There comes a time in college when the dining hall food has become monotonous, you’ve transitioned to a smaller meal plan, and you are ready to make your own meals. If that time has arrived, this list is for you. While cooking and baking for yourself can seem daunting, there are a few simple, but delicious, recipes that will help you cover breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
Omelets
Eggs are a quick, easy, and cheap protein source that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Elevate your meal with a simple omelet technique. Once you master the basic recipe, you can add any combination of cheese, vegetables, or meat to get creative!
Chicken Noodle Soup
Whether you are feeling under the weather or simply want a comforting meal, homemade chicken noodle soup always fits the bill. Making chicken soup from scratch may seem challenging, but this recipe streamlines the process by using rotisserie chicken from the grocery store! Trust me though, this tastes way better than the canned stuff.
Pasta Marinara
A back pocket pasta recipe is perfect for whipping up on a weeknight or a dinner with friends. This easy pasta sauce tastes just like your favorite Italian restaurant and you can easily add frozen meatballs and a side salad to make it a full meal.
Fried Rice
We all love Chinese takeout, but making it at home can be just as easy, as well as quicker, cheaper, and healthier. This recipe starts with rice, vegetables, eggs, and some seasonings for a simple 15 minute meal that makes great leftovers, but feel free to make it your own by adding chicken, shrimp, or other vegetables.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Whether it’s a bake sale, cookie swap, or birthday party, everyone needs a classic dessert recipe up their sleeve. Chocolate chip cookies are a notorious crowd pleaser and you’ll be glad to have this recipe memorized. Hot tip: freeze some leftover dough in balls to bake off whenever you need a late night treat or study snack.
Roasted Vegetables
It sounds boring, but basic roasted vegetables are an excellent staple side that can be added to any meal for both extra flavor and nutrients. Throw them in salads, pastas, or wraps! The keys to great roasted vegetables are time, temperature, and salt.
Mac & Cheese
Sure, the boxed kind is okay, but if you want truly delicious mac and cheese that doesn’t make you feel like a toddler again, try this recipe. It comes together in 30 minutes in a single pot and it will make all your friends jealous.
Pancakes
I’m a firm believer in Sunday brunch. While going out can be an expensive hassle with long wait times, there are few things better than sleeping in and treating yourself to a large mug of coffee and steaming hot stack of pancakes slathered in syrup and butter. This recipe is foolproof and will convert you to a brunch believer in no time.
Simple Salad
A simple salad is an excellent recipe to have in your back pocket for a quick vegetable side to go with any meal. This recipe is a great outline that you can alter based on what you have in your fridge. Switch up the greens, add fruit, toss in some nuts, or even add protein to make it a meal.
Classic Chicken Breast
Chicken breast can be dry and boring, but when made well, it’s an excellent protein to add to pastas, stir fries, or salads. Follow this trusty Ina Garten recipe and it will become your weeknight go-to.