By Sabrina Cabezas
Ah, the dining hall — simultaneously a college student’s saving grace and worst nightmare. While we love the fact that there is an abundance of food waiting for us at most hours of the day, we can’t avoid downsides like the treacherously long walk or the terrifying monotony of the options (#FirstWorldProblems, amiright). Here are some deliciously cheap and easy recipes you can make with a microwave and a mug from the comfort of your dorm, with very little clean up.
Breakfast Recipes You Can Make With A Microwave And A Mug
Omelet in a mug
What you need:
- non-stick spray
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of milk
- your favorite omelet toppings (shredded cheese, onion, bell pepper, ham or bacon or sausage, spinach, or whatever your heart desires)
- salt and pepper to taste
Make it:
- Spray mug with a non-stick spray.
- Beat eggs and milk together right in the mug.
- Add toppings.
- Microwave for one minute. Add more time until the egg is cooked all the way through.
Mug French toast
Courtesy of Allrecipes.
What you need:
- 2 slices of bread (cubed)
- 1 egg
- butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Make it:
- Melt butter in mug and coat all sides.
- Mix egg, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon together.
- Fill mug with cubed bread and cover with egg-milk mixture.
- Make sure the bread is fully soaked in the mixture.
- Microwave for one minute, then in 10-second increments until it’s fully cooked.
Lunch Recipes You Can Make With A Microwave And A Mug
Mac and cheese
Courtesy of Kirbie’s Cravings.
What you need:
- 1/2 cup pasta
- 1/2 cup milk or water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Make it:
- Put the pasta and milk/water in a mug and microwave in one-minute intervals, checking that the water is absorbed and the noodles are soft.
- When the noodles are cooked to your liking, remove excess water (if used).
- Add a little extra milk and cheese, microwave for another minute, and voila!
Snack Recipes You Can Make With A Microwave And A Mug
World’s easiest guacamole (No microwave necessary. Even easier!)
Courtesy of Food.
What you need:
- 1 avocado
- some of your favorite salsa
- salt, pepper, cumin to taste
- lime juice and cilantro (optional)
- chips (or whatever you like to dip in your guac)
Make it:
- Peel and mash avocado with a fork or potato masher.
- Add salsa and juices from salsa to reach your desired consistency.
- Add salt, pepper, and cumin to taste. Enjoy!
Dinner Recipes You Can Make With A Microwave And A Mug
Ramen chili
What you need:
- a can of your favorite chili soup
- a package of Ramen
- cheese (optional)
Make it:
- Put Ramen contents in a mug with water.
- Microwave Ramen (without the seasoning packets) for one-and-a-half minutes.
- Remove excess water.
- Add chili and microwave for another one-and-a-half to two minutes.
Lasagna in a mug
Courtesy of Your Lighter Side.
What you need:
- 1/3 cup cooked pasta (see instructions from mac and cheese)
- 3 tablespoons tomato sauce (pizza or pasta sauce work best)
- 3 tablespoons cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup additional toppings (slices of pepperoni, olives, spinach or other veggies)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Make it:
- Layer the pasta, sauce, and cottage cheese.
- Add a layer of your veggies and toppings.
- Top with your shredded cheese.
- Microwave for one minute, then additional 30-second intervals until the cheese on top is melted.
With these cheap and easy recipes with a microwave and a mug, you’ll never again have to brave the treacherous journey to the dining hall!
What’s the food like at your school? Review your college and let others know.
About the author
Sabrina is an upcoming sophomore at the University of Richmond, majoring in international studies and minoring in education and society, with plans to revolutionize global education standards. She is involved in the Virginia Eta chapter of Pi Beta Phi and the women’s ultimate Frisbee team, loves elephants and pistachio ice cream, and has her own blog.