We've all had those days where we want to make something insanely delicious, but don't want to go through the time-consuming process of cooking and cleaning. With busy schedules we often find ourselves grabbing something to go because it's easy and fast. What if there was a way to simulate a home cooked meal in just a few minutes with only a handful of dishes to clean?
If you own a microwave and a mug, you can do just that.
Microwave meals in mugs have become increasingly popular for college students with busy lives. Pinterest is overflowing with different recipes. The mugs make it easier to make a single serving. Making this size can give you the opportunity to try new combinations without wasting too many ingredients!
You can make almost everything in a mug nowadays, but here are ten recipes that can you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the ever important dessert.
Breakfast
Apple Banana Oatmeal
I am a huge fan of oatmeal and what's better than combining that with two complementary fruits? The cinnamon combined with the apple results in an explosion of flavor. Then, with another bite, you get a dash of banana. This breakfast can give you flavorful energy to get the day started.
You can find the recipe here: http://www.society19.com/microwave-mug-meal-recipes
Eggs
If you're anything like me, mornings can sometimes be rough. I've recently learned that instead of sleeping in until thirty minutes before class, waking up early and getting your day started can increase your mood - and it can be healthy! Your mom and elementary school health teachers are right; breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. It kick-starts your metabolism and gets you on your way! There's nothing better than to get your energy from eggs!
You can find the recipe here: http://www.society19.com/microwave-mug-meal-recipes
French Toast
For as long as I can remember, my family's Christmas morning breakfast has always been french toast. My dad always picks out the freshest french bread and adds the perfect amount of cinnamon. The opportunity to have a similar breakfast while away at college means everything to me.
You can find the recipe here: http://www.tipsfromatypicalmomblog.com/2015/01/microwave-french-toast-mug.html
Lunch/Dinner
Pizza
Who doesn't love pizza?! And whoever thought that pizza could be made in a mug?! While most colleges these days have wonderful dining services, it can be nice to fix your own for a change. By making this classic dish yourself, you have creative liberty to do exactly what you want. I'm a fan of classic pepperoni, but my best friend enjoys veggies on her pizza. You can mix and match and try new combinations!
You can find the recipe here: http://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/microwave-mug-pizza/
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is my all-time favorite comfort food. Nowadays you can get Kraft or Velveeta mac 'n' cheese cups that are made in the microwave, but they lack that classic creamy taste. My grandmother's macaroni and cheese will always have a special place in my heart and this is the closest thing I can get to it while off at college.
You can find the recipe here: http://www.society19.com/microwave-mug-meal-recipes
Egg Fried Rice
If you want to break away from traditional home-made food, you can try a bolder recipe for fried rice. Much like the pizza, I was surprised to find such an interesting recipe that can be made in your microwave! If you have the ingredients handy, adding some cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp would really make this recipe stand out.
You can find the recipe here: http://healthynibblesandbits.com/egg-fried-rice-mug/
Dessert
Strawberry Shortcake
My favorite summer fruit are strawberries and when paired with whipped cream and a deliciously fluffy cake, it can't get much better than this. If you're not a fan of strawberries, you can switch them out for another fruit. (No cartoon characters were harmed in the making of this dessert)
You can find the recipe here: http://www.refinery29.com/desserts-mug-recipes
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Let's face it, [almost] everyone loves a good chocolate chip cookie. My mother makes the best cookies I have ever had, and I'm not trying to be biased. Even though she often sends me back to school with a tupperware of cookies, this recipe has definitely saved me for those dark school nights when I've run out.
You can find the recipe here: http://www.number-2-pencil.com/2012/03/06/chocolate-chip-cookie-in-cup/
S'mores Brownie
There's nothing better than fall nights sitting around a fire pit roasting marshmallows with a group of friends and some good music. This untraditional take on a normal brownie is the closest thing I can get to those memories within my dorm. Fun fact, as the website below adds, the individual sections of a Hershey bar are called "pips"!
You can find the recipe here: http://www.refinery29.com/desserts-mug-recipes
Cheesecake
I used to never be a fan of cheesecake because of the name itself. I never thought cheese and cake should ever go together! Yet as I've gotten older I've learned to appreciate this lovely dessert and making it in a mug is all the better. You can put your own twist on the cheesecake by adding chocolate chips or blueberries.
You can find the recipe here: http://www.society19.com/microwave-mug-meal-recipes
Do you have a favorite microwavable meal in a mug?
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