16 Recipes You Can Make in Your Microwave

Kristin Appenbrink

updated Nov 28, 2023

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Credit: Lauren Volo

Microwaves are for so much more than reheating last night’s supper (or this morning’s cup of coffee that you forgot about because you got sucked into the Twitterverse). It’s genius for softening butter and melting chocolate, making individual-size cakes, steaming veggies, and honestly, getting breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the table. We’s go so far as to call the microwave a life-saver.

To prove our point, we’ve rounded up 21 recipes, from weekday omelets to five-minute sides dishes, snacks, and mug cakes, that you can (and should!) make in your microwave.

Microwave Cooking

1 / 15

Single-Serve Microwave Shakshuka

This single serve dinner boasts a runny-yolked egg nestled in a spicy tomato chickpea sauce. And yes, it's made in the microwave and done in 5 minutes.

2 / 15

Spinach and Feta Mug Omelet

Two minutes in the microwave is all that stands between you fluffy eggs with fresh spinach and salty pieces of feta.

3 / 15

Western Omelet in a Mug

Just like the stovetop version, this omelet has light and fluffy eggs with diced onions, bell peppers, pieces of ham, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.

4 / 15

Scrambled Eggs in the Microwave

When you reach that point when you’re bordering on hangry, head to the microwave and whip up a batch of quick scrambled eggs. It’s an easy way to calm those hunger pangs.

5 / 15

Potato in the Microwave

If you need dinner on the table with zero delays, then a microwaved baked potato is pretty much an ideal solution. Here's the best way to do it.

6 / 15

One-Bowl Microwave Macaroni and Cheese

This macaroni and cheese recipe is for the times when you just can’t be bothered to pull out a pan. One bowl. Made entirely in the microwave. All yours.

7 / 15

Asparagus in the Microwave

The fastest way to make steamed asparagus is in the microwave. All you need is a damp paper towel to pull of tonight's easy veggie side.

8 / 15

Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave

The best and easiest way to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave, with a bonus tip for much easier cutting and cleaning too!

9 / 15

Corn on the Cob in the Microwave

Learn how the microwave can make cooking and husking corn on the cob faster and easier with this method.

10 / 15

Bacon in the Microwave

This is another of our favorite uses for the microwave. Just be sure that you follow these steps to avoid soggy strips.

11 / 15

Microwave Potato Chips

Even if you’re not a big fan of salty snacks, sometimes a handful of potato chips just hits the spot. Make this indulgent snack food healthier by making a batch of them in the microwave.

12 / 15

Popcorn in the Microwave

We’re not talking about the bags of popcorn you buy that come wrapped in plastic and drenched in “butter flavor.” You can just as easily make microwave popcorn with a brown paper lunch bag. It’s our favorite afternoon snack.

13 / 15

Oatmeal Nutella Mug Cake

The mug cake is one of our favorite revelations of the past few years. It takes seconds to whip up, and makes a perfectly portioned single-serve cake. This Nutella version is a chocolatey, indulgent treat.

14 / 15

Rice Pudding in a Mug

If you’ve run out of ways to use that last little bit of leftover white rice, have no fear — you can mix up a mug of warm, cinnamon-laced rice pudding in less than five minutes.

15 / 15

Pumpkin Pie Mug Cake

An easy single-serve pumpkin pie mug cake with a gingersnap crust and snappy spices.

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