8 Easy Meals to Make in the Dorms

By Ian Acosta on February 28, 2017

Dining hall food can become very repetitive pretty quickly. For those students who do not prefer to eat the same meal every week and a half, the other options would be to eat out, which can be pricey, or to cook for themselves.

While some may not have access to a conventional kitchen inside their own room, typically the dorm building or a student center will have a place where you can whip up a couple quick recipes to break the dining hall spell. Here are some pretty quick and nifty meals to prepare to switch up the routine.

1. Grilled Cheese

A tried and true favorite. Grilled cheese was a staple of what I loved to prepare while still in the dorms mainly because it was so simple to do. All you need is bread, butter, and cheese and within 10 minutes you have a quick sandwich that everyone loves.

Switch it up by adding in some ham or turkey in the middle of your grilled cheese to add in that extra serving of protein. A trick I saw online that I still implement in my grilled cheese making is sprinkling some shredded cheddar cheese on the outer part of the bread. Not only will the inside become nice and gooey, the outside cheddar will form a nice toasty crunch to add some more texture with a hearty cheese flavor.

Pair it with tomato soup for a classic combination that will leave you full and ready for a night of studying (or partying).

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2. French Toast

Pretty simple concept here as well: all you need is eggs and bread. A classic breakfast dish that is super simple to make? You got it. I personally used thicker bread to give it more of a hearty feel along with sprinkling in some cinnamon and nutmeg to the egg mixture. It will add a nice spice to pair great with the hearty French toast drizzled in syrup. My mouth is watering already!

3. Microwave Mac and Cheese

Luckily this can be made in about five minutes! All you’ll need is some elbow macaroni, water, milk, cheese, and access to a microwave. Use about a third of a cup of macaroni, add in three-fourths of a cup of water, and cook for about three and a half minutes.

Dump out any excess water and then pour in a few tablespoons of milk and a few tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese. Microwave for a minute and then you have yourself a warm and cheesy microwave cup of mac. Sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top as well for some added flare.

4. Cream of Chicken Soup with Rice

One of my personal favorites. A quick can of cream of chicken soup combined with some leftover rice made previously can create a deliciously hearty meal that will warm you up in an instant. Follow the directions on the can to make the soup and then sprinkle in a couple spoonfuls of rice at your discretion to create the perfect bowl of soup.

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5. Salmon

Now you might be thinking, “I do not know how to cook salmon and I don’t really want to risk it.” Do not worry! You are a college student with access to a microwave so you will be just fine!

This recipe is as simple as 1-2-3 and can be done in under five minutes. Mix a teaspoon each of olive oil and lime juice with quarter teaspoons of salt and pepper, then with two teaspoons of honey. Drizzle it over the salmon, cover, and cook on medium power and in three minutes you’ll have wonderfully tasty salmon.

6. Tuna Salad Sandwich

Another great sandwich that is chock full of protein is a tuna salad sandwich. Simply combine a can of tuna, mayonnaise, some lettuce, and slather it on some bread and have yourself a tasty tuna treat. Toast the bread to add some texture to your sandwich and include celery as well if available.

7. Oatmeal

Whether for breakfast or on the go, oatmeal is a great meal that will keep you full of energy throughout the day. The great thing about oatmeal prep is that it is quick, easy, and fast. While instant oatmeal might seem a bit dull, spice it up by adding some spice.

Add some brown sugar or cinnamon to add some sweetness. In addition, chop up your favorite fruit for a fresh, healthy option. From apples to blueberries and bananas to cherries, oatmeal is a fresh, healthy dish that can be whipped up in a flash.

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8. Popcorn

Grab a jar of kernels, pop them in the microwave and in no time you can have a delicious air-popped snack. Try and stay away from the prepackaged products that contain too much butter, salt, or fat. Instead, opt for air-popping kernels that you can season yourself to make a much healthier, tastier snack.

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