College Life
Close-up Of A Smiling Young Woman making a microwave recipe from TikTok in her dorm room.
15 Easy Microwave Recipes On TikTok For Your Dorm Room

Some of these are really mug-nificent.

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Living in a dorm doesn’t mean all your meals need to come from the dining hall or a coffee cart on the way to class. You can also enjoy more than just ramen and microwave popcorn when hanging out in your room, thanks to all the easy recipe ideas on TikTok. The key is working with what you have available, whether it be instant noodles or tortilla chips, and building on top filling and nutritious ingredients that’ll fuel you through your busy study schedule. If you want to be your very own gourmet chef without a stovetop, try out these easy dorm room-friendly microwave recipes from TikTok that you’ll be able to whip up in just a few steps.

All you need for these quick recipes are some simple appliances allowed in the dorms, like a microwave and toaster oven, along with ingredients you can easily store in your mini fridge. For some people, staying in the dorms might be your first experience living on your own. This is your chance to ease your way into adulthood by polishing up your cooking skills and create some mainstays for the next four years (and beyond). You can stock up on staple ingredients and get creative with how you prepare them, whether it be fresh produce or reliable white rice, there are so many ways to make a delicious meal out of some basic ingredients with just a microwave.

When you’re craving something other than dining hall waffles or the cafeteria salad bar, make yourself a microwave pizza or a veggie-filled grain bowl. You can also find some quick breakfast dishes from this list of dorm room-friendly TikTok recipes to make on those mornings when you don’t have time to grab something to eat before lecture. Plus, let’s not forget snack ideas for late-night study sessions with your roomies. If there’s something you’re craving, TikTok has your back. So, check out this list of 15 easy recipes for delicious meals you can make without a stove or oven.

01
Grain Bowl
TikTok

If you’re looking for a healthy and simple dish, try this grain bowl recipe. You can customize it your liking with whatever veggies you prefer, but TikToker @stephaniethedietitian’s ingredients include tomatoes, cucumbers, chickpeas, and spinach with an avocado dressing made with a Nutribullet ($70, Nutribullet). If you’re looking for something a little more hearty, you can also add microwavable whole grain rice to assemble in your bowl with the rest of your ingredients.

02
Turkey Wrap
@grakvitalele

Need a quick lunch between classes? Try this turkey wrap recipe from TikToker @grakvitalele. You’ll need some tortillas, your choice of deli meat and cheese, ranch dressing, spinach, red pepper, and Tajín. Of course, you can switch up the ingredients based on what you like, but this recipe makes a delicious wrap that you can enjoy every day of the week.

03
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
@haigoyz

For a late-night snack, try this chocolate-covered pretzel recipe from TikToker @haigoyz. Just melt some chocolate in a mug with your microwave, then dip your pretzel sticks in the melted chocolate. Let them cool off before enjoying as a delicious sweet treat that’s perfect for when you’re studying or watching a movie with your dorm roomies.

04
Elote In A Bowl
@recipes

If you miss homemade Elote, try this Elote in a bowl recipe from TikToker @recipes. Melt some corn and butter in bowl before adding in your lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese. It tastes just like the Mexican street corn you’ve been craving, and it’s so easy to make.

05
Three-Ingredient Pasta
@willysfreshsalsa

Instead of heading to an Italian restaurant, try out this microwaveable pasta recipe at home. It only takes three ingredients — microwavable pasta ($2, Target), hummus, and salsa — and you can easily store them in your dorm. Mix them together in your bowl and you’ve got a dish that’s im-pasta-bly good.

06
Eggs In A Mug
TikTok

From cake to pizza, mug meals will be your go-to in the dorm. For any early morning classes, you’ll want to know how to make eggs in a mug.

According to this recipe from TikToker @605dietitian, all you need to do is mix your eggs with your choice of seasoning, like this Everything but the Bagel seasoning ($6, Amazon), and pop it in the microwave for about a minute and 30 seconds. When it’s cooked, top with salsa or some cheese if you’ve got it for a satisfying morning pick-me-up.

07
Microwave Pizza
@jessiesayhey

Instead of ordering a pizza, save some dough by making your own. Just follow TikToker @jessiesayhey’s microwave pizza recipe by adding some biscuit dough, pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperonis to your bowl. Microwave for about two minutes, then enjoy. This is so tasty and easy that it’ll have a pizza your heart. Grab Yummly’s recipe for a homemade dough with all the exact measurements.

08
Berry Cobbler In A Mug
@recipes

Berry cobbler is another great mug recipe that makes a great late-night snack or sweet treat to enjoy with your coffee in the morning. Just follow TikToker @recipes’ lead and add frozen berries to the bottom of your coffee mug and microwave for 30 seconds to soften them before mixing them with powdered sugar.

Once that’s done, add your “crust” (a mix of flour, sugar, baking powder, butter, and milk) to the top. After microwaving for about 90 seconds, dig in and enjoy.

09
Mug French Toast
@joleygow

This mug french toast from TikToker @joleygow is another easy breakfast idea. Combine melted butter, an egg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in your mug. Break apart two slices of bread into bite-sized pieces, then let them soak in the mixture before microwaving for about 90 seconds. Top them off with some fresh fruit, powdered sugar, and maple syrup, and you’re good to go.

10
Microwave Baked Potato
@getschooled

Did you know you can make a baked potato in the microwave? Just heat for about five minutes, according to TikToker @getschooled’s recipe. Once that’s ready, add your favorite toppings like scallions, cheese, butter, and hot sauce, then heat once more to blend it all together. Not only is it so fun and easy to make, but it’s also a great idea for a baked potato party with your roomies where you all make your own potatoes.

11
Rice Noodle And Tofu Soup
@thehealthyhophead

@thehealthyhophead’s easy microwave soup will be a little more nutritious and delicious than standard ramen noodles. Using a single bowl, she cooks rice noodles, tofu, mushrooms, and spinach in seasoned water for just 5 minutes for a quick Asian noodle bowl similar to pho. Skip ordering take out and try this easy noodle soup for fresh and filling flavors you can whip together in the microwave.

12
White Rice
@borisnacc

Rice can be a hard ingredient to make on the stove alone, but did you know you can make it in the microwave too? @borisnacc shows how it's done without a flame in a few simple steps. Having this recipe in your back pocket will be super helpful for making rice bowls loaded with veggies and protein, or you can eat a bowl of plain rice with some soy sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.

13
Loaded Nachos
@leah.roga

@leah.roga’s loaded nacho microwave recipe is a great way to add some nutritional value to your favorite tortilla chips. In her TikTok, piles on cheese, chicken, salsa, onion, and sour cream and pops her plate in the microwave for two minutes or until the cheese is melted and everything’s heated through. You can add whatever you want on this comfort food dish, like black beans, lettuce, rice, or potatoes for an extra filling bite. This one will definitely hit the spot during late night study sessions

14
Corn On The Cob
@you_can_whip_it

You can steam an entire cob of corn in the microwave in just four minutes. @you_can_whip_it shares how she does it in her TikTok, by just placing the unpeeled ear of corn straight on the microwave tray. After it steams and is fully cooked, you can spread butter on top and sprinkle your favorite spices like garlic powder and salt for an easy snack or dinner side.

15
Spaghetti Squash
@skinnytaste

@skinnytaste on TikTok shared that the easiest way to make spaghetti squash is actually in the microwave. Follow along with the video for the cooking steps and then you can dress up the noodle-shaped squash pulp however you want. You can heat up some pre-made marinara in the microwave or melt gooey cheese on top. To make a full meal, try out this hearty spaghetti squash chili dinner from Yummly that calls for ground beef (or a plant-based alternative), beans, and mouthwatering spices.

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