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70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

With remote work, online classes, and more meals at home for lunch and dinner, finding time to cook can be tough. The microwave is your ultimate kitchen ally for fast, flavorful results.

These recipes are simple, speedy, affordable, healthy, and balanced—perfect for everyday cooking. As experienced home cooks know, microwave meals save time without skimping on taste.

Explore 70 essential microwave recipes you can rely on daily. See below:

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet Contents
  • SALTY RECIPES
  • 1. Risotto
  • 2. Microwave enchiladas
  • 3. Vegan English muffin
  • 4. Stir-fried pork with mustard
  • 5. Gorgonzola sauce
  • 6. Microwave Potato Chips
  • 7. Beet and sweet potato crisps
  • 8. Microwave Sweet Potatoes
  • 9. Microwave beef bourguignon
  • 10. Steamed courgettes cooked in the microwave
  • 11. Microwave Chicken Thigh
  • 12. Scrambled eggs
  • 13. Ratatouille
  • 14. Mac & Cheese
  • 15. Microwave cooked shells
  • 16. Fish with cream and herbs
  • 17. Baked potato with salmon
  • 18. Salmon en papillote
  • 19. Chicken with carrots
  • 20. Cantonese rice
  • 21. Bechamel sauce
  • 22. Dab and vegetable papillote
  • 23. Eggplant Parmigiana
  • 24. Paella-style Spanish rice
  • 25. Chicken with olives
  • 26. Coconut chicken curry
  • 27. Dumplings
  • 28. Cocotte Eggs
  • 29. Saucepan
  • 30. Roasted peppers
  • 31. Small ham and cheese flans
  • 32. Zucchini terrine with ham
  • 33. Blanquette of veal
  • 34. White fish in coconut milk
  • 35. Tartiflette
  • 36. Chorizo goat cheese mug cake
  • 37. Eggplant caviar
  • 38. Savory bowl cake
  • 39. Omelet in a cup
  • 40. Beef Fajitas
  • 41. Express chicken couscous
  • 42. Spaghetti squash
  • 43. Zucchini flan
  • 44. Poached egg
  • 45. Dab with lemon sauce
  • 46. Gluten-free bread
  • SWEET RECIPES
  • 47. Maxi chocolate chip cookie
  • 48. Chocolate fondant
  • 49. Coco-choco mug cake
  • 50. Granola
  • 51. Lemon curd
  • 52. Caramel pear cake
  • 53. Popcorn
  • 54. Pancakes
  • 55. Caramelized apples
  • 56. Grilled nuts
  • 57. Apple pear compote in the microwave
  • 58. Snow eggs, Sophie Pic style
  • 59. Rice pudding
  • 60. Carambar Cake
  • 61. Floating islands according to Ghislaine Arabian
  • 62. Oatmeal Porridge
  • 63. Express Chocolate Banana
  • 64. Pastry cream
  • 65. Chocolate cake
  • 66. White chocolate cake
  • 67. Rum baba
  • 68. Cereal bar
  • 69. Quick brioche
  • Bonus recipe
  • 70. Foie gras in the microwave
  • Bonus tip

SALTY RECIPES

1. Risotto

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Start with an authentic Italian risotto, ready in 20 minutes using just a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Customize ingredients to your preference for endless variations. Discover the recipe here.

2. Microwave enchiladas

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Transport your taste buds to Mexico with family-friendly enchiladas—economical, satisfying, and full of bold flavors. Discover the recipe here.

3. Vegan English muffin

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this vegan muffin is ready in 3 minutes—light, plant-based, and ideal for snacks. Discover the recipe here.

4. Stir-fried pork with mustard

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

For a hearty meal, try pork with mustard: minimal prep, microwave-simmered to perfection in minutes. Pair with the Provençal version for variety. Discover the recipe here.

5. Gorgonzola sauce

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Elevate pasta with creamy gorgonzola sauce, whipped up in minutes—gourmet quality at home. Discover the recipe here.

6. Potato chips in the microwave

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Ditch store-bought chips for homemade: crispy, light, additive-free, and ready in 5 minutes. Discover the recipe here.

7. Beet and sweet potato crisps

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Healthy crisps from beets, sweet potatoes, or carrots—done in 3 minutes for guilt-free snacking. Try potato peel crisps too. Discover the recipe here.

8. Sweet potatoes in the microwave

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Unlock sweet potatoes' nutrients in 10 minutes—versatile, healthy, and simple. For fries, see our full recipe. Discover the recipe here.

9. Microwave beef bourguignon

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

A French classic made easy and economical: one-pot microwave method, tastes better reheated. Ideal for family meals. Discover the recipe here.

10. Steamed courgettes cooked in the microwave

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Effortless steamed courgettes: light side for meats or fish, or boost with grains for a vegetarian entrée. Discover the recipe here.

11. Chicken thigh in the microwave

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Lemon-infused chicken thighs: 10 minutes from dish to table. Serve with rice or veggies. Discover the recipe here.

12. Scrambled eggs

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Fluffy scrambled eggs in minutes—healthy breakfast or quick meal, great with microwave muffins. Discover the recipe here.

13. Ratatouille

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Provençal flavors in a light, balanced microwave ratatouille—perfect side dish. Discover the recipe here.

14. Macaroni and cheese

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Comforting mac & cheese in 5 minutes—student staple, or try chorizo pasta variation. Discover the recipe here.

15. Microwave cooked shells

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

No stove needed: perfectly cooked pasta shells in the microwave. Discover the recipe here.

16. Fish with cream and herbs

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Light, herb-infused fish in cream: balanced, quick, and reliable. Discover the recipe here.

17. Baked potato with salmon

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Smoked salmon-topped potatoes with yogurt sauce: nutritious lunch in minutes. Discover the recipe here.

18. Salmon en papillote

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Steamy, healthy salmon packet—brain-boosting omega-3s for students. Discover the recipe here.

19. Chicken with carrots

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

10-minute prep, 30-minute cook: simple chicken and carrots classic. Discover the recipe here.

20. Cantonese rice

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

15-minute fried rice: exotic, easy weeknight win for all. Discover the recipe here.

21. Bechamel sauce

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Smooth béchamel in 5 minutes—ideal for gratins. Discover the recipe here.

22. Dab and vegetable papillote

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

10-minute fish and veggie packet: fresh and healthy. Discover the recipe here.

23. Eggplant Parmigiana

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Oil-free, 15-minute parmigiana: flavorful and light. Discover the recipe here.

24. Paella-style Spanish rice

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Family paella in 20 minutes: surprising and satisfying. Discover the recipe here.

25. Chicken with olives

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

30-minute olive chicken: foolproof Mediterranean flair. Discover the recipe here.

26. Coconut chicken curry

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Light, exotic curry in minutes—vibrant flavors guaranteed. Discover the recipe here.

27. Dumplings

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Lyonnaise dumplings: traditional taste, 15-minute microwave method. Discover the recipe here.

28. Cocotte Eggs

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

3-minute customizable cocotte eggs—endless variations. Discover the recipe here.

29. Saucepan

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Comforting sausage casserole: budget-friendly in 15 minutes. Discover the recipe here.

30. Roasted peppers

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

10-minute grilled peppers for vibrant salads. Discover the recipe here.

31. Small ham and cheese flans

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

5-minute flans: balanced with salad. Discover the recipe here.

32. Zucchini terrine with ham

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Quick zucchini-ham terrines for daily meals. Discover the recipe here.

33. Blanquette of veal

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Modern microwave blanquette: family favorite. Discover the recipe here.

34. White fish in coconut milk

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

5-minute tropical fish: flavor-packed and light. Discover the recipe here.

35. Tartiflette

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Oven-free tartiflette: cozy winter comfort. Discover the recipe here.

36. Chorizo goat cheese mug cake

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Savory mug cake powerhouse: quick lunch essential. Discover the recipe here.

37. Eggplant caviar

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Time-saving Mediterranean caviar for bread or crisps. Discover the recipe here.

38. Savory bowl cake

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Healthy savory bowl cake: filling and low-cal. Discover the recipe here.

39. Omelet in a cup

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Customizable cup omelet: effortless microwave magic. Discover the recipe here.

40. Beef Fajitas

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Tex-Mex fajitas: student-approved, addictive ease. Discover the recipe here.

41. Express chicken couscous

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Quick couscous that impresses. Discover the recipe here.

42. Spaghetti squash

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Effortless winter squash prep. Discover the recipe here.

43. Zucchini flan

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Light vegetarian flans: restaurant-quality simple. Discover the recipe here.

44. Poached egg

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Perfect poached egg for salads in seconds. Discover the recipe here.

45. Dab with lemon sauce

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

2-minute zesty fish fillet. Discover the recipe here.

46. Gluten-free bread

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

90-second gluten-free loaf. Discover the recipe here.

SWEET RECIPES

47. Maxi chocolate chip cookie

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

2-minute mega cookie for instant comfort. Discover the recipe here.

48. Chocolate fondant

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Oozing chocolate mug cake you'll crave. Discover the recipe here.

49. Coco-choco mug cake

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Coconut-chocolate bliss; try our 10 mug cake ideas. Discover the recipe here.

50. Granola

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Oven-free, customizable granola packed with energy. Discover the recipe here.

51. Lemon curd

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Versatile curd in minutes—spoonable perfection. Discover the recipe here.

52. Caramel pear cake

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

10-minute caramel-pear delight. Discover the recipe here.

53. Popcorn

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

3-minute movie night popcorn. Discover the recipe here.

54. Pancakes

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Maple-drizzled pancakes: quick treat. Discover the recipe here.

55. Caramelized apples

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

5-minute warm dessert, ice cream optional. Discover the recipe here.

56. Grilled nuts

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Daily nut boost: toasted in minutes. Discover the recipe here.

57. Apple pear compote in the microwave

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Sugar-free compote in 10 minutes. Discover the recipe here.

58. Sophie Pic snow eggs

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Chef-inspired microwave elegance. Discover the recipe here.

59. Rice pudding

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Speedy comforting rice pudding. Discover the recipe here.

60. Carambar Cake

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

10-minute nostalgic candy cake. Discover the recipe here.

61. Floating islands according to Ghislaine Arabian

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Starred chef's microwave twist on classic. Discover the recipe here.

62. Oatmeal porridge

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

2-minute nutrient-rich breakfast. Discover the recipe here.

63. Express Chocolate Banana

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Diet-friendly chocolate fix. Discover the recipe here.

64. Pastry cream

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

10-minute pro pastry cream. Discover the recipe here.

65. Chocolate cake

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

World's fastest chocolate cake: 10 minutes. Discover the recipe here.

66. White chocolate cake

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

White chocolate alternative. Discover the recipe here.

67. Rum baba

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Speedy rum-soaked baba. Discover the recipe here.

68. Cereal bar

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Homemade bars cheaper than store-bought. Discover the recipe here.

69. Quick brioche

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Morning-ready buns in minutes. Discover the recipe here.

Bonus recipe

70. Foie gras in the microwave

70 Easy, Quick, and Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Savory and Sweet

Homemade foie gras: festive, cost-saving success. Discover the recipe here.

Microwave cooking shines for small kitchens, students, or no-oven setups—full of flavor surprises.

For more, check books like 120 Microwave Recipes or 600 Microwave Recipes.

Bonus tip

Not microwave-only: try 30 simple family recipes or batch cooking to prep weekly meals efficiently.