You know the stereotype, right? That college students live on cereal and ramen noodles? I am sure a lot of you like cereal and ramen noodles, but in case you want to break the monotony, here are some foods that I have tried and require little prep.
Dorm Room Pizza – This cooks pretty quickly and is super yummy! I like to use naan from Aldi, but you can use other flatbreads, too, or even crescent rolls from the store (I use those to make mini calzones!!). I also use bagels sometimes; they’re a little heavier, but that makes them a great comfort food. Next, you just need your desired pasta sauce and toppings. If you are using pre-made dough, follow the cooking directions on the container. If you’re using a flatbread or bagels, cook until your cheese is fully melted and you can see the edges of your other toppings (if you have any) start to darken.
Omelet – This just takes eggs and whatever you want in it, and it’s only a little harder than making scrambled eggs because you can’t move them around. Please, please, please do NOT try to make the omelet flip in the air.
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CHEAT: if you don’t want to flip and fold your eggs, or you just don’t have the right stove or pan available, you can scramble eggs in a cup (30 second intervals in the microwave, mixing occasionally) and put your toppings in that; it’s not exactly an omelette, but it tastes the same and it’s SO much easier.
No-Bake Cookies – I am not going to give you the ingredients for this because there are a lot of easy recipes that take different things. The big thing to remember is oatmeal. And chocolate.
Quesadillas – These also have lots of variation, so do a quick Google search and go crazy with the mini tortillas! (HINT: Most quesadillas can be made in the microwave.)
Mac ‘n’ cheese – The easiest thing to do, especially in a dorm room, is the boxed stuff. I personally can eat an entire cooked box in one sitting, but that’s considered unhealthy, so save your leftovers for the next meal.
Spaghetti – This could get interesting… buy the box, but only cook a little at a time. You can get pretty good pasta sauce for cheap, and even frozen meatballs if you want. Simple and filling.
Pancakes – this is a bit of a cheat because there are so many mixes that just take water, but that’s why it’s here! Grab a box of this and your breakfast (or lunch or dinner) is set for weeks.
Muffins – Again, kind of a cheat because of all the mixes, but easy is why we’re here. My favorite muffin recipe is just two ingredients: 1 box of cake mix and 1 can of pumpkin. Mix them up and follow the directions on the cake mix box for oven temperature and cooking time. You can also put it in a loaf pan, if you can get your hands on one, but muffins are definitely faster.
Baked Potato – This is one of my favorite foods. The only downside is that the potatoes take a while to cook, so just don’t leave them alone too long; do some homework in the community kitchen or do your laundry, checking on the oven itself occasionally. You’re going to need a Russet potato, also called a baking potato (or, y’know, many potatoes), and they can get pretty big, so choose carefully. Heat the oven to 400-425 degrees. Wash the potatoes with soap and water, then dry thoroughly. Poke the potatoes with a fork or knife in several places, then wrap individually in aluminum foil. You can put them on a baking sheet or right on the rack, depending on their size. Cook them for about 50 minutes or until you can squeeze them (with your hand in a protective mitt!) and they feel a little bit mushy. Let them cool enough to handle, then unwrap and enjoy with your preferred toppings! (I like the stereotypical cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream.)
Bon appetit!