26 Easy Microwave Recipes (2024)

These microwave recipes will change how you look at that small oven in your home.

Make everything from an indulgent dessert to a heartwarming soup in the least time possible!

Wouldn’t it be great if we can cook everything in a microwave? Because really, it’s more than just a heater for your leftovers.

26 Easy Microwave Recipes (1)

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If you haven’t used your microwave for anything but reheating food, then you haven’t seen this app’s full potential.

No, it can’t make delectable puff pastry desserts or elaborate casseroles. But what it does is make comfort food in a flash.

These 26 microwave recipes will save you LOTS of time in making delicious meals for breakfast right up to dinnertime and dessert!

1. Microwave Bacon

There are three common ways to cook bacon — in the oven, on the stove, and in the microwave.

The easiest way is using the microwave! You’ll get wonderfully crispy and evenly cooked bacon in four minutes, tops.

Be sure to place the bacon slices between layers of paper towels before cooking them.

This helps in absorbing the unhealthy grease and reducing mess from splatters.

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2. Microwave Peanut Brittle

Here’s a snack that packs sweet and salty flavors contrasted by crunchy and chewy textures. You’ll get all of that using a microwave and some pantry ingredients.

The sweet peanut coating is achieved by combining sugar and coconut syrup. Meanwhile, the flavor of salted peanuts is enhanced by vanilla extract. It’s so good!

3. Cinnamon Roll Mug

A cinnamon roll in a mug cooked in a microwave is not the best-looking dessert out there, but it’s just as good as the traditional version!

All the ingredients for the dough come together easily, and you’ll get the heavenly flavors from brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon.

Once cooked, enjoy the cinnamon roll with a yummy, sweet milk glaze on top!

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4. Microwave Mac and Cheese

When looking for a quick fix for my cheese cravings, this is my go-to recipe. The best part is, there’s less cleaning!

Simply cook the macaroni in the microwave, then stir in your favorite cheese until melted and everything’s well-coated.

You can add milk to make it creamier or bits of bacon or ham for a meaty flavor.

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5. Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge

This 3-ingredient peanut butter fudge is perfect as a sweet snack for family get-togethers or midnight cravings. It’s sweet, chewy, and oh-so-yummy!

All you’ll need to do is mix everything in a microwavable bowl and cook until you get a thick batter.

Place it on a baking pan, refrigerate, cut into small squares, and you’re done.

6. Microwave Cinnamon Apples

These tasty cinnamon apples are a 5-minute snack you can make in the microwave.

The apples are peeled, cored, and cut into pieces, and then mixed with cinnamon, sugar, and cornstarch.

Everything goes into a microwave-safe bowl or a Ziplock bag and is cooked in the oven.

Eat them as-is, include them in your oatmeal, or serve them with ice cream. The options are endless!

7. Microwave Mug Pizza

Beat the fast-food version with this microwave mug pizza ready in 5 minutes or less.

You can customize the toppings to make a single-serving of your favorite pizza flavor. What’s not to love?

The batter is made with baking powder, baking soda, milk, salt, and oil.

Simply mix everything in a microwavable bowl, then add the sauce, cheese, and the rest of the toppings.

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8. Microwave Caramel Popcorn

Popcorn that’s evenly coated with caramel is the BEST snack ever for movie nights!

For this recipe, you’ll have to make your own caramel (hint: it’s super easy).

Pour the caramel into the brown bag with the popcorn kernels and cook for a few minutes.

For added flavors, consider adding chopped salted nuts, fruity jelly, or even a sriracha sauce!

9. Microwave Granola

Everything you love in a granola bar — oats, nuts, and honey — is mixed in a mug and cooked in the microwave until crunchy!

With this recipe, you can make your breakfast meals healthier.

Plus, you can create several variations by mixing in your favorite fruits. Serve with yogurt for added flavor and nutrients.

10. Microwave Cauliflower

This fresh, healthy, and delicious side dish is made in 15 minutes. You’ll fall in love with this recipe!

The cooking steps are easy: microwave the cauliflower whole, cut it into florets, and add the seasonings.

The result is a refreshing cauliflower side dish for savory and meaty dishes.

11. Microwave Sweet Potato

Want to make something similar to baked sweet potatoes without taking too long in the kitchen? Easy. Use your microwave!

Just be sure to prick the spuds before cooking them to avoid a messy explosion.

Once cooked, cut in the middle and garnish with your favorite toppings.

12. Microwave Potato Chips

Making potato chips for midnight snacks just got easier with this recipe. And take note, they aren’t just ordinary chips because they’re guilt-free!

There’s no drop of oil needed, but the chips will come out perfectly crunchy. The trick is to slice the potatoes very thinly.

Sprinkling some sea salt is a classic move, while a pinch of chili powder will add exciting heat to the chips.

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13. Microwave Fantasy Fudge

This is one of those no-fail microwave recipes that yield a yummy, creamy, and perfectly sweet dessert.

After a little mixing and cooking in the microwave, you’ll be done in about 20 minutes.

When loaded with roasted pecans and chocolate chips, I could eat these treats all day!

14. Oreo Mug Cake

It’s always a good recipe when it involves a microwave, a mug, and Oreos. Skeptical? Wait until you get that moist, fluffy, and creamy, Oreo mug cake!

Just combine the flour mixture, oil, and milk with crushed Oreos.

Sneak in some chocolate chips for extra sweetness, cook for a few minutes, and you’re done!

15. Microwave Mug Pancakes

Do you love to start your mornings with good pancakes? Skip using the stovetop because you can make them in the microwave in 2 minutes!

For the first minute, create a simple pancake mix, and for the next 60 seconds, pop it into the microwave.

Once cooked, add your favorite pancake toppings and devour!

16. Microwave Potato

Make fluffy baked spuds in less than 20 minutes! This side dish works well with various seasonings, so you can spice it up any way you like.

Pro-tip: Leave the potato skin on for added nutrients, but be sure to scrub it clean before cooking in the microwave.

17. Microwave Pasta

If you don’t have access to a stovetop, this microwave pasta recipe would be helpful.

It works well with penne pasta, as it can easily fit into a microwavable bowl.

When ready to cook, pour water on the pasta until covered. Add 3 minutes to the cooking time stated on the pasta packet.

Once done, drain the water away and top with pasta sauce!

18. Microwave Toasted Nuts

Toasted nuts are a fantastic addition to cakes, cookies, and other baked treats.

When in a hurry, you can always toast the nuts in the microwave. It works for seeds and coconut flakes, too!

Cooking time may vary depending on how toasted you like the nuts to be.

Also, if they’ve been in the refrigerator, toasting them may take longer than usual.

19. Microwave Oatmeal

This oatmeal is healthy, affordable, and customizable. It’s definitely one of my go-to breakfast meals!

Made with old-fashioned oats, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla, this microwave oatmeal is A LOT tastier than the store-bought packets.

Feel free to get creative with the toppings. There are countless oatmeal variations you could make!

20. Microwave Tortilla Chips

Three ingredients are cooked in a microwave for 5 minutes. That’s how easy it is to make tortilla chips!

The corn tortillas are covered in oil, with each side cooked in the microwave. Serve with your favorite dip or season with pantry spices.

21. Microwave Peanut Butter Granola Bars

These granola bars are incredibly chewy and full of peanut butter flavor. Plus, the active cooking time is only 2 minutes!

The oats and Rice Krispies team up for the perfect crunch, while vanilla, honey, and brown sugar add a delicate sweetness to the peanut butter.

22. Microwave Potato Soup

This recipe creates a delicious meal in a mug loaded with potatoes, scallions, bacon, and cheese.

Every spoonful promises creamy goodness and savory flavor.

You can make this soup in less than 8 minutes, so it’s the perfect meal for the busiest days.

23. Microwave Tomato Soup

If you have some cornbread or grilled cheese sitting on your table but you don’t have tomato soup, that’s a crime!

All kidding aside, you can easily make a tomato soup for those yummy sides using a microwave.

Simply combine marinara sauce, cheese, cream, and chicken broth and you’ll get a creamy, flavorful tomato soup in minutes!

24. Microwave Cornbread Muffin

This recipe makes a single-serving cornbread muffin, so it’s perfect for those cold nights when you only have one bowl of chili left.

The recipe calls for flour and cornmeal, but using a cornbread mix also works fine.

For a vegan version, you can use cane sugar and soy milk in place of honey and regular milk.

25. Microwave Celebration Mug Cake

It’s so easy to get in a festive mood once you make this mug cake. It only takes 5 minutes, and you’ll get that vanilla-flavored fluffy cake loaded with sprinkles!

The secret ingredient is a quality vanilla extract. Want to take this cake to next level? Top it with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

26. Microwave Corn On the Cob

Cooking corn on the cob in a microwave is a game-changer. You’ll get juicy, crisp corn in 10 minutes!

For a classic flavor, simply season the corn with butter, salt, and pepper.

Create a cheesy version by adding parmesan, or a spicy-sour variation with chili powder and lime zest.

26 Easy Microwave Recipes (6)

26 Easy Microwave Recipe Collection

Instructions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a microwave dish in 30 minutes or less!
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26 Easy Microwave Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What to cook if you only have a microwave? ›

20 best ever microwave meal ideas
  1. Microwave mug cake.
  2. Microwave risotto primavera.
  3. Fastest-ever lemon pudding.
  4. Microwave kale & chilli eggs recipe.
  5. Leeky salmon in a parcel.
  6. Microwave banana pudding.
  7. Microwave butternut squash risotto.
  8. Tuna sweet potato jackets.

What foods can you microwave well? ›

Best foods to microwave

Vegetables, meats, soups, and casseroles are all foods that most people don't realize can be cooked in the microwave. You will need to cook pasta, rice, and dried beans before adding them to a dish cooked in a microwave. Crispy recipes do not do well in the microwave.

Can you cook fish in the microwave? ›

To cook white fish like cod, tilapia, and haddock in the microwave, it typically takes 3-5 minutes for a 4-6 ounce portion. The exact cooking time in the microwave will vary depending on the thickness of the fish. You'll know the fish is properly cooked when it easily flakes with a fork.

What foods cannot be cooked in a microwave? ›

  • Chili Peppers.
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs.
  • Styrofoam.
  • Takeout Containers.
  • Mug of Water.
  • Grapes.
  • Leftover Potatoes.
  • Processed Meats.
Jan 27, 2023

Can I cook pasta in the microwave? ›

Yes, it is possible to cook pasta in the microwave. Place your pasta in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with water and microwave on High for the same amount of time stated on the packet directions, plus 3 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and stir in your favourite pasta sauce.

What three types of dishes are safe to use in the microwave? ›

Glass-ceramic ware and heatproof glass ware are safe in the microwave oven. Oven cooking bags, baskets made of straw and wood (without metal), wax paper, parchment paper, and vented plastic bags are all safe to use in the microwave. Paper products that are specifically approved for microwave cooking are safe to use.

Can I use the microwave to bake pizza? ›

Cooking pizza in the microwave is an easy way to enjoy a delicious and effortless pizza. To begin, you will need to prepare the dough by kneading it for several minutes until it has reached its desired texture. Then let the dough sit out so that it can rise and ferment with yeast before being cooked.

Is tuna good microwaved? ›

The simple answer is that microwave ovens use electromagnetic radiation and are "generally safe when used correctly," per the FDA. It's definitely okay to microwave canned tuna as long as you remove it from the can first.

Can you cook catfish in the microwave? ›

Microwave Oven

Place on microwave turntable and cover. Cook on HIGH for 2-3 minutes. Season with melted butter, lemon juice, etc.. Cover and cook for 3-4 more minutes or until flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork.

Can you cook bacon in the microwave? ›

Bacon cooked in the microwave will be a little bit chewier, but it will also be crispy! Start with cooking the bacon for 4 minutes and cook for an additional minute at a time until it's as crispy as you like. But remember, the bacon will get crispier as it cools. We like ours after 5 minutes.

Is it safe to cook eggs in a Ziploc bag? ›

Note: Be sure to use a food-grade plastic bag that is safe for cooking and specifically designed for high-temperature use, such as a sous vide bag. Do not use regular plastic bags or other types of plastic wrap for cooking as they may release harmful chemicals at high temperatures.

What else are microwaves used for besides microwave ovens? ›

Microwaves are widely used in modern technology, for example in point-to-point communication links, wireless networks, microwave radio relay networks, radar, satellite and spacecraft communication, medical diathermy and cancer treatment, remote sensing, radio astronomy, particle accelerators, spectroscopy, industrial ...

Can you cook meat in a microwave? ›

Meat can be cooked safely in a microwave oven, but it can cook unevenly and leave cold spots where harmful bacteria can survive. For this reason, it is important to cover the food, rotate or stir it once or twice during cooking, and make sure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature throughout.

How do you cook microwave only food without a microwave? ›

Simply transfer the food from the microwave-safe container to a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the food is heated through. Oven: Casseroles, baked potatoes, and other dishes that would normally be cooked in the microwave can be baked in the oven instead.

Can you use a microwave instead of an oven? ›

If you are looking to bake something quickly, trying to conserve energy, and are only making a single serving size, then using a microwave to bake is the better option. If you are baking more complex dishes with a larger serving size, then your traditional oven is your best bet.

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