Recipes For When You’re On a College Budget
The term “broke college student” seems to be a little overused these days. But, it could not be further from the truth. You’re so focused on passing your classes, and the money you saved over summer break probably won’t last that much longer, even if you do still get an allowance from your parents. One of the most important lessons to learn when you start college is how to budget everything that has to do with living, especially the food you eat. And, if you’re in the dorms, you’re probably getting a little tired of the food they serve in the commons. Below are 15 mouth-watering food recipes that are super easy to make, and friendly to anyone’s college budget.
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1. Oven-Baked Fries
Ah, French fries. It’s hard to not love them as it is. This simple recipe is not only delicious and super easy to make, but it hardly makes a dent in your wallet! Made with a cornstarch slurry to create that same texture as a deep fryer, it will definitely warm your heart as if you were going through a drive thru. Maybe even better.
Get the full recipe at Brit+Co
2. Garlicky Cheese Bread
Though this recipe does have more ingredients than some of the other ones on this list, it’s enough to make a feast for you and your roommate. The savory taste of the cheese compliments the stronger taste of the garlic, making a heavenly bite. And cutting it up in little squares makes it easy for sharing the feast with your friends.
Get the full recipe at Brit+Co
3. Grilled Pineapple S’mores
If you’ve ever been camping, or you celebrate the Fourth of July with these treats like I do, then you already know how easy it is to make them. Heat up the ‘mallow, either lightly toasted or scorched (and there’s really no in between), then place them in between two grams and however much chocolate you prefer. It’s just as easy to roast the marshmallows on the stove.
And, if you want to get a fruitier taste to it, grill up either fresh or canned pineapple, and enjoy yourself a tropical drink to go with it!
Get the full recipe at Spoon University
4. Grilled Corn Nachos
With football season in full swing, what’s one of the ultimate finger foods you can never not munch on at halftime? The hot, gooey and crispy goodness that is nachos. You can also add your own ingredients to this recipe, if it calls for anything else that compliments your taste buds. As long as there’s still a good amount of cheese cooking with it.
Get the full recipe at Brit+Co
5. Easy Cake Mix Bars
Putting a fun twist on this Funfetti cake recipe, this recipe is super easy to make, and it’s even more easy to share it with your neighbors. Just add your own sprinkles, or jimmies as they are sometimes called, and add frosting of your choice
Get the full recipe at Taste of Home
6. Biscuits and Gravy
It’s got the two main ingredients in the name, so that’s an easy enough recipe as it is. Though it is considered a breakfast food, this delicacy can be enjoyed at any time of the day. If you prefer not to cook the gravy yourself (though I do promise you it is worth the making), or want to save even more money, then there’s no saying you can’t buy the gravy as it is.
Get the full recipe at Love Grows Wild
7. Broccoli and Cheddar Four Cheese Pizza
With the use of pita bread, or already-made pizza dough, whichever you prefer, this healthy pizza recipe is perfect for that late night of not wanting to do anything besides watch Netflix. All the deliciousness of pizza, but with a lot less guilt from eating an entire box in one sitting.
Get the full recipe at Peas and Crayons
8. Sheet-Pan Chicken Parmesan
Giving a quicker, easier take on this Italian dish, this recipe doesn’t really require that much, but it doesn’t make it any less delicious. Stick it in the oven until cooked just right, and you can easily make it for your dormmates. And if you don’t feel like sharing, then you have leftovers for the rest of the week. And, that itself saves a lot of money on food.
Get the full recipe at Taste of Home
10. Bowties and Broccoli
Another recipe with the two main ingredients in the name, this take on bowtie pasta is not only a little bit healthier with the addition of broccoli, it is the epitome of comfort food within a college budget. Of course, you can add other vegetables in this recipe to make it your own, it just wont be added in the title.
Get the full recipe at Budget Bytes
11. One-bowl Brownies
If you’re looking for a sweet treat to chew those stressors away, then brownies are definitely the way to go. This college budget recipe is by far one of the gooiest, richest, fudgiest delicacies, and it’s super easy (and cheap) to make.
Get the full recipe at Show Me the Yummy
12. Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes
What’s great about chicken is the almost endless ways it can be prepared, because it pretty much goes with everything. Though this takes a little longer to prepare, the end result is absolutely worth it with that refreshing taste of tomato and basil blended with it.
Get the full recipe at Taste of Home
13. PB&J French Toast
Probably the closest some people will get to France; this take on the popular breakfast food includes another recipe with the two main ingredients in the name. All the nostalgia in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, combined with the greatness of French Toast, this is another college budget recipe that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They do say night breakfast tastes better than morning breakfast!
Get the full recipe at Taste of Home
14. Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies
Combining the fluffiness of a cake and the gooey, melty goodness from a chocolate chip cookie, this is a good recipe to give yourself that reward after taking that big exam. Even if you think you didn’t do so well, you deserve a cheap, sweet treat for giving it your all.
Get the full recipe at Dear Crissy
