Creative Dorm Room Meals

Make Quick and Healthy Meals or Snacks Right in the Comfort of Your Dorm

There’s something to be said for the whole ‘going-away-to-college’ experience. You’re on your own, branching out to meet new friends, learning new things, and gaining independence. Being in a new environment can certainly be daunting, but with it comes thrills and excitement that bring out your sense of adventure – and adventurous you must be, especially when it comes to crafting a menu!

Dorm life can mean limited space and resources. As long as you’re allowed to have a microwave, hot plate, mini fridge, toaster, waffle maker, or crock pot in your room, you can definitely get creative. Rather than break the bank at your campus dining hall or ordering take out, stretch your culinary muscles and get ready to enjoy some really tasty recipes!

Breakfast

When it comes to the most important meal of the day, there are always your standards:

• Toast
• Cereal
• Granola bars
• Fruit
• Bagels
• Yogurt

The list feels endless, and it can get boring pretty quickly. Put a spin on your morning routine by making yourself a power meal and get your day going:

• Microwave a nutritious egg sandwich with bacon, salsa, cheese, and spinach.
• Build a slice of avocado toast complete with tomatoes, onions, cheese.
• Make a festive zucchini ham and pepper frittata that cooks in mere minutes!

Lunch

Avoid that 2:30, mid-day slump by rewarding yourself with a little pick-me-up. Rather than throwing together a sandwich before you run to your next class, try these fun, fast, and filling ideas:

• Treat yourself to a healthy wrap filled with lettuce/tomato/veggies, cheese and chicken, ham or turkey.
• Grab a nearby mason jar and toss together a quick salad-for-one with all the fixins.
• Enjoy mac ‘n’ cheese in a mug, a meat or veggie quesadilla, or a personal microwave pizza.

These tasty meals are just what you need to get through a busy day – and you can make them in 20 minutes or less!

Dinner

Finally! Your day is done and it’s time to kick back. Before tucking into a research paper or late night homework assignment, take a breather and throw together a hearty dinner.

• Upgrade a regular ramen recipe with siracha, spinach, soy sauce, mushrooms, eggs, or garlic – or all of the above!
• Toss together brown rice, tomatoes, beans, onions, cheese and hot flakes for some vegetarian stuffed peppers.
• Frozen meatballs and sweet-and-sour sauce can go in your microwave or slow cooker with rice, carrots, and pepper for some tasty comfort food.

It’s important to unwind after a productive day of studies. Savor your delicious dinner and binge a few episodes of your favorite show or enjoy a few chapters of a new book.

Snacks & Dessert

Whether you are studying late into the night or spending long hours at the library, a little snack or dessert is a total treat and something to look forward to at the end of the day. If you’re on the go, it’s easy to pack fruit, vegetables, nuts, a granola bar, or trail mix in your bag, but when you have the time, you can mix and match some really great foods for a delightful indulgence.

• Use bananas, oats, and peanut butter to make an individual cake in a mug; a wonderful study snack.
• Give yourself a protein boost between classes with a layered yogurt, fruit, and granola parfait.
• After class, hit the books with a bowl of popcorn drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Roll oats, coconut, and granola into a ball with Nutella for an easy, no-bake hazelnut bite. Keep a few in a sandwich bag for an energy boost during the day!

These delightful snacks and desserts are just what you need to perk you up when classes, papers, and tests stack up. Share your creations with classmates, a study group, or your neighbors if you need to break the ice!

Dorm living brings change, but also many wonderful memories. Whether you’re pulling an all-nighter studying, spending quality time with new friends, or exploring your new surroundings, it’s a time in your life that you’ll never forget. These quick meal and snack ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to putting a spin on your everyday routine – don’t be afraid to explore. Mug meals, sandwiches, and wraps are great options, so check out more recipes here, or print these handy recipe cards.

If you’re looking for a place to keep your ingredients or dishware, grab a cute pantry bin to style your small space.

Check out our full Back to College blog series for more inspiration as you prepare to head back to campus.

Elizabeth DeAmicis is an SEO Copywriter at mDesign

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