Stephen Clawson pulls a Banquet dinner out of the microwave. College students often have to think of cheap and easy dinner ideas. Photo by Ray Morgan
Food on your menu could use a little more variety if you are just eating ramen and cereal. Sometimes it is hard to cook on campus when all you have is a mini fridge and a microwave. What you may not know, however, is that your microwave can be used for more than just heating up leftovers. Here are some meals that you can make!
- Crispy bacon
Place the bacon on an upside down bowl. That way the fat drips off instead of soaking the bacon. Cook until the bacon reaches your desired crispiness! - One-minute quiche in a mug
Yep, you heard right. You can make quiche in a mug, in your dorm room. It’s easy, cheap, and so good you might want to change your meal plan. - Scrambled eggs
Another breakfast classic you can make in a mug. Just crack the eggs, scramble them with a little milk, and microwave in intervals of 20 to 30 seconds until your eggs are done. - Poached eggs
Everyone knows making poached eggs the traditional way can be, at the very least, a hassle. But not with a microwave! Just put a little water, a little salt, and a little vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl, then carefully crack an egg into the mixture. Microwave for 2 ½ to 3 minutes. Enjoy! - Potato chips
Craving a late night snack, but don’t want to go to the convenience store? All you need is a potato, a little oil, and some salt. And, of course, a microwave. - Mac and cheese—in a mug!
Tired of mass produced cheese powder? Craving the real deal? Make your very own mac and cheese with real cheese in just a few easy minutes. - Steamed veggies
Easy, healthy, and cheap. Put your favorite fresh (with bit of water) or frozen veggies in a microwave-safe container (with a lid!), spice to taste, and zap them until they’re hot. - Chocolate chip cake in a mug
Okay, we’ll admit: we love food you can cook in a mug. It’s hilarious and tasty. Especially dessert! - Healthy popcorn
No need to buy the store-bought kind, which is processed, full of fat, and overpriced. Just get popcorn kernels instead and microwave them in a microwave-safe bowl covered by a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high until there’s a few seconds between each kernel popping. Salt to taste. - Roasted nuts
Why buy roasted nuts when you can make them yourself? Just microwave some nuts in intervals of one minute until the nuts have a bit of a crunch and a toasted flavor.
Enjoy!