While dining halls are great, sometimes your wallet and your stomach need a bit of a break. Whether you’re looking to save a few bucks, take some time off from grease-loaded food, or are craving a taste of home, nothing hits the spot quite like Midwest recipes comfort food. These easy-to-follow Midwest recipes are a great way to pack in a nutritious meal and enjoy fantastic flavors.
With just a fridge, toaster oven, and microwave, these incredible, simple recipes are perfect for home-sick students. Here are a few downright perfect meal ideas they can easily make in their dorm rooms today.
Anti-Anxiety Smoothie
There’s really no way around it. College is stressful. From managing your class schedule and organizing group projects to living on your own for the first time, a lot of pressure comes with college campus life. This is why a delicious anti-anxiety smoothie is a sensational way to start your day. This exceptional smoothie is filled with tasty ingredients like Greek yogurt and bananas, which are known for their calming properties. Delicious and nutritious, all you’ll need is a blender to enjoy this delight before class.
Ingredients
- 1 large handful of spinach
- 1 small container of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 spoonful of matcha powder
- 1 pinch of cinnamon
- Plant-based milk of choice
Combine these ingredients in a blender and blend until completely smooth. Add your milk until you reach the desired consistency, and enjoy.
Strawberry Delight
An absolute Midwest staple, Strawberry Delight is guaranteed to leave you feeling like you’re back home in the middle of summer. Traditionally served with a buttery graham cracker crust, this wonderful recipe uses pre-made angel food cake instead. This makes it the ideal addition to your dorm room recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 spoonful of white sugar
- 1 small ( 8 oz) container of sour cream
- 1 splash of almond extract (optional) 1 spoonful of vanilla extract
- 1 (16 oz) bag of powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping
- 1 nine-inch prepared angel food cake, torn into bite-size pieces
- 2 large packages of thinly sliced strawberries
First, mix the cream cheese and white sugar until smooth. Then, completely combine sour cream, almond extract, and half a spoonful of vanilla extract.
Add the other half of the vanilla to the powdered sugar and whipped topping in a separate bowl and combine. Once there are no more lumps, add the two mixtures until smooth.
Next, layer your serving bowl with ¼ of the angel food cake pieces. Top this with ¼ of the cream mixture, and then add a layer of strawberries. Repeat this process three more times until you have a finished cake. Chill the dessert until you’re ready to enjoy it.
10-Minute Baked Potato
Is there anything more delectable than a warm, cheesy, and bacon-filled potato? The answer is probably no, so you’ll love this easy-to-follow recipe that will give you crispy potato perfection in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 russet potato
- Olive oil
- Salt
- 2 slices of bacon
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh chives
- Sour cream
First, carefully pierce the potato with a fork and then cover it with olive oil and salt. Place on a plate with 2 slices of bacon and microwave for 7 to 9 minutes.
When finished, remove the plate from the microwave and crush the bacon, saving it for later. At this point, the potato will be too hot to handle, so let it sit for a few minutes until it cools down.
Once the potato has cooled, cut it vertically and scoop out a bit of the inside. Add the cheddar cheese and microwave for about 30 seconds, or until the cheese has melted nicely.
Remove the plate from the microwave and top it with sour cream, chives, and bacon.
Puppy Chow
If you’re looking for a great snack you can grab on the go, then this Puppy Chow recipe is just for you. Also known as Muddy Buddies, this is an incredibly popular Midwest recipe that’s usually seen around the holidays but is the perfect way to give college kids a little pick-me-up all year round.
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) box of Corn Chex
- 1 (16 oz) bag of chocolate chips
- 1 (8 oz) container of peanut butter
- 1 ½ sticks of butter, cubed
- 3 cups of powdered sugar
First, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it for 30 seconds. Remove from the microwave and stir. Repeat this process in 30-second intervals until the mixture is completely melted. Add the cereal to this mixture and stir until it is completely coated.
Now, in small batches, add the powdered sugar to larger, airtight containers. Add the cereal, close the container, and shake it all carefully until it is completely coated. Continue this process until all of the cereal is finished. Let it sit until the chocolate mixture is completely cooled and hardened, and then store in airtight containers until you’re ready to enjoy.
Cucumber and Avocado Cream Cheese Sandwich
College kids searching for a nice and easy health boost need look no further than this simple and delicious cucumber and avocado sandwich. Packed with over 20 vitamins and minerals, these wonderful and refreshing sandwiches are a great way to fill you up during long days of classes.
Ingredients
- 12 thin slices of cucumber
- 2 slices of whole-grain bread
- ½ avocado
- 2 spoonfuls of plain or veggie-flavored cream cheese
- Salt and pepper
Toast two slices of bread in a toaster or toaster oven until they are at your desired level of toastiness. In the meantime, combine the avocado with salt and pepper to your taste.
Once the toast is ready, spread 1 spoonful of cream cheese on each slice. After that, spread half of the avocado mixture on each slice of bread on top of the cream cheese. Top each of your slices with half of the cucumber, and then sprinkle on some salt and pepper according to your taste.
Bacon Breakfast Pizza
A Midwest classic, breakfast pizzas will have you feeling like a kid again. Filled with yummy cheese and perfect eggs, this mouthwatering breakfast pizza is a heartwarming way to start your day. Better yet, this simple and straightforward recipe can be put together quickly with a burner and in a toaster oven right in your dorm room or a shared kitchenette.
Ingredients
- 1 tube of refrigerated pizza crust
- 2 spoonfuls of olive oil
- 6 eggs
- 2 spoonfuls of water
- 1 (3 oz) package of bacon bits
- 1 (8 oz) package of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 (8 oz) package of shredded cheddar cheese
First, preheat your toaster oven to 400°F. While it’s heating, add a bit of olive oil to your oven pan and spread it around to create a non-stick coating. Remove your pizza dough from the tube, and with your fingers, press it into the pan to cover it. Prick the dough with a fork and cover it with a spoonful of olive oil. Place the pan in the oven and pre-bake the dough for 7 to 8 minutes.
While the dough is cooking, whisk together your eggs and 2 spoonfuls of water.
Heat another spoonful of olive oil in a non-stick pan and place it on your burner at medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the eggs and stir until no liquid eggs remain.
Remove your dough pan from the toaster oven and spoon on the eggs, cheese, and bacon bits.
Cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, then enjoy.
Midwest Recipes for College Students
If you’re lucky enough to live in an apartment with a kitchen or a dorm with a bit more than barracks accommodations, these quick recipes can work easily. Of course, you can’t start from nothing. So, make a list for your next shopping trip, or have your favorite helper bring them up on their next trip to visit. You don’t need to be a culinary major to whip these healthy eats together. But, yeah. You do have to take notes. Lol.
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