The microwave has been relegated to serve as a simple heater of leftovers, but it's good for so much more. No, we don’t mean they’re also a cancer-causing death trap—there’s little convincing evidencethat microwave ovens release enough radiation to harm human beings . In fact, microwave ovens have been taking undeserved criticism for way too long: they’re called ovens for a reason, and they can create meals equal to anything from a standard oven.
Skeptical? We’ve put together a list of absolutely delicious meals—breakfast, snacks, dinner, and dessert—that will quickly make you forget all the disappointing, soggy pizza and rubbery leftover meat. Whip up just one of these beauties. You won’t believe your taste buds.
Breakfast
1. Strawberry and Buckwheat Breakfast Bowl
Buckwheat groats might sound a bit intimidating, but they’re a terrificsource of complete protein and a great substitute for plain old morning oatmeal. This gluten-free breakfast combines oats, flax meal, and applesauce with fiber-rich buckwheat for a delicious meal that can't be beat in healthfulness or taste.
2. Crispy Microwaved Bacon
Here’s a hint: This method doesn’t involve paper towels. If you really like your bacon crispy (and who doesn’t?), try heating the slices on top of an overturned bowl; the extra fat drips down the sides, leaving you with an extraordinarily easy breakfast that no one will believe came straight out of a microwave.
3. Vegan Blueberry Muffin
Muffins that taste more like cake aren’t exactly a healthy breakfast choice, but this vegan version is definitely an exception. Made with fresh berries and coconut oil, there’s no need to fight this temptation—dig in!
4. One-Minute Quiche in a Mug
This versatile recipe delivers perfection time after time, regardless of the ingredients. Instead of a pastry crust, this version mixes torn bread with the eggs, veggies, butter, and milk. This might just be your new favorite on-the-go breakfast!
5. French Toast in a Cup
It’s not quite as crunchy as thick French toast made in a pan, but this very viable alternative is nearly as tasty—and it only takes two minutes to make. Torn bread and whisked eggs remain the primary ingredients, and this breakfast is just as versatile as the traditional version. We like ours with cinnamon and a little vanilla extract!
6. Easy Poached Eggs
Ah, poached eggs. The best way to turn a simple breakfast food into a giant pain in the ass. The traditional method requires boiling water, using just enough salt and vinegar, keeping the water swirling at justthe right speed, cracking the egg in just the right way... in other words, it's just too easy to screw up. But the trusty microwave can change all that: All you need is a microwave-safe bowl, hot water, and a little salt and vinegar (and, of course, an egg). A short zap later, you’ll have the perfect topper for any healthier breakfast sandwich.
7. Cinnamon Maple Breakfast Quinoa
This healthy breakfast imbues quinoa with a creamy, cinnamon-y quality to great effect, delivering a protein-packed, high-fiber breakfast that tastes like a pancake gone healthy.
8. Scrambled Eggs
Crack a couple of eggs into a bowl, scramble with a fork, and microwave in thirty second increments until cooked through, stirring at each interval. Alakazam, scrambled eggs! Throw in some chopped veggies and serve with a slice of toast for a complete, filling meal.
9. Peanut Butter, Banana, and Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookie
Made with banana, egg whites, oats, and peanut butter, this “cookie” tastes like dessert, but might just be healthy enough to enjoy at breakfast time. (Well, at least occasionally.)
Snacks and Extras
10. Sweet Potato and Parsnip Chips
For some slightly unusual chips, this recipe is a great way to use up some veggies. It comes out looking super classy—not to mention, these chips are a great excuse to experiment with some healthy dips!
11. Potato Chips
Few people would put “crispy” and “microwave” in the same sentence, but nuked potato chips are a thing, and they use far less oil than your typical package of Lay’s. These are surprisingly simple; just remember they'll continue to crisp as they cool down.
12. Toasted Nuts
Toasting nuts releases their essential oils, which gives them that oh-so-fragrant scent. But using the oven isn’t always necessary. Microwaving nuts won’t give them the same dark color as using the oven, but this method will give them a crunch and taste that’s nearly identical to the traditional method.
13. DIY Microwave Popcorn
You don’t need to spend entire dollars on store-bought microwavepopcorn. It’s easy (and a lot cheaper) to DIY with some corn kernels, a paper bag, and a little tape. Movie night, here we come!
14. Microwave Pickles
For the pickling spice, use equal parts mustard seeds, celery seeds, and whole black peppercorns, and add a dash of turmeric and chili. Throw everything together in a jar with some vinegar, sugar, cucumbers, and onion, microwave for about eight minutes, and voila!
15. Banana Bread in a Mug
Single serve meals to the rescue! Even breads can be made in a microwave without much hassle. Simply pour everything into the mug, stir it up, microwave for a couple of minutes, and you’ve got a no-mess afternoon snack for one. Delicious!
16. Frothed Milk
Café quality cappuccinos have been at our fingertips this whole timeand we didn’t even know it. All that’s needed is a jar, a microwave, and some milk. Shake it up, heat for a few seconds, and you’ve got all that’s needed for some super classy coffee. Cinnamon optional!
17. Toasted Coconut
Whether it’s for topping a dessert or to nosh on its own (we won’t tell), toasting coconut has never been so easy. Simply microwaving for 30-second bursts and stirring regularly results in picture-perfect toasted coconut in under ten minutes.
18. Grain-Free English Muffin
Whether you’re eating gluten-free, avoiding grains, or just love almond flour (we don’t blame you!), these English muffins are a terrific addition to a healthy breakfast. Paleo McMuffins, anyone?
Lunch and Dinner
19. Flaky Microwaved Salmon
This is a dish that really nails the message that the microwave is an oven and can make dishes so healthy, tasty, and fast that you’ll wish you’d taken advantage sooner. The sriracha mayonnaise adds a lot to this meal, but we recommend swapping the mayo portion for some protein-rich Greek yogurt.
20. Four-Minute Corn on the Cob
The trick to making really simple corn on the cob is to leave the husks on—there’s no need for stripping, soaking, wrapping, or even a plate! After four short minutes, the corn is perfectly cooked, without the mess.
21. Steamed Vegetables
No need for a steamer here. All that’s required is a microwave-safe bowl with a cover. Don’t be shy—it turns out that cooking vegetables in a microwave may help them better retain their nutrients, due to the shortened cooking time .
22. Quick and Easy Polenta
Polenta is a wonderful and filling base for just about any savory meal, and it works especially well as a comfort food during cold, winter months. It turns out the cornmeal-based dish is super easy to make in the microwave, too. This recipe pairs the creamy stuff with sautéed greens for an easy comfort meal that’s rich in flavor and nutrients.
23. Mac and Cheese
No more boxed macaroni with that mysterious orange “cheese” powder! This recipe is about as wholesome as mac and cheese gets, and nearly as easy. It only requires water, macaroni, and your own favorite blend of cheeses—but we’d suggest adding in a few broccoli florets or a handful of spinach, too.
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