Easy Dorm Room Recipes

When you search 'dorm microwave dinners' on Google, it’s all mac and cheese. Endless mac and cheese. Let’s be honest—you're over it, and so am I. It’s time to elevate your microwave game and create some next-level dishes that prove you don’t need a full kitchen to cook like a pro.

1.       Apple Crisp

An apple a day… Let’s start this roundup with an easy warm breakfast or sweet treat, using minimal dishes with minimal clean-up!

Here’s what you need:

1 apple

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cornstarch

2 tbsp quick oats

2 tbsp brown sugar

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp butter

Here’s what you do:

Mix the apple, 1 tsp cinnamon, and cornstarch in a bowl. Microwave 2 mins, or until soft. In a separate bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients. Add oat mixture on top of warm apples and microwave another 1-2 mins. Enjoy!

Here’s a visual:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2YQoP1F/

2.       Bella Hadid’s Viral Pasta

Maybe this was just a trend for some people, but it’s a staple recipe for me. Who knew it’s just as easy to whip up in the microwave?

Here’s what you need:

¼ c oil (vegetable, canola, or olive)

¼ c onion

1 clove garlic

2 tbsp tomato paste (video calls for ¼ c, but I found that to be too much!)

½ c heavy cream, or heavy cream substitute shown in the video

Italian seasoning

Salt

Pepper

Serving of pasta

Here’s what you do:

Heat the oil, onion, and garlic in the microwave in 1 min intervals until soft and fragrant. Add in tomato paste, heavy cream, and seasonings, and stir. In a separate bowl, add in one serving of pasta, a pinch of salt, and enough water to cover the noodles completely and microwave 8-10 mins until al dente. Drain the pasta and combine with the sauce. Enjoy!

Here’s a visual:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2YC2hFx/

3.       Ooey Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie

You know and love the smell of mom’s freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, and I heard you just ran out of the ones she sent back with you from break. Here’s how to make a fresh one just for you!

Here’s what you need:

1 tbsp oil

1 tbsp white sugar

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp milk

¼ tsp vanilla

¼ c flour

¼ tsp baking powder

1 tbsp chocolate chips

Here’s what you do:

Mix all ingredients together to form a dough. Roll into a ball and place on a microwave safe plate. DO NOT FLATTEN. Microwave 60-70 seconds. Enjoy!

Here’s a visual:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2YCkpLH/

4.       Pancake Breakfast Bowl

No frying pan needed here! Bake some pan-less pancakes in minutes and top with your favorites: syrup, berries, or whipped cream!

Here’s what you need:

One serving of pancake mix, likely ¾ c

Enough milk or water to make a medium thick batter, likely 1/3 c

Toppings

Here’s what to do:

Mix pancake mix and milk/water in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave 1 ½-2 mins. Add toppings. Enjoy!

Here’s a visual:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2YCyRkh/

5.       Emily Mariko’s Salmon Bowl

Thought this was also just a trend? If I had a nickel for every time I’ve made this bowl since that one viral video, I could pay off my student loans. This salmon bowl is a healthy, filling, and unique dorm room masterpiece.

Here’s what you need:

1 serving of fresh or frozen salmon

Bag of instant rice

Soy sauce

Siracha

Mayo

Avocado

Kimchi

Seaweed

Here’s what to do:

Place parchment paper in a microwave safe bowl. Place salmon in the paper and close around the salmon. Microwave 3-4 mins. To assemble the bowl: place cooked rice in a bowl, top with salmon, avocado, kimchi, soy sauce, and a drizzle of mayo and siracha. Eat with seaweed. Enjoy!

Here’s a visual:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2YCqyWm/