11 Fast, Delicious, and Easy Recipes for College Students

When you're living on campus in college, having every meal at the dining hall could leave you feeling uninspired — no matter how good the food is! But always eating out or ordering takeout when you don't want to eat in the dining hall can be a budget-breaking endeavor.

So, what does a college student do to mix it up at mealtime? First, skip the delivery and toss the packaged instant ramen and frozen food to the side. Instead, take these easy recipes for college students for a spin. They're budget-friendly, fast, easy, and require only a few ingredients. Plus, many can be made in the microwave and only need one dish. And, of course, they're delicious!

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV

11 Quick and Easy Recipes for College Students

Microwave Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Are you tired of cold cereal and lackluster instant oats? This hearty apple and cinnamon-infused oatmeal is almost as fast and will give your oats a whole new lease on life. Plus, it's a healthy, fiber-rich way to start the day. 

Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are still a trendy darling in the quick-fix, make-ahead recipe world because they are easy and delicious. This highly customizable recipe is ready in a pinch. It will jumpstart your day with healthy protein, fiber, and fruit, far better than grabbing a donut or skipping breakfast!

Use any dairy or plant-based milk you prefer and stir in your favorite mix-ins — from fresh and dried fruit to nut butter, flavorings like cinnamon or vanilla extract, and even protein powder — to pump up the staying power of this go-to breakfast. 

Microwave Mac and Cheese

Do you think you can't make mac and cheese from your dorm room from scratch in one bowl? We're here to tell you you can — in under 30 minutes! All you need is a microwave. You don't even have to boil the macaroni! Sound too good to be true? It's not. Get the recipe for this cheesy goodness.

P.S. If you have a rice cooker, this easier-than-ever recipe for mac and cheese is another way to create creamy magic with hardly any prep required.

Microwave Baked Potato

Speaking of that microwave, put it to use again to make yourself a fully loaded baked potato with all the fixings — no oven (or hours of cooking time!) required. Follow this recipe for a fluffy potato with crispy skin. 

Try cottage cheese for a slightly different twist on your baked potato toppings! It may sound weird but don't knock it until you try it. It's a great, protein-packed addition to those butter, cheese, and bacon toppings. Pro tip: Try this same microwave process with sweet potatoes; keep an eye on it, as it may cook more quickly.

Hummus and Grilled Vegetable Wrap

This hummus wrap recipe is a great dorm-room-friendly lunch, dinner, or snack that comes together in a flash. Don't worry about grilling your veggies. Pick them up at any grocery hot bar — or grab some fresh veggies from the dining hall. Add some deli turkey or chicken to make this wrap more filling.

The Perfect Grilled Cheese

Cheap recipes for college students don't have to taste cheap! The perfect grilled cheese may be one of the most underrated dishes around. Simple yet incredibly nostalgic, this go-to recipe is cheesy perfection. 

For an extra-crispy, toasted effect, try mayonnaise instead of butter on the sides of the bread that get browned. And don't be afraid to try different breads and cheeses to add variety to the mix. (Toasting the basic PB&J is a delicious way to add extra oomph.)

Kale and Apple Salad

Just because you're whipping up a meal in your dorm room doesn't mean you can't get a little fancy. This kale and apple salad ranks highly on the list of easy, healthy recipes for college students, coming together effortlessly in one bowl yet tasting restaurant-quality — plus, it delivers antioxidants and other nutrients. 

Suppose you don't like kale, substitute spinach, arugula, or romaine lettuce. Make it a meal by shredding in some pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It's a budget-friendly way to have protein on hand that you can use a million ways — including chicken salads, chicken sandwiches, and more.

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Are you cooking for friends and want to show off with a yummy homemade-inspired dish? You'll never believe chicken pot pie can be as easy as this recipe, thanks to several hacks like rotisserie chicken, canned soup, and pre-made pie crusts (no one will ever know).

10-Minute Chicken, Corn, and Kimchi Ramen

When it comes to easy dinner recipes for college students, it doesn't get better than this 10-minute Chicken, Corn, and Kimchi Ramen. This recipe uses those inexpensive packaged instant ramen noodles, yet they get a massive upgrade with interesting, homemade flavors. This dish is another way you can put that rotisserie chicken to use, too.

Emily's Excellent Taco Casserole

Another crowd-pleaser is this taco casserole, which won't cost you much yet will still feed all your friends in a super-speedy and super-easy fashion. It's also perfect for any game-day gatherings. Not a huge fan of canned vegetarian chili with beans? Use a canned meat chili without beans instead!

Microwave S'mores Mug Cakes

Let's complete the recipe roundup with a dessert. These mug cakes are the next best thing if you're craving s'mores. This chocolate and marshmallow creation comes together in melty decadence with only a coffee mug and a microwave needed!

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When you're not cooking, DBU Dining has various meal plans to fit your lifestyle and preferences while on campus. Explore meal plans.