For the first week of college, everyone was so excited about the Marketplace, which we fondly call d-hall at Washington and Lee University. Unlimited food, unlimited options, unlimited swipes. Our plates were piled high with any type of potato you can think of, all the cupcakes we wanted, and piles of assorted pizzas. But after week one, the excitement wore off and we were left craving something different. For under $10, these cheap college recipes will save you for when you can’t get yourself to go to d-hall, but you don’t want to break your bank.
Pizza Bagels
A pizza bagel is great for when you really need to eat, but you’re going to be late for class. With all the different toppings out there like olives, banana peppers and pepperoni, you’re sure to find one that you love!
Upgraded Ramen
This upgraded ramen is a super easy way to incorporate vegetables into your diet after a long week of the not always healthy d-hall food. Easily customizable, this recipe’s options are endless!
Ham & Cheese Avocado Toast
This is a great upgrade for your traditional avocado toast. Since this meal is super filling, it’s perfect for those days where you can’t make it to d-hall between classes. I’m always so content after making this! It’s the perfect way to start my morning, and maybe you’ll agree? Try it!
Caprese Grilled Cheese
I don’t know about you, but I’m a HUGE grilled cheese fan. However, I always feel so childish whenever I eat one. This cheap, easy recipe is an awesome way for me to have the meal I love while feeling like I’m adulting. Talk about multitasking.
Blueberry Peanut Smoothie Bowl
The perfect breakfast for when you’re trying to eat healthy, but are craving something sweet. This morning meal is so delicious and incredibly quick to make. Just pour the ingredients into a blender, or food processor, blend and enjoy this creamy treat.
Penne Alla Vodka
What’s better than a cheap bowl of pasta? By simply adding vodka sauce, this casual dish gets a sophisticated upgrade. Changing up the bland pasta that we’re all used to will make you feel so much fancier, and you don’t even have to take the risk of cooking some complicated hors d’oeuvres.
Poke Bowl
When your Instagram feed needs a little something extra… This dish provides the perfect balance of crunch, from bouncy lettuce to imitation crab. The poke bowl can fit everyone’s food preferences. It’s so easy to change up the recipe to fit what you want to eat. Not a big soy sauce fan? Not a problem. Just don’t include it. Craving a brighter, more colorful plate? Great, add some tomatoes, peppers or yellow squash. You’ll never be bored with all the variations you can try!
Banana Pancakes
Do you feel like making banana pancakes with Jack Johnson? Is so, this two ingredient vegetarian recipe is the perfect way to start your morning. There are so many creative add-ins for you to try. Whether it’s cinnamon or coconut, there’s something for everyone! Quick, easy, cheap, delicious. Is your stomach grumbling yet?
Stuffing
Here’s something for when you’re missing Mom’s homemade cooking. With only five ingredients, it’s just what you need when you’re feeling a little homesick. And homesickness can happen a lot in college… 🙁
Watermelon Kale Salad
Perfect for when you’re hungry for something sweet, but feeling healthy. This salad is the perfect mix of leafy greens and fresh fruit.
Whether you choose to try one or all of these recipes, you’re guaranteed to find something to cure your d-hall boredom. With each meal costing only $10 and 30 minutes, you’ll be spicing up your culinary life in no time.