Favorite Dorm Recipe Round-Up

Over the past year, I’ve learned a whole lot about how to navigate dining hall and dorm eating. Yes, I still stand by those tips I gave in my Healthy Eating in College post that I put out a year ago, but I have definitely grown so much since then, learning to go with the flow a bit more in terms of what I eat and learning to save money on food a bit more along the way. I have even loved learning to cook in my dorm, something I never really thought I’d say, and I have developed as a creator through trying to see what food possibilities could happen when only having a microwave and a mini fridge available to me. So, for those of you who just need an absolute break from dining hall life or simply want to have a moment to yourself to make and eat something - this post is for you! It doesn’t take a whole lot of ingredients to be able to fuel your body well.

Meals

Microwave Frittata

Ingredients and Supplies

• 1 egg

• Milk or even non-dairy milk

• Vegetables (I just got some to-go from the dining hall)

• Spices

• Oil or a cooking spray (optional)

• A small bowl with a flat base or a mug

1.) Grab a mug or small bowl and either spray or rub olive/avocado oil in it (this step isn’t so crucial but will help with getting the frittata out)
2.) Add in all the veggies you want, make sure to only fill about 3/4-1 inch with the veggies to leave room for the egg
3.) In a separate container, whisk the egg. I also would recommend adding spices and a dash of milk if you have it.
4.) Pour the egg mixture into the cup with the veggies
5.) Microwave for about a minute and you are ready to eat!

Coffee Overnight Oatmeal

Ingredients and Supplies

• 1 cup oats

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

• 1 mashed banana

• 1/4 cup iced coffee

• 1/4 cup almond milk

• Dash of cinnamon

• various toppings (I like honey, nut butter, and frozen blueberries)

1. Combine almond milk, iced chia seeds, mashed banana, oats, and cinnamon in a cup or bowl. Put in the fridge overnight.

2. The next day, take out of the fridge and either heat up the oats or serve them cold. After that, add your toppings of choice and you’re ready to eat.

Microwave Banana Pancakes

Ingredients and Supplies

• 1 egg

• 1 banana

• Cooking spray/ olive oil

• Toppings

• 1 rimmed plate

• 1 bowl or mug

1. Put cooking oil/ olive oil on a plate with a slight rim.

2. In a mug or bowl, mix together the banana and the egg (I also added some cinnamon to this) until they make a thin batter.

3. Pour this mixture into a plate until it is filled to the rimmed edge and the just microwave for 50 second to one minute. It should turn out soft but solid.

4. Top with whatever (I loved it with m honey, cinnamon, and pears) and dig in!!

Spring Rolls (+ easy peanut sauce)

Ingredients and Supplies

• rice paper

• veggies (I got mine from my dining hall salad bar)

• 2 tbsp peanut butter (for one serving)

• sriracha

• honey

• olive oil (optional)

• wide bowl, small bowl, and a plate

For Spring Roll

1. Fill a wide rimmed bowl with warm water.

2. Take a piece of rice paper and dip it in the warm water for about 10 seconds.

3. Once the rice paper is wet throughout, place it on another plate or flat surface and put a line of veggies inside of it.

4. Roll it up like a burrito and set aside.

For Peanut Sauce

1. Melt a cup of the peanut butter in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until runny.

2. After it is melted, add sriracha, olive oil, and honey to the mixture and stir well. Serve with the spring rolls immediately!

Snacks

“Apple Nachos”

Although this one is pretty simple, I though I’d include it anyways to show some new ways to eat common dorm foods. :)

Ingredients and Supplies

• 1 Apple

• Peanut butter

• Granola

• Coconut flakes

• Pumpkin Seeds

• Cinnamon

• Honey

• 1 plate, 1 microwavable bowl

1. Slice the apple and lay out slices on a plate.

2. Melt the peanut butter in a bowl and drizzle it on apples immediately.

3. Sprinkle all toppings on the apples and enjoy!!

Protein Bites

Ingredients and Supplies

• oats

• nut butter

• honey

• cinnamon

• a dash of salt

• protein powder (optional)

• Other add-ins (coconut flakes, chocolate chips)

• 1 medium sized bowl

1. Mix together the honey, nut butter, salt, cinnamon and protein power in a bowl with a fork until they are blended thoroughly, slowly adding in the oats.

2. Once the mixture is a thick but sticky consistency, roll it into balls. I also rolled mine in coconut flakes at this point!

3. Stick the balls in the freezer for at least 2 hours. They should last a couple of days.

Going from having a kitchen to only being able to make things in the dorm room is definitely a huge transition. However, it is honestly so much fun to experiment with all of the possibilities that you can make with simple ingredients and basic cooking methods. Best of luck to all of the freshman out there still getting used to this, I hope these recipes help!