College Cooking Essentials: Our Top Recommendations

College Cooking Essentials: Our Top Recommendations

Before heading off to college, the chances are you probably haven't had to rely solely on your cooking skills to indulge in three meals a day. Whether you're used to eating at home with the family or eating out at restaurants, becoming an at-home chef comes with its challengesespecially if you're not used to it. Learning new recipes, cooking methods and flavor combos can be tricky if you don't have guidance. Luckily, the Bob's Red Mill family is here to help. Knowing what tools you'll need to stock up on before heading off to your dorm will better prepare you for college life. When choosing what to bring, you'll want to focus on easy-to-use items that require minimal cooking space. Keep scrolling for a list of cooking tools and utensils perfect for dorm room cooking.

Space Saving Appliances

The thing about most dorm rooms is that they're a bit crowded. When choosing cooking appliances, you'll want to make sure that they take up as little space as possible. Think about the staple food items you'll be cooking regularly and what you'll need to make them. Having an easy way to whip up your favorite foods will help ensure that you never go hungry between classes.

Invest in an Egg Cooker

Eggs are a great source of protein that can keep you full throughout the day. They're great for you, delicious and incredibly budget-friendly. Make sure you have an easy way to cook your eggs by investing in a small egg cooker. Ideal for boiled, poached or scrambled eggs, you can even use this tool to help make the perfect breakfast omelette.

Toaster Oven

If your dorm allows it, find a safe spot where you can store a toaster oven. When you don't have a full kitchen, having a toaster oven on hand can make a world of difference in the recipes you're cooking. Nearly everything you can bake in a traditional oven can be cooked in a toaster oven. This includes tasty desserts like muffins and cookies! A toaster oven will also come in handy when you have leftover food you need to reheat. Pizza, frozen lasagna and even nachos can be reheated in a toaster oven and enjoyed later on. Bake a delicious pizza recipe like this Breakfast Pizza, in the toaster oven.

Single-Serving Blender

A single serving blender is a must when living in a dorm room. Use a blender to whip up a quick smoothie or soup or mix up your pancake batter. The great thing about these small blenders is that they don't take up much space. They can also be taken apart for easy cleaning and storage. For an easy and delicious blended smoothie, try this Raspberry Oat Smoothie.

Electric Kettle or Water Heater

Now, when we say kettle, we're talking about more than just whipping up a hot cup of tea. While tea is an excellent way to wake up, a kettle can be used for so much more than that. Rice, pasta and even noodles can all be cooked using just a kettle and some hot water. And because a kettle doesn't take up much space, it makes for the perfect addition to your dorm-room cooking utensils.

Pressure Cooker

Investing in a pressure cooker will boost the flavor and variety of your weekly dishes. Pressure cookers are a great way to whip up a mouthwatering dish in just minutes. From flavorful chili like this Instant Pot Chili to Savory Chana Masala, there are countless recipes that you can cook in a pressure cooker. And because it's a one-pot meal, it also makes for easier clean up!

Food Storage Essentials

Like with anything in college, when it comes to food, preparation is vital. A busy class schedule, sports, study time and friends may leave you with little time to sit down and prepare a meal. To ensure that you always have a nutritious and delicious meal waiting for you at home, follow these next tips.

Microwave-Safe Dining Ware

Purchase oven-safe/microwave-safe bowls and plates. Not only will you need these to eat your food from, you'll also need them to cook with.

Meal Prep Containers

If you're planning and making your meals in advance, you'll need to invest in a few meal prep containers. Having containers on hand will help keep your food fresh until you're ready to eat it. They are also a great way to store leftovers.

Mini Fridge/Freezer

If your dorm doesn't have a fridge, then purchasing a small one is a must. You'll need to keep perishable items somewhere cool so that they don't spoil at room temperature. This is especially true if you choose to meal prep your food! We hope that this guide has provided you with the information needed to make flavorful cooking easier at your college dorm. From instant pot meals to kettle-cooked pasta, there are countless creative ways you can whip up a delicious dorm dish.  
Bob's Red Mill
November 07 2020

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