Great Ideas for Microwave Meals in the Dorm

Mug Quiche

Feeling fancy and want to whip up something worthy of a Sunday brunch? The answer is the classic quiche, microwave-style. All you’ll need to whip this up is a piece of bread or half a bagel, one whole egg, some ham or precooked bacon and whatever herbs, spices or milk you have in the dorm. (Bonus tip for students on a budget: grab salt and pepper packets the next time you head out to eat.)

In a mug, beat the egg with a splash of milk or cream, and then add in small pieces of the bread or bagel as well as the spices of your choice. Then, top with shreds or pieces of the ham. Microwave the mug for 90 seconds, checking to see that the egg has set and is no longer runny. Then, dig in for a quick and surprisingly delicious breakfast.

If you’re interested in becoming a chef, find out more about cooking schools here.

Quick and Easy Quesadillas

When the urge for a tasty Mexican meal strikes, skip the fast food option and try a basic microwave quesadilla recipe that takes just a minute to whip up. Just lay down a corn or flour tortilla and top with shredded cheese.

Microwave for 45 seconds, or until the cheese melts and begins to bubble, and then fold the tortilla in half. In less than a minute, you can have a quick lunch or a late-night snack to fuel your cram session. A quesadilla is also a great way to use up leftovers. Add some ham, veggies, salsa or whatever else you have to the mix to add some sustenance and prevent waste.

Classic Baked Potato

Although the name itself implies that the dish has to be baked in an oven, a microwave can actually be an even better way to make this simple classic. Just wash an ordinary potato and poke it a few times with a fork, which helps to release steam inside the potato while it is cooking.

Then, wrap a wet paper towel around the potato and cook for five to six minutes. To check if the potato is done, poke it and make sure that the whole thing feels soft. Cut the potato open and top with Greek yogurt, veggies, butter, cheese or the toppings you like best. If you are more of a sweet potato fan, this recipe works perfectly with those as well. Try it topped with brown sugar and cinnamon for a warm dessert!

BLT

Sandwiches are a dorm staple for many hungry college students, but they tend to be plain, ordinary combinations like PB&J. For something new, try microwaving bacon for a classic BLT. Any bacon can be microwaved rather than cooked on a stove, and this cooking method can actually help to reduce fat without losing the crispness or flavor that makes bacon so great.

Simply place a few slices of bacon on a folded paper towel in the microwave and top with one more paper towel that has been folded in half. Microwave on high for three to four minutes, checking after three minutes. Once the bacon is cooked, place it on a sandwich with tomato, lettuce and mayonnaise for a warm sandwich that definitely beats cafeteria food.

Budget-Friendly Mini Pizzas

Instead of heading out and paying for a ready-made pizza, a microwave can help you create a quick and affordable version right in your dorm room. Instead of a pizza dough crust, start with whatever bread items you have on hand. Mini pizzas taste delicious whether they start as an English muffin, a bagel or a slice of bread.

Cover the bread of your choice with a layer of ketchup saved from your last visit to a fast food restaurant. Then, layer on shredded cheese or even wrapped cheese slices. If you have extras like ham or pepperoni, those can go on as well. Then simply microwave the whole thing for 30 seconds, or until the cheese starts to melt, and enjoy.

Date Night Risotto

Traditionally, risotto is a dish that takes several hours and an oven to prepare. If you want to really impress someone with a special meal, and all you have is a microwave, then a seafood risotto could be the ideal dish. Start by chopping an onion and placing it into a large microwave-safe bowl along with a tablespoon of olive oil.

Microwave for five minutes, and then add in one cup of uncooked rice and two cups of broth. Put a plate over the bowl and cook for another 10 minutes. Then, stir the mixture and add in a bag of frozen vegetables and a bag of frozen seafood like shrimp. Put it back into the microwave for three minutes. Spoon out the risotto and top with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for something extra fancy. This meal will awe your date and look like it came from a five-star restaurant, but all you need is a microwave.

Microwave Pancakes

If you get the urge for a short stack but have slept through breakfast at the cafeteria, then a great alternative is to make your own pancakes using your microwave. This recipe is incredibly easy, but it comes as a surprise to many who think a griddle is a requirement for a tasty, fluffy pancake.

Simply buy a dry pancake mix and add water as listed on the back of the box. Then, butter a microwave-safe plate and spoon in a half-cup of the mixed liquid, or whatever your plate can hold. Microwave for 45 to 60 seconds and you’re done: there’s no flipping necessary. Top with syrup or butter for a sweet breakfast treat.

Individual Berry Crisp

For anyone missing their grandma’s homemade pies, this individual crisp is a suitable alternative for the dorm. In a bowl, add one cup of frozen or fresh berries of your choice. If in season, fresh is best! Otherwise, frozen will usually be cheaper. Top with two tablespoons of sugar and mix before microwaving for 30 seconds.

Stir again and then top with a tablespoon of butter, three tablespoons of rolled oats, another tablespoon of sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Put it back in the microwave for two minutes, and then let it stand for a minute or two until it is cool enough to enjoy.

You don’t have to be attending a culinary school to have a great dining experience in college. As long as you have simple tools like a microwave, you can whip up some amazing dishes right from the comfort of your dorm room.