Make everything from an indulgent dessert to a heartwarming soup in the least time possible! Wouldn’t it be great if we can cook everything in a microwave? Because really, it’s more than just a heater for your leftovers. If you haven’t used your microwave for anything but reheating food, then you haven’t seen this app’s full potential. No, it can’t make delectable puff pastry desserts or elaborate casseroles. But what it does is make comfort food in a flash. These 26 microwave recipes will save you LOTS of time in making delicious meals for breakfast right up to dinnertime and dessert!
1. Microwave Bacon
There are three common ways to cook bacon — in the oven, on the stove, and in the microwave. The easiest way is using the microwave! You’ll get wonderfully crispy and evenly cooked bacon in four minutes, tops. Be sure to place the bacon slices between layers of paper towels before cooking them. This helps in absorbing the unhealthy grease and reducing mess from splatters.
2. Microwave Peanut Brittle
Here’s a snack that packs sweet and salty flavors contrasted by crunchy and chewy textures. You’ll get all of that using a microwave and some pantry ingredients. The sweet peanut coating is achieved by combining sugar and coconut syrup. Meanwhile, the flavor of salted peanuts is enhanced by vanilla extract. It’s so good!
3. Cinnamon Roll Mug
A cinnamon roll in a mug cooked in a microwave is not the best-looking dessert out there, but it’s just as good as the traditional version! All the ingredients for the dough come together easily, and you’ll get the heavenly flavors from brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Once cooked, enjoy the cinnamon roll with a yummy, sweet milk glaze on top!
4. Microwave Mac and Cheese
When looking for a quick fix for my cheese cravings, this is my go-to recipe. The best part is, there’s less cleaning! Simply cook the macaroni in the microwave, then stir in your favorite cheese until melted and everything’s well-coated. You can add milk to make it creamier or bits of bacon or ham for a meaty flavor.
5. Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
This 3-ingredient peanut butter fudge is perfect as a sweet snack for family get-togethers or midnight cravings. It’s sweet, chewy, and oh-so-yummy! All you’ll need to do is mix everything in a microwavable bowl and cook until you get a thick batter. Place it on a baking pan, refrigerate, cut into small squares, and you’re done.
6. Microwave Cinnamon Apples
These tasty cinnamon apples are a 5-minute snack you can make in the microwave. The apples are peeled, cored, and cut into pieces, and then mixed with cinnamon, sugar, and cornstarch. Everything goes into a microwave-safe bowl or a Ziplock bag and is cooked in the oven. Eat them as-is, include them in your oatmeal, or serve them with ice cream. The options are endless!
7. Microwave Mug Pizza
Beat the fast-food version with this microwave mug pizza ready in 5 minutes or less. You can customize the toppings to make a single-serving of your favorite pizza flavor. What’s not to love? The batter is made with baking powder, baking soda, milk, salt, and oil. Simply mix everything in a microwavable bowl, then add the sauce, cheese, and the rest of the toppings.
8. Microwave Caramel Popcorn
Popcorn that’s evenly coated with caramel is the BEST snack ever for movie nights! For this recipe, you’ll have to make your own caramel (hint: it’s super easy). Pour the caramel into the brown bag with the popcorn kernels and cook for a few minutes. For added flavors, consider adding chopped salted nuts, fruity jelly, or even a sriracha sauce!
9. Microwave Granola
Everything you love in a granola bar — oats, nuts, and honey — is mixed in a mug and cooked in the microwave until crunchy! With this recipe, you can make your breakfast meals healthier. Plus, you can create several variations by mixing in your favorite fruits. Serve with yogurt for added flavor and nutrients.
10. Microwave Cauliflower
This fresh, healthy, and delicious side dish is made in 15 minutes. You’ll fall in love with this recipe! The cooking steps are easy: microwave the cauliflower whole, cut it into florets, and add the seasonings. The result is a refreshing cauliflower side dish for savory and meaty dishes.
11. Microwave Sweet Potato
Want to make something similar to baked sweet potatoes without taking too long in the kitchen? Easy. Use your microwave! Just be sure to prick the spuds before cooking them to avoid a messy explosion. Once cooked, cut in the middle and garnish with your favorite toppings.
12. Microwave Potato Chips
Making potato chips for midnight snacks just got easier with this recipe. And take note, they aren’t just ordinary chips because they’re guilt-free! There’s no drop of oil needed, but the chips will come out perfectly crunchy. The trick is to slice the potatoes very thinly. Sprinkling some sea salt is a classic move, while a pinch of chili powder will add exciting heat to the chips.
13. Microwave Fantasy Fudge
This is one of those no-fail microwave recipes that yield a yummy, creamy, and perfectly sweet dessert. After a little mixing and cooking in the microwave, you’ll be done in about 20 minutes. When loaded with roasted pecans and chocolate chips, I could eat these treats all day!
14. Oreo Mug Cake
It’s always a good recipe when it involves a microwave, a mug, and Oreos. Skeptical? Wait until you get that moist, fluffy, and creamy, Oreo mug cake! Just combine the flour mixture, oil, and milk with crushed Oreos. Sneak in some chocolate chips for extra sweetness, cook for a few minutes, and you’re done!
15. Microwave Mug Pancakes
Do you love to start your mornings with good pancakes? Skip using the stovetop because you can make them in the microwave in 2 minutes! For the first minute, create a simple pancake mix, and for the next 60 seconds, pop it into the microwave. Once cooked, add your favorite pancake toppings and devour!
16. Microwave Potato
Make fluffy baked spuds in less than 20 minutes! This side dish works well with various seasonings, so you can spice it up any way you like. Pro-tip: Leave the potato skin on for added nutrients, but be sure to scrub it clean before cooking in the microwave.
17. Microwave Pasta
If you don’t have access to a stovetop, this microwave pasta recipe would be helpful. It works well with penne pasta, as it can easily fit into a microwavable bowl. When ready to cook, pour water on the pasta until covered. Add 3 minutes to the cooking time stated on the pasta packet. Once done, drain the water away and top with pasta sauce!
18. Microwave Toasted Nuts
Toasted nuts are a fantastic addition to cakes, cookies, and other baked treats. When in a hurry, you can always toast the nuts in the microwave. It works for seeds and coconut flakes, too! Cooking time may vary depending on how toasted you like the nuts to be. Also, if they’ve been in the refrigerator, toasting them may take longer than usual.
19. Microwave Oatmeal
This oatmeal is healthy, affordable, and customizable. It’s definitely one of my go-to breakfast meals! Made with old-fashioned oats, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla, this microwave oatmeal is A LOT tastier than the store-bought packets. Feel free to get creative with the toppings. There are countless oatmeal variations you could make!
20. Microwave Tortilla Chips
Three ingredients are cooked in a microwave for 5 minutes. That’s how easy it is to make tortilla chips! The corn tortillas are covered in oil, with each side cooked in the microwave. Serve with your favorite dip or season with pantry spices.
21. Microwave Peanut Butter Granola Bars
These granola bars are incredibly chewy and full of peanut butter flavor. Plus, the active cooking time is only 2 minutes! The oats and Rice Krispies team up for the perfect crunch, while vanilla, honey, and brown sugar add a delicate sweetness to the peanut butter.
22. Microwave Potato Soup
This recipe creates a delicious meal in a mug loaded with potatoes, scallions, bacon, and cheese. Every spoonful promises creamy goodness and savory flavor. You can make this soup in less than 8 minutes, so it’s the perfect meal for the busiest days.
23. Microwave Tomato Soup
If you have some cornbread or grilled cheese sitting on your table but you don’t have tomato soup, that’s a crime! All kidding aside, you can easily make a tomato soup for those yummy sides using a microwave. Simply combine marinara sauce, cheese, cream, and chicken broth and you’ll get a creamy, flavorful tomato soup in minutes!
24. Microwave Cornbread Muffin
This recipe makes a single-serving cornbread muffin, so it’s perfect for those cold nights when you only have one bowl of chili left. The recipe calls for flour and cornmeal, but using a cornbread mix also works fine. For a vegan version, you can use cane sugar and soy milk in place of honey and regular milk.
25. Microwave Celebration Mug Cake
It’s so easy to get in a festive mood once you make this mug cake. It only takes 5 minutes, and you’ll get that vanilla-flavored fluffy cake loaded with sprinkles! The secret ingredient is a quality vanilla extract. Want to take this cake to next level? Top it with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
26. Microwave Corn On the Cob
Cooking corn on the cob in a microwave is a game-changer. You’ll get juicy, crisp corn in 10 minutes! For a classic flavor, simply season the corn with butter, salt, and pepper. Create a cheesy version by adding parmesan, or a spicy-sour variation with chili powder and lime zest. Click on a star to rate it!
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