Easy Recipes For College Students
I've made a new best friend during quarantine. Her name is "Fridge." Fridge is cold (in a good way), keeps everything inside (also in a good way), and gets very happy when my family goes grocery shopping.
Just joking. But seriously, I've been making new recipes with only the things I already have in my fridge and cabinets. These simple recipes are for anyone who is bored at home, or even for when we’re back in the residence hall. If you're in the mood for it, get up and make one of these easy recipes!
Breakfast Options
Savory French Toast
You can make this French toast with regular bread, gluten-free bread, or, for a thicker, more filling bread, use challah. All you need is some basic ingredients, a fork, a pan, and a plate! Enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 egg
4 slices of bread
½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon (add more for a sweeter taste)
½ tablespoon of brown sugar (you don't need the brown sugar, but it just adds to the taste)
¼ cup of milk
Preparation:
Beat egg, milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
Dip bread in egg mixture, turning to coat both sides evenly.
Cook bread slices on lightly greased, nonstick griddle or skillet on medium heat until browned on both sides.
Serve with syrup if desired.
Avocado Toast with Eggs
This is a perfect meal for the days that you want to wake up around noon, it's way past breakfast time, but you still want breakfast. For this recipe, if you decide to include eggs, they don't have to be fried; they can be scrambled or even poached.
This can be made with or without avocado or without the eggs. You can also use vegan eggs or gluten free toast.
Ingredients:
1-2 slices of bread, toasted
½ avocado
Cooking spray
1-2 eggs
Salt and black pepper
Hot sauce, optional
Preparation:
Cut or mash up the avocado, here is a link on best ways to cut one.
Heat a small nonstick skillet over low heat, spray with oil and gently crack the egg into the skillet. Cover and cook to your liking.
Place mashed or cut avocado over toast, top with egg, salt, pepper, and hot sauce if desired!
Lunch Option
Panera Moment- Grilled Cheese and Soup
I love making grilled cheese and soup together, especially on the rainy days I spend in my bed watching Netflix! This is a perfect meal for lunch, as it's very simple yet reminds me of a "Panera Pick 2." This recipe can be upgraded easily with multiple cheeses, different types of bread and any soup you choose! The ingredients below are just what specific cheese I find best, along with my favorite soups.
Ingredients:
2 slices of bread
2 slices of American cheese (I added shredded mozzarella, asiago, and parmesan cheese)
Butter and/or Mayonnaise
Soup of your choice (I prefer tomato or clam chowder)
Preparation:
Spread mayonnaise over the top side of each piece of bread (this is key to a golden, delectable crunch)
Pour your soup of choice in a pot to cook while you make your grilled cheese
Heat a small skillet (nonstick, ideally) over medium. When it melts, place 1 slice of bread, mayonnaise side down, in skillet; top with cheese
Top with a second slice of bread, mayonnaise side up. When the underside is golden brown, about 4 minutes, turn the sandwich and add remaining butter to the skillet.
Press down on the sandwich to encourage even browning and to help melt cheese—be gentle, don’t smash it.
Cook until the second side is golden brown, and cheese is melted.
Enjoy your amazing grilled cheese and soup!
Dinner Option
Pasta and Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread
Can you tell I love carbs? This is definitely my favorite meal partially because I love bread. Making pasta for dinner is super easy and to spice things up, I sometimes make my own garlic bread. Feel free to add chicken, alfredo sauce, meatballs and whatever else you want to add!
Ingredients:
Pasta
Pinch of salt
Shredded cheese
Butter
Tomato sauce (or any type of sauce you desire)
Garlic and pepper
Italian bread or a roll
Prepare Pasta:
Here is a link to watch how to make pasta. If you already know how to make it, you can skip this link!
Prepare the Cheesy garlic bread:
Preheat oven to 450 or use a toaster oven
Spread butter on italian bread or your roll
Sprinkle garlic powder and pepper to cover the buttered parts
Sprinkle shredded cheese on bread (add parmesan for an extra cheesy taste)
Put your cheesy garlic bread in the oven for 5-8 minutes until cheese is melted and becomes golden brown.
Dessert Option
Easy Mug Brownie
This is such an easy recipe that I love making when I feel like having a brownie. To top it off, I normally put a scoop of ice cream on top and drizzle some chocolate syrup. When we're back in the residence hall, you could even make this in your dorm room; it's that easy!
Ingredients:
2tbs flour
2tbs sugar
1tbs cocoa
Pinch of salt
1tbs olive oil
1tbs water
One simple step:
Mix and microwave for a minute.
You can even add peanut butter on top for a sweet and salty taste!