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Ditch the ramen! Craving quick and easy college meals that won’t wreck your dorm room or apartment kitchen? Look no further! We’ve got a treasure trove of budget-friendly, single serving recipes designed for busy college students. Whip up a healthy stir-fry in minutes, savor a comforting soup for lunch, or try a protein-packed salad – all made with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Forget takeout and explore our easy college dinners, fast pasta dishes, and microwave dessert recipes. Simplify your mealtimes today and fuel your college lifestyle!

a bowl of angel hair pasta mixed with mozzarella cheese, fresh chopped tomatoes, and fresh torn basil

Stove Top Meals For One

Discover delicious stove recipes perfect for college living. Whether it’s a fast stir fry or a comforting soup, your stove makes it easy to create these tasty dishes.

a bowl of angel hair pasta mixed with mozzarella cheese, fresh chopped tomatoes, and fresh torn basil.

Caprese Pasta For One

5 from 2 votes
Enjoy our quick, single serving Caprese pasta, filled with fresh tomatoes, garlic, creamy mozzarella, and basil. Ready in just 20 minutes for a satisfying meal.
Caprese Pasta For One Recipe
a small bowl of Tuscan chicken next to fresh basil and parmesan cheese wedges

Tuscan Chicken For One

5 from 8 votes
A single serving version of classic Tuscan Chicken ready in less than 30 minutes! One chicken breast simmers in a rich and creamy, spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce.
Tuscan Chicken For One Recipe
a bowl of shrimp fried rice next to three carrots and a gold napkin

Shrimp Fried Rice For One

5 from 5 votes
Shrimp Fried Rice made with cooked rice and plenty of shrimp and vegetables. An easy single serving meal that cooks in just 10 minutes!
Shrimp Fried Rice For One Recipe
chili mac in a bowl next to a white napkin

Chili Mac For One

5 from 5 votes
Quick and comforting, our single serving Chili Mac recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in 25 minutes, it's the ideal one-pot comfort food.
Chili Mac For One Recipe
a bowl of taco soup topped with shredded cheese.

Taco Soup For One

5 from 9 votes
This big and bold taco soup makes the perfect meal. Filled with ground beef, vegetables and topped with cheese, this single serving soup can be ready in less than 30 minutes!
Taco Soup For One Recipe

Single Serving Oven Baked Meals

Transform your apartment oven into a culinary wonder with these oven recipes. Discover how to make everything from a heartwarming casserole to a perfectly roasted chicken, all sized just for you

a slice of pepperoni pizza on a white plate next to a block of mozzarella cheese and a red napkin

Personal Pepperoni Pizza

5 from 1 vote
A mini pepperoni pizza made with a homemade crust, rich and flavorful pizza sauce, and plenty of cheese and pepperoni. Perfect for one or two people to enjoy!
Personal Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
a lasagna rollup on a gold plate with the remaining lasagna on a silver tray.

Lasagna Rollups For One

5 from 4 votes
Treat yourself to a single serving of Lasagna Rollups, featuring the perfect mix of cheese, meat, and sauce all rolled into one. Simple to prepare and full of flavor!
Lasagna Rollups For One Recipe
caprese chicken with roasted cauliflower on a white plate next to a yellow flower

Chicken Caprese For One

5 from 20 votes
Enjoy a single serving of Chicken Caprese, ready in 30 minutes. A classic Caprese blend with seasoned chicken, tomatoes, red onions, balsamic glaze, and melted mozzarella. Simple, elegant, and easy to clean up, it's the perfect mix of health and taste.
Chicken Caprese For One Recipe
one baked pork chop on a clear plate next to scalloped potatoes and lemon slices

Baked Pork Chop For One

4.96 from 25 votes
Tender and juicy Oven Baked Pork Chop. Perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth pork chop baked to perfection in just 15 minutes.
Baked Pork Chop For One Recipe
a small crustless pizza bowl topped with fresh basil next to a bowl of green bell peppers and a red napkin

Crustless Pizza Bowl For One

5 from 6 votes
Whip up this single serving crustless Pizza Bowl for a low-carb, gluten-free twist on your favorite dish. Filled with classic supreme pizza toppings.
Pizza Bowl For One Recipe
baked lasagna in a square baking dish

Mini Lasagna

4.91 from 43 votes
Indulge in a delicious Mini Lasagna, perfect for serving one or two. This small lasagna recipe features classic flavors and bakes in just 30 minutes!
Mini Lasagna Recipe

Easy Toaster Oven Meals For One

Think a toaster oven is just for reheating and toasting? Think again! Perfect for tight dorm or apartment spaces, it can help you make tasty dishes like chicken tenders, nachos, and even sheet pan lasagna. Just ensure your dish fits and refer to your model’s guidelines. With faster heating and easier cleaning, a toaster oven is a college student’s kitchen ally. Dive in and discover a world of easy and delicious meals.

three baked chicken strips on a plate next to fresh basil.

Baked Chicken Tenders For One

4.93 from 28 votes
Quick & easy 20-minute small batch baked chicken tenders! Perfectly crispy, juicy, and ready in no time. Satisfy your craving with this single serving gem!
Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
baked salmon on top of roasted asparagus in a red bowl

Sheet Pan Salmon for One

5 from 9 votes
A one-pan meal that makes cleanup easy! Ready in 20 minutes, one salmon fillet is topped with garlic herb butter and baked along with asparagus on a single sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Salmon for One Recipe
a plate of beef nachos with slices of lime on the edge of the plate

Nachos For One

5 from 4 votes
These classic nachos are a great snack, perfect for game-day, or even a casual dinner. They're loaded with sautéed onions, garlic, ground beef, and cheese. Easy to customize and ready in minutes!
Nachos For One Recipe
a chicken breast in a baking dish topped with buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles

Baked Buffalo Chicken For One

5 from 4 votes
Indulge in a quick and easy single serving Baked Buffalo Chicken, perfect for spice lovers. A juicy chicken breast topped with homemade buffalo sauce and melted mozzarella, ready in 30 minutes.
Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
a black dish filled with cooked shrimp.

Baked Shrimp For One

5 from 7 votes
Make this easy Baked Shrimp recipe in just 10 minutes! Perfect for one, this flavorful dish features juicy shrimp in a lemon butter sauce.
Baked Shrimp For One Recipe
layerless lasagna on a plate next to a sheet pan holding the remaining lasagna

Small Sheet Pan Lasagna

4.80 from 5 votes
Satisfy your lasagna cravings with this easy and delicious small sheet pan lasagna! Made with simple ingredients and perfect for one or two people.
Small Batch Sheet Pan Lasagna

Single Serve Breakfast Ideas

Fuel your college day with these perfect-for-one breakfast recipes. From sweet baked oatmeal to hearty egg dishes, we have options to jumpstart your morning right.

a bun filled with eggs, tomatoes, and an avocado on a blue plate next to a bowl of fruit and a glass of orange juice

Breakfast Sandwich For One

5 from 1 vote
Ready in minutes, this breakfast sandwich is a great way to start the day. Made with simple ingredients, this hearty meal makes the perfect breakfast!
Breakfast Sandwich For One Recipe
a pink egg and sausage breakfast bowl next to a brown napkin and a glass of orange juice

Breakfast Bowl For One

5 from 7 votes
Single serving breakfast bowl made with eggs, sausage, and cheese. It's the perfect way to start your day or can be enjoyed as a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Ready in just 10 minutes!
Breakfast Bowl Recipe
stack of pancakes for one with blueberries on top

Pancakes For One

4.82 from 313 votes
Make fluffy pancakes for one with this easy recipe! Perfectly portioned, ready in 15 minutes, and made with pantry staples for a quick, delicious breakfast.
Pancakes For One Recipe
baked oatmeal with blueberries in a square white baking dish.

Baked Oatmeal For One

4.95 from 38 votes
This Easy Baked Oatmeal is the best way to start your day! It's almost like eating a warm oatmeal cookie in a bowl. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and filled with blueberries or your favorite fruit. This single serve breakfast is baked in one pan for easy cleanup.
Baked Oatmeal For One Recipe
biscuits on a white plate sliced in half and topped with jam.

Small Batch Drop Biscuits

4.84 from 42 votes
If you've ever wanted to make a small batch of biscuits, this recipe is for you. See how quick and easy it is to make fluffy & delicious biscuits for one (or two). 
Small Batch Biscuits Recipe
one sheet pan pancake topped with blueberries , butter, and syrup

Small Batch Sheet Pan Pancakes

5 from 6 votes
Make fluffy, golden brown sheet pan pancakes for one or two people! This easy recipe is ideal when you're looking for a delicious and satisfying breakfast.
Small Batch Sheet Pan Pancakes

Easy “No Recipe” Recipes

On days when you’re short on time or kitchen appliances, turn to our “no recipe” recipes. These are simple meal ideas with minimal ingredients that don’t require exact measurements or complex cooking techniques—perfect for a quick, satisfying bite.

pasta al limone in a blue bowl topped with shredded parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil

Pasta al Limone For One (Lemon Pasta)

5 from 8 votes
Pasta al limone, also called lemon pasta, is a delicious Italian dish that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with savory pasta. This simple yet elegant single serving dish is ready in 15 minutes!
Pasta al Limone For One Recipe
peanut butter on a slice of toast topped with apple slices and a drizzle of honey on a white plate next to a blue jar of honey.

Peanut Butter Toast

5 from 2 votes
Peanut butter toast with apple slices and a drizzle of honey make a quick and easy breakfast, snack, or even dessert. Perfect for fall and apple season!
Peanut Butter u0026 Apple Toast Recipe
a bowl filled with chicken salad with grapes next to a bowl of crackers

Chicken Salad For One

4.95 from 17 votes
Enjoy a fast and flavorful Chicken Salad for one with our 10-minute recipe. Leftover chicken, veggies, and pecans create a healthy, tasty dish.
Chicken Salad For One Recipe
toasted marshmallows on top of melted chocolate next to a yellow bowl of graham crackers

Easy S’mores Dip For One

4.73 from 11 votes
This mini s'mores dip is an easy dessert recipe made with chocolate chips and toasted marshmallows. Use graham crackers or fresh fruit for delicious dipping. It's the perfect amount for anyone cooking for one.
Mini S’mores Dip Recipe
a salad filled with fresh tomatoes and onions in a yellow bowl.

Fresh Tomato Salad For One

5 from 3 votes
Craving fresh, summer flavors? Whip up this easy single serving tomato salad! Bursting with juicy tomatoes, zesty onions, and a flavorful dressing – ready in minutes!
Tomato Salad For One Recipe

Microwave Dessert Recipes In Minutes

Think your college microwave is only good for reheating leftovers? Think again! With these microwave dessert recipes, you can create scrumptious sweet treats right in your dorm room. Transform your ordinary microwave into an extraordinary dessert-making machine, with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Chocolate Candy Clusters | One Dish Kitchen

Small Batch Chocolate Candy

4.93 from 13 votes
Learn how to make easy and delicious 2-ingredient chocolate candies with this simple small batch recipe. Includes tips, variations, and serving suggestions.
Small Batch Chocolate Candy
six pieces of fudge on a wooden table next to a red and white napkin

Small Batch Microwave Fudge

4.97 from 27 votes
Make a delicious and decadent fudge in minutes with this easy microwave fudge recipe! This small batch recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family, and it's sure to become a new favorite.
Small Batch Microwave Fudge
a white square dish holding a single rice krispie treat topped with crushed chocolate candies.

Rice Krispie Treat For One

4.87 from 15 votes
Quick single serving Rice Krispie Treat made in the microwave! Only three ingredients, this classic snack is ready in 10 minutes.
Rice Krispie Treats For One

No Bake Desserts For One

Craving a dessert but don’t have an oven? Dive into our no-bake dessert collection, perfect for dorm living. From creamy chocolate peanut butter treats to puppy chow, you’ll find easy recipes with minimal ingredients, many you likely have on hand. It’s a delightful way to satisfy your sweet cravings with no baking needed. Treat yourself to these fuss-free delights!

a small cheesecake in a dessert dish next to a bowl of strawberries

Mini No Bake Cheesecake

5 from 26 votes
You won’t find an easier cheesecake recipe! This mini no bake cheesecake comes complete with a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s creamy, it’s delicious, and so easy to make. Satisfy a sweet craving with this delightful dessert recipe.
No Bake Cheesecake For One
a bowl of puppy chow for one person next to a gold napkin

Small Batch Puppy Chow

5 from 4 votes
Easy small batch puppy chow recipe. Chex cereal coated in a mixture of butter, peanut butter, and chocolate then tossed with powdered sugar. The best sweet and salty snack!
Small Batch Puppy Chow
five peanut butter balls in a glass dessert bowl with three covered in powdered sugar.

Small Batch Peanut Butter Balls

5 from 6 votes
These peanut butter balls are reminiscent of classic school lunchroom treats. This no bake dessert is made with just three ingredients and are so easy to make. This small batch peanut butter balls recipe yields the perfect amount for one or two people.
Small Batch Peanut Butter Balls
a mini icebox cake topped with strawberries on a tray

Strawberry Icebox Cake For One

5 from 4 votes
Indulge in a single serving Strawberry Icebox Cake! A quick, no-bake dessert with layers of flavor. It's the perfect dessert for one or two people to enjoy!
Strawberry Icebox Cake For One

More Single Serve Dessert Recipes

Cap off your meal with one of our delightful dessert recipes designed for the busy student. These easy-to-prepare sweet treats range from a deep dish chocolate chip cookie to a deep dish fudgy brownie, ensuring there’s something for every craving.

6 m&m cookies on a blue plate next to a glass of milk and colorful m&ms scattered around the plate

Small Batch M&M Cookies

5 from 4 votes
Enjoy our small batch M&M cookies! Packed with rich, creamy chocolate and colorful M&Ms. The ultimate treat for all sweet tooth cravings!
Small Batch Mu0026M Cookies
a small white cake on a white plate topped with colored sprinkles next to a ramekin

White Cake For One

5 from 5 votes
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this easy White Cake recipe. Indulge in a moist, tender, and vanilla flavored treat just for you or to share!
White Cake For One Recipe
one small apple crisp in a white ramekin on a silver tray

Easy Apple Crisp For One

4.88 from 65 votes
Enjoy a single serve Apple Crisp – a quick and easy dessert with warm, spiced fruit and a crumbly topping, made using just one apple and pantry staples.
Apple Crisp For One Recipe
two brownies with nuts stacked on top of each other on a plate

Small Batch Brownies Recipe

4.89 from 77 votes
The best single serve brownie recipe! This small batch brownie recipe delivers rich, chewy, chocolatey brownies baked in a small baking dish. Ready in minutes!
Small Batch Brownies Recipe
a mini chocolate pie in a red square baking dish topped with whipped cream and fresh mint

Mini Chocolate Pie

5 from 6 votes
A mini chocolate pie is a classic no-bake dessert made with a cookie crust and topped with a decadent chocolate filling. It's silky and rich and perfect for one or two people to enjoy.
Mini Chocolate Pie Recipe

Red 5-inch square baking dish with One Dish Kitchen branded paper sleeve around it.

Make 100+ Recipes With This Dish!

Ideal for home chefs, this individual square ceramic baking dish is safe for oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Simple to use & easy to clean!

Welcome!

Iโ€™m Joanie and Iโ€™m incredibly happy youโ€™re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

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21 Comments

  1. Amey l Northey says:

    Thank you so much for the recipes that are made for one two people.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      You are most welcome. I’m so happy you are finding the recipes helpful.

  2. Stacy Mulvaney says:

    Anybody have suggestions for cookware to make these recipes in? I like the concept but all my bakeware/cookware is larger & I have to thus make more portions than what is featured here.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Hi Stacy,

      With each of the recipes, I try to link to the bakeware and cookware I recommend using. Also take a look at our store page which links to all products used in the recipes. You can find many of the small dishes at discount stores, Target, and on Amazon. https://store.onedishkitchen.com/

      Joanie

  3. Edna Oneal says:

    Wow. It looks delicious. I love your recipes. So, I will try to make it very soon. Your recipes will help me. Thanks for sharing.

  4. Cerys says:

    This is a fantastic list – I’m pinning it for when I need easy meals and to teach my kids now so that they have a selection of recipes that they will always be able to cook.

  5. Wendy O'Neal says:

    Great list! I sent this over to my niece who just moved out and is in her first year of college. Thanks.