20 Dorm Room Cooking Ideas for College Students

For all the fun dorm life offers, it’s challenging for those times when you want to hone your cooking skills. However, going to the cafeteria gets boring, and ordering takeout gets expensive. Having a few essentials on hand will make it easier to prepare simple breakfasts and snacks in your room or the dorm kitchen!

We’ve rounded up some cooking ideas that can be made with dorm room cooking appliances like microwaves, blenders, and coffee pots. Most dorms don’t allow much more than that, but there’s likely a kitchen with a stove and oven so that you can get a little fancier with your cooking.

Dorm room breakfast ideas

These can be made in less than 20 minutes, which is as much time as it will take to stand in line for a latte and donut at the coffee shop. Even better, these are healthy and a fraction of the cost!

1. Coffee, oat, and maple smoothie

Breakfast in a glass is the best way to describe this hearty and filling drink. You can tell what the main ingredients are in the coffee, oat, and maple smoothie from its name. But wait, there’s more! A banana is included for extra creaminess, and ice is added to create the perfect consistency.

2. Avocado egg toast

Take avocado toast a step further by adding a fried egg and topping it with a bit of sriracha sauce to kick your morning off to a good start. Avocado egg toast is rich in protein and healthy fats to keep you going strong all morning long.

3. Chocolate-peanut butter protein shake

For those days when you have a few more minutes to spare, rather than grab a bottled protein drink, try this chocolate-peanut butter protein shake that whips up in 5 minutes.

4. Bagel gone bananas

For a grab-and-go breakfast, use dorm room cooking essentials to make bagel gone bananas. Pair with some milk, and you’ve got a great meal in under 5 minutes.

5. Cantaloupe smoothie bowl

Two unlikely foods pair to make this slushy smoothie bowl: carrot juice and frozen cantaloupe. Keep frozen cantaloupe pieces in your freezer so you’ll be able to make the cantaloupe smoothie bowl anytime you want.

6. Basic smoothie

The basic smoothie recipe will be your new go-to for whenever you need a quick pick-me-up that’s packed with protein and vitamin C. Mix and match flavors of yogurt and juice to come up with countless variations you’ll love.

Dorm room lunch and dinner ideas

When you’ve got a bit of time and are itching to channel your inner Julia Child, try one of these recipes. When possible, make a double batch so that you have an even quicker meal the next day!

1. Black bean and mango salad

With just a few ingredients and no cooking involved, you can make black bean and mango salad in your dorm room. Made from coleslaw mix and canned black beans, it’s a hearty salad that keeps well in your mini-fridge for up to 3 days.

2. Classic deviled eggs

A few swaps make these lower in fat and calories than the ones you grew up on. This recipe for classic deviled eggs makes for an easy lunch.

3. Hot chile grilled cheese

It’s time for an upgrade to the childhood classic! Spicy peppers and salsa add flavor to every bite of the hot chile grilled cheese.

4. Creamy linguine with zucchini

You can eat like a king on a college student budget with this recipe for creamy linguine with zucchini. Not only is it just as good as what you’ll get at a restaurant, but it can also be on the table in under 30  minutes!

5. Pineapple-teriyaki wings

Perfect for game day or just a weekday dinner, pineapple-teriyaki wings cook up fast and are full of flavor. Serve with instant rice or sides from your grocery store deli.

6. Quick vegetable saute

Transform an ordinary bag of frozen veggies into an Instagram-worthy dish in just minutes with this recipe for quick vegetable saute. No frozen veggies? Fresh ones work just as well.

7. Cucumber sandwiches

A vegetarian’s dream! Layers of fresh veggies like cucumber, tomato, and peppers are layered between mashed avocado and cream cheese (omit the latter for a vegan sandwich) on bread. With so much flavor, even meat-eaters will enjoy the refreshing taste of cucumber sandwiches.

Dorm room snack ideas

Try one of these snacks that you can “cook” up in your dorm room when the munchies hit. Once you find a few recipes that are keepers, you’ll never go back to vending machines again!

1. Apple brickle dip

You can’t go wrong with this cream cheese-based dip for apples or graham crackers. Your mouth is in for a treat as sweet and tart flavors combine in this creamy apple brickle dip.

2. Quick strawberry “cheesecake”

Strawberry cheesecake without baking or breaking your calorie budget? Yes, please! Once you try this recipe for quick strawberry “cheesecake,” you’ll be hooked on this as your guilt-free guilty pleasure.

3. Avocado-yogurt dip

Whether you want a new dip to help make raw veggies more palatable, or you need a new guacamole recipe, give this avocado-yogurt dip a try. It pairs equally well with chips, crackers, and veggies, plus you can make it even if you don’t have access to a blender.  

4. Brown sugar smokies

Bacon, sausage, and brown sugar combine in this sweet and savory protein-packed snack. You will need an oven to make brown sugar smokies, but prep time is minimal. Make a double batch on the weekend and reheat in your microwave.

5. Spiced mixed nuts

Give a regular jar of mixed nuts a makeover with this super simple recipe for spiced mixed nuts. The result is delicious, and your friends will think you spent hours making this sweet and salty snack…if you dare to share!

6. Zucchini oven fries

While these do require a little more effort than a trip through the drive-thru, zucchini oven fries are not only tasty but good for you. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

7. S’mores chocolate bark

When your sweet tooth is aching for a treat, or you’re missing those summer campfires, s’mores chocolate bark will hit the spot. All you need is chocolate, graham crackers, and mini marshmallows to whip up this addictive treat.

Stock up on dorm room cooking supplies

One of the best dorm room cooking hacks is to have a variety of cooking staples on hand so you can make your own meals and snacks when you feel like staying in. To make staying in even easier, use Instacart to get groceries delivered right to your dorm!

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