppings you love. This is one of my personal favorite dorm hacks, and one that really brings that boujee Sunday brunch in Manhattan home!
3. Vegetarian Burrito Bowl
No time for a Chipotle run? On a budget? Want a healthier option? Or all of the above? Burrito bowls are so easy to make and are perfect for those nights when you’re flooded with homework and you don’t have time for a trip to Chipotle or the dining hall. All you need on hand is frozen bagged brown rice, canned black beans, your preference of chopped veggies, salsa, avocado, cheese, and plain greek yogurt. Switch it up by adding new veggies or toppings, and you’ll never get bored of this Mexican-inspired classic.
4. Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Dessert now, dinner later? Yes please! This dish, perfect for fall, is one of my favorite snacks to make in my dorm room. All you need is your favorite kind of apple, 2 tbsp. of brown sugar, quick oats, 1 ½ tbsp. of flour, cinnamon (to taste), 1 tbsp. of butter, and lemon juice. This is my favorite dish to make for autumn movie nights, late night study sessions, or even for breakfast if I’m feeling like something sweet! You’ll be using this recipe over and over again.
5. Parmesan Green Beans
Whether you have frozen or fresh green beans, they’re super easy to steam in the microwave. Add butter to taste, salt and pepper, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. It takes five minutes to make and is the perfect study break snack or side dish.
6. Loaded Sweet Potato
You’ve heard of loaded baked potatoes, but sweet potatoes are a great healthy alternative for that added brain fuel your body is begging for. You only need three ingredients for this recipe: one sweet potato, your favorite nut butter (almond is my favorite), and cinnamon. Nut butter with sweet potatoes may sound strange, but trust me, the combination is a winner. Simply microwave your sweet potato, split down the center, wait a minute to cool, stuff with your nut butter (the potato will melt it!), and add cinnamon to taste. Healthy carbs, protein, fats, and vitamins all in one snack! Your body and your taste buds will thank you.
7. Caprese Breakfast Cup
We’ve been told over and over that the key to a successful day is a good, balanced breakfast. But who really has the time in college to make a healthy, balanced breakfast? Even without that extra time in the morning, now you can have it all! This super easy breakfast cup recipe has your eggs, your meat, your cheese, your veggies, and your greens for a delicious start to your day. Make it in a mug and take with you on the go! All your classmates in your 8 am will be so jealous.
8. Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal
To satisfy your morning sweet tooth AND your needs for a healthy and balanced breakfast, try this amazing strawberry banana baked oatmeal. All you need is oats, sugar, baking powder, a banana, 1 egg, milk, vanilla extract, and strawberries. Who said you needed an oven to bake? Throw your ingredients together, stick it in the microwave, and you’ve got a dish you would have thought came fresh out of the bakery!
9. Chocolate Mug Cake
My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Grab some flour, baking powder, chocolate chips (dark chocolate to make it richer!), cocoa powder or hot cocoa mix, sugar, canola oil and vanilla extract, and you’re ready to bake. Or rather, you’re ready to microwave! Stick the ingredients in your favorite mug, heat it up, and cuddle up in bed to binge your favorite sitcom. This is the ultimate recipe for self-care.
10. Banana Mug Muffins
Have you noticed that a lot of these recipes call for the same or similar ingredients? That’s what’s so easy about microwave baking and what makes it so perfect for dorm living! Dorms are already cramped, and with the few ingredients you need to have in stock, you can make so many different dishes! This recipe calls for flour, baking powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, canola oil, your favorite milk, and of course, banana. Also, if you want a little more sweetness, add some chocolate chips on top!
11. Vegetarian Ramen
You know how your parents always talk about that 40 cent ramen they lived off of during their college years? This isn’t that. Step up your Ramen game with this easy and healthy recipe. All you need is a can of vegetable broth, ramen noodles, mushrooms, your favorite veggies, garlic or garlic powder, soy sauce, and if you want to get fancy, ginger and miso paste. Switch up your veggie additions and you’ll be making this recipe over and over again.
12. Mug Mac & Cheese
Alright, skip the Kraft Easy Mac. This recipe tastes as good as your favorite restaurant’s mac & cheese but is so easy and quick to make. Grab your noodles, your favorite cheeses and water, and that’s it! Seriously– it’s that simple! To richen the taste, add butter or milk, and for added flavor and to mix it up, toss in some broccoli or tomatoes! Kraft mac & cheese who?
13. Spring Fried Rice
If you’re on a budget and trying to eat healthier, skip the Chinese take-out and try this easy and nutritious recipe you can make right from your dorm! You’ll need instant brown rice, asparagus, scallions, soy sauce, garlic or garlic powder, honey, one egg, and if you’re feeling fancy, sesame oil, ginger, and rice vinegar. This option is healthier than your typical take-out fried rice, and if you ask me, even more delicious.
14. Nachos
Nachos: a classic, a crowd-pleaser, a study-break favorite. Nachos are so easy to make and are a perfect option for satisfying those late night munchies. You’ll need tortilla chips, cheese, avocado, salsa, and cilantro if you can get your hands on it. Nachos take two minutes to make and will instantly transport you to Friday night happy hour.
15. Apple Chips
Apple chips are one of my favorite healthy snacks, but buying them for $6 an individual bag from Whole Foods can get old fast, especially on a college budget. All you’ll need to recreate your Whole Foods favorite is apples, sugar, cinnamon, and honey if you want some added sweetness. Toss in the microwave until the edges curl, and you’ve got yourself the perfect snack.
