Make Better Food in Your Dorm
So you’ve gotten to college, checked out the dining hall options, and found them—shall we say—lacking. Perhaps you're sick of spending money on expensive off-campus options. Or maybe you just know you can whip up a better batch of rigatoni than most red-sauce joints.
Whatever the reason you’ve turned a corner of your dorm room into a fully functioning restaurant (and yes, watching "The Bear" is reason enough), we’ve got you covered with ideas for cooking delicious dorm dinners that won’t set your smoke alarm off.
DO A LOT WITH JUST A LITTLE EQUIPMENT
The first thing to know when you're thinking about dorm room cooking is that you really don’t need much more than a heating source (like an induction burner), a knife or two, a skillet and a pot. (It just so happens that you’ll get all three in our Apartment Bundle, in case you want to stock up.) A microwave definitely makes things easier, as does an electric kettle for boiling water to make things like instant broth or batches of couscous or bulgur. You’ll want a cutting board, too, for chopping and assembling a laid-back cheeseboard. There’s no need to go too crazy with tools, but tongs, a flat-edged fish spatula and a flexible silicone spatula are all helpful to have on hand. Mixing bowls are a nice-to-have, but will increase what you can do —significantly.
4 DELICIOUS DORM RECIPES
SPICY RIGATONI ALLA LEFTOVER VODKA
We all know there’s an unfinished handle of well vodka rolling around underneath your dorm room bed after the weekend, and there’s no better way to finish it off than by making a spicy vodka sauce. It's the perfect blend of spicy and creamy to soak up any lingering regrets…ahem…hangover. Toss it with rigatoni or another pasta that’s good for hanging onto sauce. Pro tip: Double the sauce for garlic bread or mozzarella stick dunking. Your future 2:30am self will thank you.
Get the recipe for Spicy Rigatoni Alla Leftover Vodka.
MIGAS BREAKFAST QUESADILLAS
There’s no need to slog to the dining hall in your pajamas on the weekend again when you can make these cheesy breakfast quesadillas. Serve with extra hot sauce and a comically large mug of coffee.
Get the recipe for Migas Breakfast Quesadillas.
CRISPY CHEESE BBQ CHICKEN TACOS
Normally made with beef or goat meat, this easy birria-inspired taco recipe combines chicken with the smoky, spicy flavors essential to this saucy Mexican classic. Serve it piled into corn or flour tortillas, piled with cilantro, thinly sliced white onions and slices of avocado.
Get the recipe for Crispy Cheese BBQ Chicken Tacos.
CRISPY CHICKEN RAMEN UPGRADE
You can do so much better than microwave noodles. Treat yourself and your roommates to ramen that rivals the best Japanese spot, topped with crispy chicken cutlets coated with panko breadcrumbs. It’s filling, easy, and most importantly, cheap.
Get the recipe for Crispy Chicken Ramen Upgrade.
Looking for more guidance on setting up your dorm cooking situation?
