30 Microwave College Meals to Make in Your Dorm Room
College meals that are microwave friendly may leave you scratching your head for new ideas. Pre-packed foods get old after awhile and they aren’t exactly cheap on a student budget.
That’s why I put together this article with 30 easy recipes that you can make in your dorm room! No special cooking skills or tools needed.
You will want to have your basics, though.
But:
That’s just stuff like a mug, bowl, plate and utensils. Things you probably already have or can pick up at a garage sale.
However:
I DO recommend investing in microwave cover. It’ll keep those food spatters off the inside of the microwave and make clean up so much easier.
Now let’s get to those college meal ideas!
I even sorted the recipes by type, so you can quickly find what you’re looking for:
- Easy Breakfast Recipes (located just below!)
- Easy Lunch/Dinner Recipes
- Easy Dessert Recipes
Related: 12 Ways to Save Money on Groceries (No Coupons Needed!)
30 Easy Microwave College Meals for Dorm Living
Blueberry Pancakes in a Jar
Yep, you CAN still enjoy pancakes in your college dorm thanks to this easy mug recipe! It calls for blueberries, but I bet you could substitute other mix-ins like strawberries or cinnamon, too.
Get the recipe here.
Microwave Poached Egg
If I knew poached eggs were THIS easy to make I would probably have them more often. Put one on a slice of toast for a quick breakfast meal.
Get the recipe here.
Two Minute Breakfast Burritos
These breakfast burritos are nothing fancy, but they get the job done. Plus, in the long run it’s much cheaper than eating out!
Get the recipe here.
Microwave Breakfast in a Cup
Don’t these breakfast cups look yummy?? Simplicity and deliciousness all rolled into one makes for great college meals.
Get the recipe here.
Crispy Microwave Bacon
Make awesome crispy bacon with just your microwave and a couple pieces of dishware. I’ve never heard of this trick before I ran across this recipe!
Get the recipe here.
Strawberry Microwave Breakfast Bowl
For those college meals when you want something a little fancier than eggs, this strawberry breakfast bowl recipe will come in handy. Add a little milk of choice over top or eat it as is!
Get the recipe here.
Scrambled Eggs in the Microwave
…and for for those days where you do want eggs for breakfast, this scrambled egg recipe will make it easy on you! The best part is it only takes 3 minutes.
Get the recipe here.
Microwave Quinoa
If you think that the microwave isn’t suited for cooking healthier foods, you’re wrong. This microwave quinoa is one of many college meals you can make.
Get the recipe here.
Related: The Best List of Healthy Dorm Snack Ideas
2 Minute Cheese Quesadillas
Quesadillas – classic, uber easy and tasty. Add this college meal to your microwave repertoire.
Get the recipe here.
10 Minute Microwave Enchiladas
Up next on this list of college meals you can make in a microwave are these KICK ASS enchiladas. I never would have even thought to attempt cooking something this!
Make sure to use a microwave safe glass dish like this.
Get the recipe here.
Boiled Pasta in the Microwave
If you know how to boil pasta in the microwave your meal options really open up! Cook noodles of your choice and serve with a sauce you love.
Easy peasy meal!
Get the recipe here.
Microwave Mug Pizza
If you can’t afford to order out, a version of homemade pizza is the next best thing. And because it’s in a mug, clean up is quick.
Win-win!
Get the recipe here.
Tortilla Pizza
Cross two college meals together and you get this tortilla pizza. Because you just can’t go wrong with pizza!
Get the recipe here.
Microwave Macaroni & Cheese in a Mug
Classic comfort food deserves a spot on this list of easy college meals. And mac n’ cheese is THE poster child for comfort foods.
With this mug recipe, there’s no box required!
Get this recipe here.
Baked Potato
White potatoes are full of good-for-you vitamins and minerals, this microwave recipe could be used for sweet potatoes, too. Load it up with any toppings you like!
Get the recipe here.
Parmesan Herb Microwave Spaghetti Squash
Veggies are an important part of a well rounded diet, and this spaghetti squash recipe makes them go down easily. It makes enough to save some for later, cook once – eat twice!
Get the Recipe here.
Egg Fried Rice in a Mug
Sneak those veggies in with ease when you make this egg fried rice meal. Healthier than take out, but still delicious!
Get the recipe here.
Sweet Potato Chips
You can skip the chip aisle at the store, because you can make them from the comfort of your dorm room. SO cool!
Get the recipe here.
Homemade Microwave Spaghetti-Ohs in a Mug
Spaghetti-ohs take me back to childhood. Make it just using a microwave and a mug, now that’s easy!
Get the recipe here.
5 Minute Vegetarian Burrito Bowl
Yummy vegetarian food is super possible to add in to your college meals. I love how creative this recipe is!
Get the recipe here.
Microwave Mushroom Risotto
Bet you didn’t think you could make classic Italian dishes with your microwave, cause neither did I! Add some pre-grilled chicken for protein and call it good.
Get the recipe here.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Cheesy broccoli soup is one my favorite soups! This is almost the same thing, except with rice.
Get the recipe here.
Microwave Nachos
On some days, nachos are what’s needed to hit the spot. This easy microwave nacho recipe will help quell those cravings.
Get the recipe here.
Easy Microwave Chocolate Pudding
This pudding recipe is just as easy as the box, but tastes better. This is just one option to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Get the recipe here.
Harry Potter Butterbeer Cake in a Mug
The Harry Potter fan in me totally LOVES this recipe! I’m sure others will ask you how you made it, too.
‘Cause fans are everywhere!
Get the recipe here.
Microwave Cinnamon Apples
Dress up an apple with this uber easy college microwave meal. Reminds me of apple pie without all the extra work.
Get the recipe here.
Microwave Rice Krispie Treats 
Rice krispie treats are a fav sweet treat of mine. Make enough for just you when powering through a late night study session.
Get the recipe here.
S’more Mug Cake
S’mores in a mug; just like regular s’mores but with less mess! Takes me back to memories of summer camping trips.
Get the recipe here.
Dulce De Leche Microwave Flan
It looks fancy but it’s actually easy to “bake” in the microwave. I’m super impressed with this flan recipe!
Get the recipe here.
1-Minute Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie
Finally on this list of easy college meals we have a timeless classic:
The microwave cookie! It’s ooey and gooey in all the right places.
Get the recipe here.
Which microwave college meal are you going to try first?
More meal ideas for college students:
About Charlie
Charlie is the co-founder of College Life Made Easy and author of the book 175+ Things to Do Before You Graduate College. She’s a 2015 graduate who teaches overwhelmed students and parents of students how to confidently navigate the whole college thing. As a former broke college kid, she’s passionate about helping students develop the skills they need in order to thrive (instead of just survive), stress less, and actually enjoy the full college experience.