25 Quick and Easy Microwave Recipes for Busy Days

If you're short on time but still want delicious, home-cooked meals, the microwave is your best friend. We've expanded this collection with savory recipes and added approximate nutritional information for each (based on standard ingredients; values may vary).

1. Microwave Chocolate Mug Brownie

A gooey, rich chocolate brownie ready in under 2 minutes—perfect for late-night cravings.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons water or milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: chocolate chips for extra gooeyness

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, and salt.
2. Add oil, water/milk, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
3. Stir in chocolate chips if using.
4. Microwave on high for 1-1.5 minutes (time varies by microwave wattage—start with 1 minute and check).
5. Let cool for 1 minute before enjoying with ice cream or whipped cream.

Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cook Time: 1-2 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per serving): 300-350 calories, 15-20g fat, 40-50g carbs, 4-6g protein

2. Microwave Poached Egg

A perfectly poached egg for toast, salads, or breakfast bowls—done in 1 minute.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup water
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: vinegar (1 tsp for better shape)

Instructions:

1. Crack the egg into a microwave-safe mug or small bowl.
2. Add water and salt (and vinegar if using).
3. Gently pierce the yolk with a toothpick to prevent exploding.
4. Cover with a plate and microwave on high for 45-60 seconds.
5. Let sit for 30 seconds, then drain and serve.

Prep Time: 1 minute | Cook Time: 1 minute

Approximate Nutrition (per serving): 72 calories, 5g fat, 1g carbs, 6g protein

3. Microwave Baked Potato

Fluffy baked potato with crispy skin, ready faster than the oven.

Ingredients (Serves 1-2):

• 1-2 russet potatoes
• Olive oil and salt for skin
• Toppings: butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, bacon bits

Instructions:

1. Wash and scrub potatoes, poke holes with a fork.
2. Rub with oil and salt.
3. Place on microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 5 minutes.
4. Turn over and cook another 3-5 minutes until soft.
5. Let rest 2 minutes, then split and add toppings.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 8-10 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per medium potato, plain): 210 calories, 0g fat, 48g carbs, 6g protein

4. Microwave Macaroni and Cheese in a Mug

Creamy, cheesy mac ready in minutes—no boiling required.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 1/3 cup elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add macaroni and water to a large mug.
2. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stir, then another 2 minutes until pasta is tender.
3. Drain excess water if any.
4. Stir in milk and cheese, microwave 30-60 seconds until melted.
5. Season and enjoy.

Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per serving): 300-400 calories, 15-20g fat, 30-40g carbs, 15g protein

5. Microwave Steamed Vegetables

Healthy, crisp-tender veggies without a steamer basket.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower)
• 2-3 tablespoons water
• Salt, pepper, butter or lemon

Instructions:

1. Place veggies in microwave-safe bowl with water.
2. Cover with vented lid or plastic wrap.
3. Microwave on high 3-5 minutes until tender.
4. Drain and season.

Prep Time: 3 minutes | Cook Time: 4-6 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per serving, plain): 50-100 calories, 0-5g fat, 10-20g carbs, 3-5g protein

6. Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake

Moist chocolate cake for one—indulgent and instant.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 4 tbsp flour
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp milk
• 3 tbsp oil
• Vanilla and chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients in mug.
2. Add egg, milk, oil, vanilla; stir.
3. Add chips.
4. Microwave 1.5-2 minutes.

Prep Time: 3 minutes | Cook Time: 2 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per serving): 400-500 calories, 25-30g fat, 50-60g carbs, 8-10g protein

7. Microwave Omelette in a Mug

Fluffy omelette loaded with your favorite fillings.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• Salt, pepper
• Fillings: cheese, ham, veggies

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs and milk in mug.
2. Add fillings.
3. Microwave 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
4. Let set and serve.

Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cook Time: 2 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per serving, plain): 150-200 calories, 10-15g fat, 2g carbs, 12-15g protein

8. Perfect Microwave Rice

Fluffy rice every time—no rice cooker needed.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups water
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse rice and place in large microwave-safe bowl.
2. Add water and salt.
3. Cover loosely and microwave 10-15 minutes on high.
4. Let stand 5 minutes, fluff with fork.

Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per serving, white rice): 200-250 calories, 0-1g fat, 45-50g carbs, 4-5g protein

9. Microwave Mug Pizza

A personal pizza ready in minutes—cheesy, saucy, and customizable.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp baking powder
• 1/16 tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp pizza sauce
• 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella
• Toppings: pepperoni, veggies, etc.

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mug.
2. Add milk and oil; stir until smooth.
3. Spoon sauce on top, add cheese and toppings.
4. Microwave 1-1.5 minutes until risen and bubbly.

Prep Time: 3 minutes | Cook Time: 2 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per serving): 300-400 calories, 15-20g fat, 30-40g carbs, 10-15g protein

10. Microwave Chicken Breast

Juicy, tender chicken breast perfect for salads, sandwiches, or meals.

Ingredients (Serves 1-2):

• 1-2 boneless chicken breasts
• Salt, pepper, herbs
• Optional: lemon juice or broth

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, season.
2. Add a splash of water or broth, cover.
3. Microwave on high 6-8 minutes per breast, flipping halfway.
4. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per 4oz serving): 150-200 calories, 3-5g fat, 0g carbs, 30-35g protein

11. Microwave Salmon Fillet

Flaky, flavorful salmon in minutes—healthy and effortless.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 1 salmon fillet
• Lemon slices, dill, salt, pepper
• 1 tsp olive oil or butter

Instructions:

1. Place salmon in dish, top with seasonings and lemon.
2. Cover and microwave 3-4 minutes until flaky.
3. Let rest 2 minutes.

Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cook Time: 4 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per 4oz serving): 200-250 calories, 10-15g fat, 0g carbs, 25g protein

12. Microwave Meatloaf in a Mug

Comforting single-serve meatloaf with classic flavors.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 1/4 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• Salt, pepper, onion powder

Instructions:

1. Mix all in mug.
2. Shape into loaf, top with more ketchup.
3. Microwave 2-3 minutes until cooked through.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 3 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per serving): 300-400 calories, 20g fat, 15g carbs, 25g protein

13. Microwave Quinoa Bowl

Fluffy quinoa base for savory bowls—add veggies or protein.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or broth
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa, place in large bowl with water.
2. Cover, microwave 6 minutes, stir, then 4-6 more.
3. Let stand 5 minutes, fluff.

Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per serving): 200-250 calories, 3-5g fat, 35-40g carbs, 8g protein

14. Homemade Microwave Potato Chips

Crispy, guilt-free chips—no frying needed.

Ingredients (Serves 1-2):

• 1 potato, thinly sliced
• Salt, seasonings
• Optional: oil spray

Instructions:

1. Slice potato thinly, pat dry.
2. Arrange on plate, season.
3. Microwave 3-5 minutes until crisp, flipping halfway.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per serving): 100-150 calories, 0-5g fat, 25-30g carbs, 3g protein

15. Microwave Quesadilla

Cheesy, melty quesadilla in seconds.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 1 tortilla
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Fillings: chicken, veggies, beans

Instructions:

1. Place tortilla on plate, add cheese and fillings.
2. Fold, microwave 1-2 minutes until melted.
3. Cut and serve with salsa.

Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cook Time: 2 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per serving, cheese only): 300-400 calories, 15-20g fat, 30g carbs, 15g protein

16. Crispy Microwave Bacon

Perfectly cooked bacon with minimal mess.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 4-6 slices bacon

Instructions:

1. Layer bacon between paper towels on plate.
2. Microwave 4-6 minutes until crisp.

Prep Time: 1 minute | Cook Time: 5 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per 2 slices): 100-150 calories, 10g fat, 0g carbs, 8g protein

17. Microwave Scrambled Eggs with Veggies

Fluffy eggs loaded with vegetables for a healthy start.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• Chopped veggies: spinach, peppers, onions
• Cheese, salt, pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs and milk in mug, add veggies.
2. Microwave 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
3. Top with cheese.

Prep Time: 3 minutes | Cook Time: 2 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per serving): 200-300 calories, 15g fat, 5-10g carbs, 15-20g protein

18. Microwave Corn on the Cob

Juicy, tender corn—husk and all for easy shucking.

Ingredients (Serves 1-2):

• 1-2 ears corn in husk
• Butter, salt

Instructions:

1. Microwave in husk 3-4 minutes per ear.
2. Let cool slightly, shuck (silk comes off easily).
3. Add butter and salt.

Prep Time: 1 minute | Cook Time: 4 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (per ear, plain): 80-100 calories, 1g fat, 17g carbs, 3g protein

Enjoy these quick microwave recipes with added nutritional insights for healthier choices!