If you’re a college student, you know the struggles of living in a dorm room. You have barely enough space to turn around, never mind cook yourself a meal. What you do have, though, is a microwave. And there are plenty of ways to put that baby to use.
I don’t know about you, but I barely have time to brush my hair never mind make it to the dining hall for breakfast before class. It’s much easier for me to eat in the comfort of my room. While you may think this will limit your dining options, there are actually many recipes you can make in your microwave.
1. Scrambled Eggs
You may think you need a stovetop for eggs, but think again! To make scrambled eggs, simply beat your eggs in a coffee mug or other microwave safe dish. Maybe add some cheese or salt and pepper. and then pop in the microwave for 45 seconds. Take it out, stir, and pop it in for 40 more seconds. Eat fresh out the microwave, or put it in a wrap for a fun breakfast burrito.
2. 2-Ingredient Protein Cake
If you’re a fitness junkie like me, you’re always trying to find sneaky ways to add protein to your favorite dishes. To make an easy, guilt-free cake, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder (I like baking with Quest Nutrition’s Chocolate Milkshake) and 2-3 egg whites (around 5-6 tablespoons).
Mix until all powder has combined with the eggs to make a batter-like consistency. Pop it in the microwave for 1 minute and then you’re left with a risen cake. Top with whatever you like!
3. 4-Ingredient Mac and Cheese from Scratch
And I’m not talking about the boxed kind. Put 1/2 cup of your favorite pasta into a mug or microwaveable bowl with 1/2 cup of water. Microwave in 2-minute intervals, checking on the pasta, for about 8-10 minutes in total. Next add in a 1/4 cup of milk and as much shredded cheese as you would like. Microwave for another 30 seconds to a minute.
4. Flourless Oatmeal Cookie
In a glass mug, mash half a banana. Stir in a tablespoon and a half of peanut butter, a tablespoon of milk, a 1/2 tablespoon of honey, then add 4 tablespoons of oats and raisins. Pop in the microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute, until top is firm.
5. Chocolate Chip Cookie
Melt down one tablespoon of butter. Next, add 2 tablespoons of sugar, a few drops of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to a glass mug. Next get an egg, but just pour the yoke into your mixture. Lastly, add in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and as many chocolate chips as you desire. Microwave for anywhere for 40 seconds-to a minute. If you want to add a punch to your cookies, try adding Nutella.
6. Bacon
Yup, that’s right. Everyone’s favorite breakfast food no longer requires a frying pan. Get out a paper plate (this will get greasy!) and 4-5 sheets of paper towel. Wrap your regular, uncooked bacon in the paper towel tightly. You will need to microwave them for about 2 minutes per slice. So if you have 3 in there at once, that’s about 6 minutes. Eat as is or add to your scrambled eggs or mac and cheese!
7. Thick and Creamy Oatmeal
Oatmeal has many health benefits, besides being an easy and affordable breakfast. Mash a banana in a glass mug. Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, and then add in 1/2 cup of instant oats. Splash a little milk to make it more pliable, then press mixture down into the mug. Microwave for 2 minutes, and then your oatmeal will be a spongey, cake-like consistency. Top with fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips!
You can make any meal with a microwave, so don’t feel limited if you’re stuck in a dorm or maybe even in a hotel room. The possibilities are endless with the right ingredients.