Sometimes it happens: You need to make a meal and you don't have access to a working stove or range. Perhaps you're staying in a weird airbnb, or you're at a hotel—or maybe you're just in the middle of a kitchen remodel and don't have all your appliances working yet. Whatever the reason, it doesn't mean you're stuck with cardboardy frozen dinners or heating up water for ready-made noodle soups. You can still cook fully from-scratch meals! All you need is a microwave and these recipes. From breakfasts to sides, from dinners to desserts, these nutritious and flavorful meals will ensure that you and the family are able to eat—and eat well—even if you don't have a stove.
Of course, if you've got other countertop appliances, then there are even more options. We have plenty of ways to use your Instant Pot, and if you have a top-rated air fryer, you can make tasty crispy chicken or pork chops in it, to say nothing of salmon or french fries. But you don't need to have any of those to eat well. From a tasty salmon salad to an easy-peasy risotto, from a giant breakfast sandwich to simple mac-and-cheese in a mug, these recipes are easy, fast, satisfying, and nutritious. Want something to satisfy your sweet tooth? Try the peanut brittle or mint Oreo bark. Want an easy breakfast? Check out the mason-jar omelettes. As long as you have a working microwave, we guarantee you won't go hungry—and you won't need need to live on takeout.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
1
Eggplant Hummus
This cross between a typical hummus and baba ghanoush is a fast and satisfying dip for pita chips, or a sandwich spread. And all you need to do is steam-cook the eggplant in the microwave!
Get the recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
2
Easy Tomato Risotto
Heat-beating and hands-off, this convenient corn-and-tomato risotto is simmered in the microwave from start to finish, so there's no endless standing and stirring at a steamy stove.
Get the recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
3
Tuscan Sun Salmon Salad
With not much beyond frozen salmon fillets and a microwave, you can put together a tasty and elegant dinner in about 10 minutes.
Get the recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Microwave Mug Brownie
Make a brownie for one! This simple, fun dessert takes just minutes and is the perfect after-dinner treat.
Get the recipe at Simply LaKita.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
5
Mason Jars Omelettes
Prep a half dozen of these and put them in your fridge, then just pop one in the microwave for a minute and you've got ready-to-eat breakfasts all week long!
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
6
Smoky Chipotle Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Want to make delicious mashed potatoes in a hurry? All you need is a microwave and a potato ricer.
Get the recipe at Boulder Locavore.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Easy Spaghetti Squash
Cutting back on carbs or just want more veggies on your plate? Spaghetti squash's long strands can be dressed in a basic marinara, an easy pesto, or with any other kind of pasta sauce, and it can be cooked right in the microwave.
Get the recipe at Cafe Delites.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
8
Microwave Fudge
Not only is it possible to make a decadent fudge in the microwave, but it's also very simple! Just heat it up, then let it cool in a standard baking pan.
Get the recipe at Chelsea's Messy Apron.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
9
Microwave Eggs Breakfast Sandwich
If you're looking for a gourmet breakfast or lunch treat, you don't need a stove or oven. Here, instructions for microwave scrambled eggs, and microwave bacon, can be turned into a delicious sandwich.
Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Easy Pumpkin Oatmeal
If you're the kind of person who can't wait for PSL season, this hearty day-starter is just the ticket.
Get the recipe at The Cookie Rookie.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
11
Microwave Mac and Cheese in a Mug
The noodles, sauce, and all cook together in under five minutes in this super-speedy meal for one!
Get the recipe at The Garlic Diaries.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
12
Microwave Peanut Brittle
Why buy peanut brittle when you can make this light, crunchy version at home in mere minutes?
Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Small Batch Microwave Potato Chips
If there's a bag of chips in our house, it doesn't last very long—so we typically just avoid buying any. But when we just can't help ourselves, it's good to know we can slice up a potato and quick-make a reasonable amount.
Get the recipe at Salt & Lavender.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
14
Sesame Ginger Garlic Green Beans
Here's a way to take steamed green beans and make them much tastier.
Get the recipe at Country Cleaver.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
15
Microwave Minestrone
This kid-friendly soup is great for sneaking in lots of veggies. And you don't need a stove to make it!
Get the recipe at Super Healthy Kids.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Microwave Pizza Dip
This makes a great snack dip for crudités or crackers — or as a centerpiece for a whole snack-based dinner!
Get the recipe at The Seasoned Mom.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
17
Oatmeal Breakfast Bowls
Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Making sure you're fueled up doesn't need to take hours though.
Get the recipe at Two Peas & Their Pod.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
18
Mint Oreo Bark
For those mint-chocolate lovers out there, this eye-popping treat is not only delicious, but it can be made entirely by melting chocolate in the microwave!
Get the recipe at Simple Joy.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Dorm Room Microwave Pancakes
They may not win any style awards, but if you're looking for a better-than-drive-through breakfast in a hurry, it's hard to go wrong with these!
Get the recipe at The Gracious Pantry.
