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Your College Cookbook: 30+ Recipes for Every Student

Creator:
Published:
January 9, 2024
August 13, 2020
Grab your cooking supplies and check out these easy recipes for college students.|Grab your cooking supplies and check out these easy recipes for college students.

Once you unpack the car at freshman orientation, and the first week of classes begin, you’ll be on your own to navigate the world, your dreams, the course of your future — and even your kitchen. 

Some of us have never lifted a cooking utensil before in our lives. Others of us might be used to making a weekly meal for the family. No matter your level of cooking expertise, we’ve come up with a few recipes to help you get through the college years. 

Whether you’re dependent on the school cafeteria for meals, totally on your own for food, confined to your dorm room microwave, reliant on ramen, or heading over to your parent’s for dinner, these recipes are quick, easy, mostly healthy, and cheap. Get ready to impress your friends — and maybe even your parents and professors — with these recipes that will work for a variety of different nutritional needs and diets.

Delicious dorm ideas

Stuck in the dorm room? These recipes only require a fridge, toaster, and microwave.

Just substitute vegan cheese here for a vegan meal; you can also replace fresh broccoli with frozen if it’s more convenient.

Instead of using a skillet, place the ingredients in a microwave for 45 seconds or until cheese is bubbling. Then add tomato and basil after.

Bowls and stir fries

Bowls are a quick, easy way to satisfy your cravings on the cheap. You can throw your leftovers in a saute pan, add some rice and beans, and you’re good to go. Bowls are versatile and as complicated or simple as you want them to be. Extras can include cheese, sour cream, salsa, soy sauce, fresh herbs, or a slice of citrus. 

Creative sandwiches

Don’t underestimate the power of the sandwich. You can squeeze just about anything between two slices of bread and make perfection. Take your sandwich to the next level by making it a melt, upgrading ingredients, or getting your bread from a local bakery. 

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when thinking about what to eat. These tried-and-true classics have been upgraded to withstand your new foray into the adult culinary world.

Elevated classics
Breakfast for dinner 

Breakfast is pretty much the easiest, cheapest, most versatile meal of the day. You’re in college — you can do what you want! Take a cue from McDonalds and whip yourself up some breakfast at any time of the day for a satisfying, simple meal that will fill you up for those late nights at the library.

Simple Salads

Say goodbye to the “freshman fifteen” with these simple, healthy salad options.

International Endeavors

College is a time for adventure and learning, so try incorporating new spices and traditions into your meals. Expand your palate beyond the traditional American fare with some international flavors. 

These recipes will fuel you for life-long learning, both inside the classroom and out. You don’t have to settle for ramen and cold pizza. A little planning and intentionality will serve your taste buds, your health, and your wallet — all while saving your precious mental energy for that chem text next week. 

Creators:
Kate Fowler
Published:
January 9, 2024
August 13, 2020
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