Easy Recipes and Essential Cookware for College Students
College is a time for learning, trying new things…and cooking dinner without Mom's helping hand. For the majority of students who aren't enrolled in a culinary program, college may also be their first time experimenting in the kitchen. College students know that dining hall food can get a bit monotonous, so why not try cooking these easy recipes in your dorm room or off-campus apartment? We're also sharing inexpensive but essential pieces of cookware and bakeware that will get you through the next two or four years of your education.
Start with one of our most popular recipes: One-Pan Pasta. You only need a handful of easily accessible ingredients (tomatoes, garlic, basil) and the entire dish cooks in one large pot, which makes for quick clean-up. Another one-pot staple is Perfect White Rice, which is one of the most versatile side dishes you can eat. Plus, it lasts for three to four days of delicious leftovers.
Of course, college students need a bit of sugar to keep them going throughout the day, and nothing satisfies quite like a classic chocolate chip cookie. Our recipe is the perfect combination of soft and chewy. We have a feeling you'll make plenty of friends on your hall if you bake a batch of these cookies. And when finals come around, every student needs plenty of caffeine to help them stay awake and alert. Save money by making homemade cold brew coffee in your dorm room using a mason jar or pitcher.
Wow your parents and friends by making these easy and delicious recipes that will satisfy you through the best four years of your lives.
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One-Pot Pasta
When you're pressed for time—and space—make this one-pot pasta. Spaghetti cooks with inexpensive, flavorful ingredients including cherry tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and basil for an easy dorm room dinner.
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Stainless Steel Pot
From cooking pasta to soup, this sturdy stainless steel pot is essential to have on hand. It's durable enough to last for years—and you can't beat the college-friendly price.
Shop Now: Cuisinart Chef's Classic 5.75 qt. Covered Pot, $29.99, bedbathandbeyond.com.
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Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
If there's one cookie recipe to master, it's this classic chocolate chip. All the ingredients are pantry staples, so you can make them again and again (you know you'll want to).
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Silpat
Every aspiring pastry chef should own this nonstick baking mat. It's made to line sheet trays, which makes clean-up a breeze and prevents cookies from sticking to the pan. Plus, it can be used over and over again.
Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection Silicone Baking Silpat, $24.99, macys.com.
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Perfect White Rice
From learning the ideal ratio of rice to water to how to properly steam it, our recipe teaches you everything you need to know about cooking rice. Make a big batch and use it in stir-fry, rice bowls, or as an energizing side dish.
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Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas
Celebrate Taco Tuesday with margaritas and these easy rolled chicken tacos. Ground chicken is cooked with tomato paste, canned chipotle in adobo, cilantro, and lime juice.
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Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are one of the most versatile things you can cook. They're a simple, protein-packed breakfast, a healthy salad topping, or an easy snack on-the-go.
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Stainless Steel Saucepan
Cook rice, pasta, marinara sauce, or vegetables in this versatile saucepan. The stainless steel construction ensures that the durable pan can handle being moved from one dorm room to the next.
Shop Now: Cuisinart Stainless Steel Two-Quart Covered Saucepan, $19.99, macys.com.
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Test Kitchen's Favorite Grilled Cheese
No matter how old you are, grilled cheese is one of the most delicious meals. The secret to our version is using good-quality sourdough bread, sharp cheese, and a schmear of mayonnaise, which makes each slice golden brown and crispy.
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Cast Iron Skillet
Treat this skillet right and it's sure to last a lifetime. You can use it for pan-searing meat or making a sweet, crowd-friendly skillet cookie that everyone on your hall will want to dig into.
Shop Now: Lodge 10" Cast Iron Skillet, $21.45, crateandbarrel.com.
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Japanese Fried Rice
Instead of ordering takeout, try making your own fried rice. It's the perfect way to use up leftover rice and whatever vegetables you have on hand (our recipe calls for white onion, carrots, and scallions, but feel free to customize it).
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Knife Set
This three-piece knife set has everything a college student could possibly need—a sturdy, Western-style chef's knife, an all-purpose utility knife, and a small paring knife that's perfect for cutting fruits and vegetables.
Shop Now: Zyliss Control Kitchen Knife Set Three-Piece, $64, macys.com.
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Test Kitchen's Favorite Buttermilk Pancakes
After a long night of studying, treat yourself to a stack of homemade buttermilk pancakes, complete with a pat of butter and plenty of maple syrup.
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Griddle
Order up! Flip pancakes, crisp up bacon strips, and fry eggs on this griddle designed for small spaces.
Shop Now: Presto Liddle Griddle, $34.99, walmart.com.
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Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet-pan suppers mean easy prep and easy clean-up. Warmed tortillas are stuffed with sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced bell peppers, and, of course, classic toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, cilantro, and avocado.
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Sheet Pan
If you only keep a few pieces of cookware in your kitchen, a set of sheet pans should be included. The half-sheet and quarter-sheet sizes are perfect for small ovens and even smaller spaces.
Shop Now: Nordic Ware Two-Pack Aluminum Cookie Sheet, $19.99, target.com.
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Guacamole Without Tomatoes
If you're looking for a healthy snack or want to make something for game day, this simple guacamole should fit the bill. Assuming you don't have a traditional molcajete to mash all of the ingredients together, a bowl and fork will work just fine.
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Granola with Dark Chocolate, Olive-Oil, and Maple
It's no secret that college kids are busy. You need meals that will be healthy, nourishing, and keep you energized for hours on end. That's where this homemade granola fits in—it's packed with pecans, roasted cashews, coconut, pepitas, and bittersweet chocolate chunks.
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Mixing Bowls
Not only does this set include every size mixing bowl a college student could possibly need, but the varied hues of bright blue will help to distinguish them from others in a communal kitchen.
Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection Melamine Food Storage Bowl Set, $29.99, macys.com.
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Basic Risotto
Missing Mom's cooking while you're on campus? Make this comforting staple that's sure to warm your soul. Our recipe for basic risotto is made with white wine, shallots, and Parmesan cheese, but you can dress it up with mushrooms, corn, or even lobster.
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Cold-Brewed Iced Coffee
Let's face it: Those daily trips to the campus coffee shop add up. Save money and make your own iced coffee instead. All you need are good-quality espresso beans, cold water, and a mason jar or large pitcher. Then you're ready to pull an all-nighter.
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No-Cook Overnight Oats
Next time you oversleep, you'll be grateful that you prepared this healthy breakfast in advance. Combine oats, milk, cinnamon, and salt in a jar and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with fresh fruit, nuts, and more spices to get your day started.
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Mason Jars
Not only are these mason jars the perfect size for making iced coffee or overnight oats in your kitchen, but you can bring them on-the-go, too. The glass material is durable and eco-friendly, which is great for busy students.
Shop Now: Ball Eight-Ounce Quilted Mason Jar, $8.49 for 12, target.com.
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Chicken-Teriyaki Noodle Bowls
Sick of dining hall food? These noodle bowls will feel like an extra-special dinner—but they're so easy to prepare. Thick udon noodles are topped with eggplant, edamame, and grilled chicken that has marinated in a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar.
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Grill Pan
Most college students don't have access to an outdoor grill, but this grill pan designed by our founder will certainly do the trick. Grill chicken for our teriyaki noodle bowls or prepare burgers and hot dogs for a fall tailgate.
Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection, Enameled Cast Iron 11" Grill Pan, $54.99, macys.com.
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Ultimate Nachos
What college kid doesn't love digging into a pile of crunchy, cheesy nachos? Our recipe calls for all the fixings—refried beans, two kinds of shredded cheese, pickled jalapeño chiles, sliced black olives, chopped tomatoes, and sour cream.
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One-Pot Pasta with Broccoli and Lemon
For beginner chefs, start with this light and bright vegetarian pasta recipe. Penne pasta is served with thinly sliced broccoli, garlic, olive oil, lemon, and Parmesan cheese.
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Colanders
There's no need to invest in pricy colanders. This duo will take care of all your draining needs and will prevent even the smallest ingredients (think quinoa and rice) from falling through the cracks.
Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection Mesh Colanders, $19.99 for a set of two, macys.com.
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Shakshouka
This egg- and tomato-based dish is usually made in one big skillet, but serving it in individual ramekins is even better for college students strapped for space.
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Ramekins
Ramekins are one of the most useful kitchen items you can buy. Sure, you can cook shakshouka or make impressive molten lava cakes, but they're also great for holding ingredients as you prep a recipe.
Shop Now: BIA Six-Ounce Ramekin, $2.49, bedbathandbeyond.com.
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Chewy Brownies
Skip the boxed mix and make this sweet midday pick-me-up (or midnight snack) from scratch. The secret to the shiny, cracked top is a few tablespoons of coconut oil, which also keeps the brownies super moist.
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Cake Pan
Wow your roommate by making them a homemade birthday cake or pan of brownies for a special occasion. The nonstick design makes it this pan easy to clean.
Shop Now: Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick 9" Square Cake Pan, $10.99, macys.com.
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Crispy Chicken Nuggets
The chicken tenders in your college cafeteria might be convenient, but we think it's time you try making them yourself (it's a lot easier than you'd expect and so much more delicious).
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Slow Scrambled Eggs
Slow mornings call for these low and slow scrambled eggs. Don't forget the hash browns, buttered toast, and bacon!
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Silicone Spatula
Functional and useful, this set of spatulas comes in four sizes. The smallest can help scoop out the contents of jarred soups and sauces and the largest is great for gently folding muffin and cake batter.
Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection Four Piece Pro Multi-Functional Spatula Set, $25.99, macys.com.