College Cooking, Easy-to-Make Dorm Room Recipes

No need for a stovetop or oven for most of our top, easy-to-make dorm room recipes that have become a craze across campuses. A microwave and air fryer will become your best friends for this list. From no-bake protein bars to savory and sweet treats, we have you covered. Sounds like delicious music to your ears, right? Then keep scrolling down to learn more!

No-Bake Salted Cookie Dough Protein Bars

Did you know that you can make protein bars without any appliances? Not only are these protein bars easy-to-make, but they are by far the most delicious bars around.

Protein bars with chocolate chips on wax paper on a pink tray next to a spoon with peanut butter.

 

Microwave Jalapeño Bacon Mac and Cheese

Microwave magic is when you can make all-time classics right in the microwave. Upgrade your mac and cheese with a variety of cheeses and ingredients that you didn’t know you needed.

A bowl of mac and cheese with bacon and jalapeño on a yellow plate next to a plate with cheddar cheese.

 

Galaxy Cotton Candy Milkshake

This milkshake is truly out-of-this-world! Treat yourself and your friends, especially if you love cotton candy.

 

Air-Fryer Pasta Chips with Sour Cream and Onion Dip

We will be honest. The sour cream and onion dip is definitely our favorite part of this recipe. These pasta chips are absolutely not your average chips.

 

Buffalo Cheddar Popcorn

How do you turn a bag of microwavable popcorn into gourmet popcorn? Just add cheese, sauce, and seasonings. Yes, you read that correctly!

 

Hawaiian Air-Fryer Grilled Cheese

This is not your average grilled cheese! Many make grilled cheese sandwiches using a stovetop, but we use an air-fryer. Try it, you won’t regret it.

A hand holds a slice of a grilled cheese sandwich with melty cheese stretching from one slice to the other.

 

Cheesy Pulled Chicken Salsa Verde Nachos

Move over sheet pan nachos because microwave nachos are the new, easy-to-make craze in town.

 

Horchata

A fan favorite beverage made easy with our 2-step recipe, which is perfect for any time of the day.

A glass of freshly served horchata next to a wooden board, a napkin, and cinnamon sticks.

 

Air-Fryer Mozzarella Donuts

Savory donuts for the win! This recipe had us at cheesy goodness in every bite.

 

Cheesy Kimchi Ramen

Upgrade your instant ramen and take it to the next level with this recipe! Comfort food has officially reached new heights.

 

Bloody Hot Chocolate

This drink is bloody-good! Right in time for Halloween, our bloody hot chocolate is made with white chocolate and cocoa powder.

Two glass mugs with hot chocolate and decorated with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and sprinkles.

 

Red Velvet Cheesecake Mummy Truffles

If you live in a dorm or apartment with an oven, then these mummy-licious truffles are a must-make for your Halloween party!