Cooking At School

Easy Meals and at School Cooking

With your student heading to college, you may be asking questions about how they are going to access meals while social distancing, or what appliances they should have so they can get cooking in the dorm halls. We’ve been trying out some recipes throughout quarantine (because what else is there to do), and have some quick, easy, and delicious meals that don’t need a full kitchen.

Most dorms have a kitchen that students can share. These kitchens typically have access to a stove, oven, toaster, and microwave, so you won’t necessarily need to worry about how they will be cooking. If your student prefers to have a toaster and a microwave in the room, that’s definitely items worth purchasing. You can find some inexpensive basic versions that will be worth the investment. We do recommend having a mini-fridge/freezer so your student can store items along with a storage area for their pantry goods. Some basic cookware is also a good idea along with a blender of some sort (Magic Bullet, Vitamix, etc.). Not only are these items always good to have so you can avoid ordering delivery every night, but they will also last throughout your college years as you move out of the dorm and into an apartment.

That all said, we’ve rallied up some easy recipes that your student can incorporate into their day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus, we’ve provided a list of kitchen items typically needed for each recipe. Most of these are healthy options (bye Freshman 15) but can have items substituted if that is not what you’re looking for. Let us know what you think, and if you have any questions, comment below.

Breakfast

Overnight Oats
Items Needed: Mason Jar
Recipe by Feel Good Foodie

Photo by Feel Good Foodie IG

 

Avocado Toast
Items Needed: Toaster Oven
Recipe by Cookie and Kate

Photo by Cookie and Kate

 

Smoothies/Acai Bowls
Items Needed: Blender or Vitamix or Magic Bullet
Recipe by Joy Food Sunshine
TBH my mom bought me a Vitamix as a graduation gift using points from a credit card because it is pricey but it has changed up my blending game.

Photo by Joy Food Sunshine

 

Yogurt Bowl
Items Needed: NADA!
Recipe by Platings and Pairings

Photo by Platings and Pairings

 

Baked Eggs
Items Needed: Ramekin
Recipe by Damn Delicious

Photo by DamnDelcious.net

Lunch/Dinner

Salad (think Sweet Green or JustSalad but without the $15 spent!)
Recipe by Food.com
Items Needed: Large Bowl  & Salad Chopper if you want to get really fancy -we like this chopper set)

Photo from Food.com

 

Sandwich/Burgers/Wraps
Recipe by Good Housekeeping
Items Needed: Baking pan (depending what type of protein you’re using)

Photo by Good Housekeeping

 

Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry
Recipe by Pinch of Yum
Items Needed: Sauté Pan

Photo by Pinch of Yum

 

Gyros
Items Needed: Sauté Pan
Recipe by The Spruce Eats

Photo by The Spruce Eats IG

 

Pasta (we love using Banza Pasta as a low-carb option)
Items Needed: Pot
Recipe by Healthy Gluten-Free Family

Photo by Eat Banza IG

 

Tacos
Items Needed: Likely a sauté pan (depending on the protein your using)
Recipe by Delish

Photo by Delish Pinterest

 

Honestly, I barely knew how to cook when I left for college but with all of the web and IG recipes (see above), I have definitely stepped up my cooking game. If your student feels a little intimidated, perhaps gifting them with one of these cookbooks will put their mind at ease.

The 5 Ingredient College Cookbook by Pamela Ellgen

How to Cook Without A Book by Pamela Anderson

How to Cook Everything: The Basics by Mark Bittman

The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook by Deb Perelman

 

Jordan Weinsoff, UF Alum

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