By Grace Hogsten
Copy Editor
As the semester progresses and dining hall favorites start to become overly familiar, many students find themselves wanting to eat elsewhere once in a while and look forlornly into their barren fridges.
However, you do not need a fully-stocked kitchen to prepare a meal for yourself. This article includes five recipes for dorm cooking that are customizable, require few or long-lasting ingredients, and will not take too much time or effort to make.
Microwave Baked Potato
While many recipes require an oven or stove, baked potatoes are a quick and easy option that you can easily make in the microwave. Ingredients for this recipe simply include a potato and whatever toppings your heart desires.
Rinse a potato, then poke it with a fork to relieve pressure. For an optional step to season the skin, rub oil on the outside and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Microwave for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even bake. If the potato feels too firm, continue microwaving in two-minute increments until it reaches the desired texture.
To add some additional flavor, butter, salt, and pepper are a simple standby. Sour cream, shredded cheese, and bacon are other classic toppings, but the possibilities are endless.
According to All Recipes, microwaved baked potatoes can be even better than those prepared in the oven, so if you have never tried this method, a cozy dorm dinner in could be the perfect time to try.
Pasta
Making pasta can be as simple as boiling the noodles of your choice and microwaving a portion of canned sauce. However, there are plenty of ways to customize or elevate the dish.
For variety, try new noodle shapes and sizes, or stop by the frozen aisle of the grocery store to stock up on any flavor of tortellini or ravioli.
To upgrade a simple, store-bought marinara sauce, heat in a saucepan and stir in some heavy whipping cream and shredded mozzarella. Mix in sauteed mushrooms, grilled chicken, or browned ground beef for added protein and flavor.
The basic ingredients to prepare a pasta dish can last for a while on your shelf or in the refrigerator, and leftovers can make great dinners throughout the week.
Taco Bowl
For a versatile, flavorful, and filling dinner, make yourself a taco bowl.
Start by browning ground beef or baking chicken for a base, and season with a pre-packaged taco seasoning or experiment with your own mix of spices. A small amount of seasoning goes a long way, so a one-time purchase will last for many meals to come.
Once you have prepared your protein, add all of your favorite toppings. Chop some lettuce, tomatoes, or avocados; make some instant rice; or heat up canned beans. Mix in shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Both the ingredients and portions of this recipe are fully customizable. Fix this dish for just yourself or invite a group of friends over for a dorm dinner party.
Grilled Cheese
Sometimes, at the end of a long, cold day, this simple sandwich is the perfect dinner to satisfy a comfort food craving. Pick up butter, bread, and cheese during your next trip to the grocery store so that this staple will be ready whenever you need it.
If you worry that you will not use your bread and cheese before their expiration dates, store them in the freezer and thaw a few slices as needed.
Like so many other classic recipes, a grilled cheese sandwich does not have to be plain. Experiment with your choice of cheese; while Kraft singles are a standby that melt easily, try a sharper cheddar or some Swiss. Add deli meat or sliced vegetables to transform an everyday grilled cheese.
According to Good Housekeeping, there are 50 different variations on this classic favorite, with ingredients ranging from jalapenos to pepperoni to pears.
Mug Cake
For a quick, single-serving dessert, whip up a microwave mug cake. Keep some key ingredients on hand for this almost-instant sweet treat.
A trip down the baking aisle will last longer than you think; dry ingredients have a lengthy shelf life, and butter and almond milk can keep for up to a couple of months in the fridge. As an added bonus, many mug cakes do not require eggs because of their small serving sizes.
No matter your favorite flavor, there is a mug cake recipe online for you. Tastes Better From Scratch has a vanilla mug cake recipe with optional ingredients to make a few variations, and Celebrating Sweets offers a recipe for a chocolate mug cake with a denser, brownie-like texture.
With some simple ingredients and a mug cake recipe, neither limited kitchen access nor the late-night hour can get in the way of your sweet tooth.
On lazy weekends or busy weeknights, enjoy one of these easy but delicious options in your dorm. Cooking in a dorm building can sometimes seem daunting, but your new favorite dish may be just a trip to the grocery store and a walk down the hall away.
Photo by Olivia Long.
Photo Caption: Simple meals do not have to be hard to come by; many learn to cook on the fly and experiment.