12 Easy and Tasty Recipes You Can Make in the Microwave Now

{Image Credit: Half Baked Harvest}

When you think of a microwave, you might look back to those college days of reheating home cooked meals or those small frozen dinners that helped you to pull an all-nighter.

But microwaves can be an efficient way to cook healthy meals that don’t come from the frozen food aisle. With an undeniable convenience, microwave ovens can offer foodies on-the-go the best way to cut down time in the kitchen after work hours and spend more of it with family or friends.

While there is a misconception of microwaves making food unhealthy and zapping nutrients out, a Harvard study found no difference in the breakdown of nutrients and vitamins between a traditional oven and a microwave. With a clear example of Vitamin C’s efficiency, researchers found the microwave did a better job of preserving this essential vitamin and other nutrients than an oven did — of course, without the aid of plastic containers or plates, which can be hazardous.

If you’re looking for ways to cut down your prep time during breakfast, lunch or dinner, we share some of our favorite microwave recipes that can be prepared in minutes and satisfy your every craving.

{Image Credit: Sugar Stiletto}

Microwave Egg and Vegetable Breakfast Sandwich {via foodie crush}

Add some protein to your morning with this quick recipe for an egg white and veggie sandwich, reminiscent of your favorite fast food’s menu. The secret to cooking eggs in the microwave is cooking them for a minute and a half, so the egg whites puff up high.

French Toast in a Cup {via sugar stiletto}

This gourmet-inspired French toast recipe calls for using your favorite loaf of bread and putting it in the mug, then pouring the egg mixture on top for a fluffier and smooth taste.

5-Minute Vegetarian Burrito Bowl {via healthy liv}

This five-minute burrito bowl doesn’t involve waiting in line or exhausting your wallet at that fancy fast food spot. Without doing any actual cooking, this vegetarian-friendly bowl mixes all your favorites with a secret ingredient: plain Greek yogurt for an added creaminess.

Grilled Chicken Penne al Fresco {via big bear’s wife}

The best part of this fancy microwave recipe is that it’s not only beaming with flavor thanks to its ingredients, but it only takes five minutes — or until the tomatoes burst — to have a healthy and delicious restaurant-style meal.

{Image Credit: Fresh April Flours}

Cheesy Vegetable Quiche with Cauliflower Crust {via fresh april flours}

This easy microwave quiche recipe with a crust made of cauliflower, Parmesan cheese, eggs and spices only takes five minutes to make and is “baked” to perfection without the conventional use of water. Yet it’s really only a canvas for your tastebuds as you can be creative with the egg mixture and add your favorite seasonal veggies.

Chocolate Chip Pecan Mug Cake {via the almond eater}

This mug cake with chocolate chips and pecans is perfect for those cool evenings on the porch or deck with flavors that add an unparalleled warmth reminiscent of a moist pancake, topped with maple syrup.

One Bowl Mac and Cheese {via kitchn}

There are some nights where we just cannot stop our mac and cheese craving, but are too exhausted to slave away at the stove. Thankfully, this recipe takes one bowl, uncooked pasta and the cheese of your choice and leaves no leftovers behind.

10-Minute Gluten-Free Enchiladas {via flippin’ delicious}

This recipe is not only full of flavor and customizable to your favorite heat levels, but all you need to do is place your ingredients in a glass baking dish and heat in the microwave until it’s hot and bubbly — it’s that simple and delicious. Did we mention it takes only 10 minutes?

Microwave Salmon en Papilotte {via better recipes}

You might not believe it, but this fancy French dinner is made under 5 minutes in the microwave and is as elegant as its name. By steaming your salmon in a parchment bag or “en papillote,” you pack the flavors in tightly for a luxurious meal that can pair delightfully with white wine.

{Image Credit: Bran Appetit}

Strawberry Microwave Breakfast Bowl {via bran appetit}

For the Womanista looking to satisfy her sweet tooth with a warm recipe perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack, this vegan-friendly strawberry bowl will stick to your soul thanks to the juicy berries and crunchy buckwheat.

Amazing Microwave Lemon Bars {via mom on timeout}

During the warmer months, we tend to avoid our ovens in fear of heating up the house. But this two-step lemon bar recipe is not only bright on flavor and fresh on sweetness, but has a buttery crust that’s ‘baked’ to perfection thanks to the microwave.

Single Lady 5-Minute Gooey Molten Chocolate Mug Cake {via half baked harvest}

This is the mug cake for all the mug cake skeptics out there. Its flavor is rich and its texture is velvety smooth. Even better, it takes five minutes to make from start to finish. Top with coconut whipped cream and chocolate shavings if you want to go all out.