19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (2024)

    Because using stoves and ovens to cook is sooo over.

    by Samantha WiederBuzzFeed Staff
    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (2)

    BuzzFeed

    1. 10-Minute Risotto Cups

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (3)

    brit.co

    The great thing about this recipe (other than the fact that it's a 10-minute microwave meal) is that there are four different kinds you can choose to make — basic risotto, butternut squash + sage risotto, mushrooms + thyme risotto, or bacon + kale + mushrooms risotto. Hint: make all four and see which one you like best!

    Recipe: 10-Minute Risotto Cups

    2. Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (4)

    kirbiecravings.com

    A cinnamon roll in cake form. Rumor has it that this is the first thing you see when the gates of heaven open. Plus, you probably have most of the ingredients for this simple recipe already at home.

    Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake

    3. Microwave Egg Caprese Breakfast Cups

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (5)

    foodiecrush.com

    Bad news: Two minutes isn't enough time to become a master chef. Good news: Two minutes is enough time to microwave the ingredients for this recipe.

    Recipe: Microwave Egg Caprese Breakfast Cups

    4. Instant Microwave Macaroni and Cheese

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (6)

    theviewfromgreatisland.com

    Sure, microwaveable mac and cheese is a thing you can buy at the store, but it'll be nowhere near as creamy or cheesy as this recipe. Mostly because this one uses, uh, REAL CHEESE!

    Recipe: Instant Microwave Macaroni and Cheese

    5. Avocado Macaroni and Cheese in a Mug

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (7)

    kirbiecravings.com

    Just in case you're looking to take your mac and cheese game to a whole new level of creamy deliciousness.

    Recipe: Avocado Macaroni and Cheese in a Mug

    6. Perfect Microwave Nachos

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (8)

    iamafoodblog.com

    Other than the fact that you don't have to stick these nachos in the oven, the best part of this recipe is the way a little bit of each nacho topping sits perfectly inside each tortilla chip. No more picking up a dry chip that sat outcast at the edge of the plate just because it wasn't close enough to all the toppings.

    Recipe: Perfect Microwave Nachos

    7. Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Cup

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (9)

    number-2-pencil.com

    Because when the craving for a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie hits, baking a whole batch in the oven simply won't cut it. You need a cookie right here, right now.

    Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Cup

    8. Egg Fried Rice in a Mug

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (10)

    healthynibblesandbits.com

    Until your usual takeout place cracks the code for delivering fried rice to your doorstep less than 10 minutes after you order it, this recipe will be your lifesaver.

    Recipe: Egg Fried Rice in a Mug

    9. Parmesan Herb Microwave Spaghetti Squash

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (11)

    joyfulhealthyeats.com

    Will you look at how fancy that looks? The perfect way to get your veggies in without feeling like you're eating veggies, or having to turn on the stove or oven.

    Recipe: Parmesan Herb Microwave Spaghetti Squash

    10. Pumpkin Oatmeal Mug Bake

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (12)

    katheats.com

    Pumpkin? It's delicious year-round. It's especially delicious when you realize it's part of an oatmeal bake that you don't have to actually "bake" in the oven.

    Recipe: Pumpkin Oatmeal Mug Bake

    11. Microwave Sweet Potato Chips

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (13)

    thebittenword.com

    Move over popcorn. There's a new microwaveable snack in town.

    Recipe: Microwave Sweet Potato Chips

    12. 10-Minute Gluten-Free Enchiladas

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (14)

    flippindelicious.com

    You mean to tell me that I've spent the first 25 years of my life on this earth not knowing I could make enchiladas using my microwave in just 10 minutes? My whole life is a lie.

    Recipe: 10-Minute Gluten Free Enchiladas

    13. Sausage and Cheese Spaghetti Dinner

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (15)

    ladyandpups.com

    You may never want to eat anything else for dinner ever again, and honestly, I don't blame you.

    Recipe: Microwaved Sausage and Cheese Spaghetti Dinner

    14. Five-Minute Bread Pudding in a Mug

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (16)

    thekitchn.com

    You only need five ingredients — bread, egg, butter, milk, and sugar. Plus, you can add whatever mix-ins you're craving! Fruit, chocolate, peanut butter — it's up to you!

    Recipe: Five-Minute Bread Pudding in a Mug

    15. Spinach Ricotta Lasagna in a Mug

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (17)

    healthynibblesandbits.com

    This vegetarian lasagna recipe makes for the ultimate comfort food when you need something warm, cheesy, and most of all, delicious.

    Recipe: Spinach Ricotta Lasagna In A Mug

    16. 10-Minute Microwave Cheesecake Mug Cake

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (18)

    kirbiecravings.com

    There is never a bad time for cheesecake, especially not when the craving for something creamy and sweet hits late at night. This takes just 10 minutes to whip up.

    Recipe: 10-Minute Microwave Cheesecake Mug Cake

    17. Single-Serve Microwave Shakshuka

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (19)

    thekitchn.com

    This egg dish is perfect any time of day and is packed with nutrients and flavor!

    Recipe: Single-Serve Microwave Shakshuka

    18. Microwave Lemon Bars

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (20)

    momontimeout.com

    The perfect combo of sweet, tart, and, wait — am I the only one who didn't know you could make lemon bars in a MICROWAVE?! Total game changer.

    Recipe: Microwave Lemon Bars

    19. Microwave Cinnamon Maple Breakfast Quinoa

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (21)

    laurenslatest.com

    Not only is this easy to make and so, so yummy, but it will help keep you full and power you through all the important things you have going on in the morning thanks to quinoa's high protein content.

    Recipe: Microwave Cinnamon Maple Breakfast Quinoa

    19 Recipes You Can Make In Just A Microwave (2024)

    FAQs

    What can I cook in the microwave only? ›

    For breakfast, you can make a frittata, an egg sandwich, and even French toast in your microwave. At lunchtime, you can try cooking mac and cheese, a sweet potato, or soup in the microwave. The options for microwavable dinners are limitless and include chicken, fish, and pasta dishes.

    What can you do in a microwave? ›

    A microwave oven is a very versatile kitchen appliance that offers a whole range of uses. Microwave ovens can be used to reheat and cook food, disinfect kitchen items, make citrus fruits juicier, heat beauty products, roast garlic and de-crystallising honey.

    Can you cook everything in a microwave? ›

    It cuts down on cook time, speeds up prep time, and all-around makes the home cook's job easier. But not everything should go into a microwave. Some foods, beverages, and containers can release toxins, burn, melt, or even explode if nuked for less than a minute. Some may even turn toxic.

    Can you cook meat in a microwave? ›

    Meat can be cooked safely in a microwave oven, but it can cook unevenly and leave cold spots where harmful bacteria can survive. For this reason, it is important to cover the food, rotate or stir it once or twice during cooking, and make sure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature throughout.

    Can you cook chicken in a microwave? ›

    Depending on how many you'd like to cook, chicken breasts take about 7-11 minutes to cook in the microwave. When cooking frozen chicken breasts, add 5-6 more minutes of cook time to ensure the chicken is thawed and cooked through.

    What are 3 disadvantages of using a microwave? ›

    Potential drawbacks include uneven heating, risk of dryness in food, and the need for microwave-safe utensils to prevent damage or accidents.

    Can I cook rice in the microwave? ›

    Pour rice into a microwave-safe bowl, and add two cups of water (the 1:2 ratio works for larger or smaller portions as well.) Microwave rice for 15 minutes. If the rice has absorbed all the water, it's done. If not, add 5 more minutes of cook time and check.

    What can I do with an old microwave? ›

    6 Ways to Dispose of an Old Microwave
    1. Sell It Online. Is your outdated microwave still working but you want to upgrade it for a kitchen remodel or get rid of it before a move? ...
    2. Donate It. ...
    3. Recycle It. ...
    4. Put It on the Curb. ...
    5. Use a Junk Removal Service. ...
    6. Rent a Dumpster.

    What foods should not be microwaved? ›

    6 Foods You Shouldn't Reheat In The Microwave
    • Reheating Eggs.
    • Reheating Pasta.
    • Reheating Casseroles.
    • Reheating Pizza.
    • Reheating Fried Food.
    • Reheating Really Old Leftovers.
    Feb 3, 2023

    What meat can I cook in the microwave? ›

    Other meats that work well include such small cuts of lamb and pork as chops, ribs and stew meat; and ham. Ground meats and bacon also cook well in the microwave. Select a roast, chop, or steak that is even in size, shape and thickness. This assures that the meat will cook evenly in the microwave.

    What not to put in the microwave? ›

    Metals including stainless steel and aluminum foil

    Anything made of or containing steel, iron, copper or other hard metals should never go in your microwave. Metal surfaces reflect microwaves, which increases the heat inside the appliance and could lead to a fire.

    What cooks better in a microwave? ›

    Potatoes, rice, and pasta are good in the microwave. It's also great for steaming fresh veggies like corn and broccoli, or par cooking to reduce roasting time.

    Can you use a microwave instead of a stove? ›

    Microwaves

    Using the right power settings on your microwave can help you to cook small, tender pieces of meat, steam vegetables like broccoli and carrots, boil eggs, simmer stews and heat casseroles. Depending on the type of microwave you have, you can steam, air fry and even broil without a stove or oven.

    What Cannot go in the microwave? ›

    What Not to Put in a Microwave
    • China: The metal trim on china can overheat and damage the dish.
    • Bread: Bread molecules begin to melt once it reaches a high temperature.
    • Single-Use Plastic: Single-use plastics can melt and leave phthalates in your food.
    • Breast Milk: Milk heats unevenly and could scald your infant.

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