You shouldn’t have to stick to using your microwave for leftover Chinese food and instant oatmeal, especially when there are healthier alternatives that take just as little time to prepare. Here are four quick recipes to help students make the most of that tiny fridge and microwave, while keeping ingredients simple and preparation minimal.

French toast in a mug – serves one

Five ingredients: 

1-2 slices of bread of your choice

1/2 tablespoon butter

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon

Vanilla (optional)

1. Place 1/2 tablespoon of butter into mug. Use microwave to melt butter and coat the inside of the mug.
2. Cut or tear your bread into cubes. Place cubes of bread in the mug, pressing them down but not packing the bread too tightly.
3. In a separate bowl or cup, mix together the egg, milk and cinnamon. If desired, add vanilla. Pour mixture over the bread, giving it time to soak.
4. Microwave cup with bread and egg mixture for one minute, then for 10 additional seconds until cooked how desired. If desired, serve topped with syrup. Eat immediately.

Recipe adapted from Pretty Prudent

Macaroni and Cheese in a Mug – serves one 

Three ingredients:

1/2 cup macaroni
1/2 cup milk OR water
1/2 cup shredded cheese

1. In a large mug or bowl, add macaroni and water/milk. Place the mug on a large plate in microwave to catch any overflow. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then microwave for an additional 1 minute and stir again. Repeat in 10-second intervals until noodles are cooked and liquid is almost gone.
2. Keep any milk that remains, but if using water, pour out excess. Immediately add in cheese, stirring until noodles are completely coated. Finely shredded cheese should melt completely, otherwise microwave for an additional 20 seconds and stir until noodles are coated. Eat immediately.

Recipe adapted from Kirbie’s Cravings

Meatloaf in a Mug – serves one

Five ingredients:
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon ketchup plus more for topping
2 tablespoons quick cooking oats
1 teaspoon onion soup mix
1/4 pound lean ground beef

1. Coat mug with cooking spray. In a bowl, mix milk, ketchup, oats and soup mix. Crumble beef into mixture and stir together.
2. Microwave covered bowl on high for 3 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink.
3. For 3 minutes, let meatloaf sit before serving with additional ketchup if desired. Eat immediately.

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home

Haystacks – makes 24 clusters

Two ingredients:
One 6-ounce package of chocolate chips
1 3-ounce can of chow mein noodles

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted completely.
2. Add the noodles to the melted chocolate, coating them thoroughly.
3. On wax paper or foil, form 1 ½ inch clusters, placing in the refrigerator to set.

Recipe adapted from “The Microwave Cookbook,” General Electric Co., 1998 Tweet: Students in dorms don’t have to limit themselves to Easy Mac or instant oatmeal with these easy microwave recipes.

Susan is a sophomore in Media.
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