Easy microwave meals for the dorm

Dorm food does not have to just be mac and cheese and Ramen Noodles. If you have a microwave, it is easy to make recipes such as breakfast sandwiches or even lasagna. All is takes is experimentation and a microwave. Here are two recipes for the adventurous student.

Cooking times will vary between microwaves so adjust accordingly. I used a 1500-watt microwave, which is a little on the high power side.

Microwave Cheesy Lasagna

• 6 lasagna noodles

• 1 1/2 cups pasta sauce

• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• 1 cup vegetables (your choice, sliced thin. I used zucchini and mushrooms)

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• Shredded mozzarella cheese for topping

In a microwave safe 1 1/2 quart dish, spoon 1/4 cup of the sauce on the bottom of the dish. Lay two of the lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.

Next, pour another 1/4 cup of the sauce on top of the noodles. On top of the sauce, evenly spread half of the cheese followed by half of the vegetables, followed by 1/2 cup of cottage cheese. Sprinkle half of the Italian seasoning on top. 

Lay two more noodles on top and repeat layers as described before: sauce, cheese, veggies, cottage cheese, seasoning. Place your last two noodles on the layers and cover with the remaining sauce. 

Top with desired amount of mozzarella cheese. Microwave, covered, on high for five minutes. Next, microwave on 50 percent power for 15 minutes. Allow the lasagna to sit in the microwave for five minutes. 

Microwave Egg Sandwich

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon butter

• 1 slice cheese

• 1 English muffin

In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the egg and poke the yolk with a fork, piercing the membrane. Microwave for 50 seconds on 50 percent power until egg is set.

Cut English muffin into a top and bottom, like a burger bun. Lay each half on a plate and place half of the cheese slice on each half. Microwave on medium-high power, 70 percent, until cheese is melted in about 30 seconds. Place the egg on one half and top with the other.

Now you are out the door with a filling breakfast in less than five minutes.