One-Dish Wonders: 17 Meals & Snacks You Can Make in a Mug

Coffee, tea and hot cocoa aren’t the only things you can enjoy in your favorite mug. If the thought of dragging out mixing bowls and casserole dishes makes you want to run screaming out of your kitchen, never fear. No matter if you’re looking for a quick fix to a craving or hungry for a single serving at a moment’s notice, you can whip up a lot of quick and deliciously satisfying meals and snacks in a mug in virtually no time. Consider these fun and flavorful ideas that allow you to get creative with your favorite mugs and your microwave.

BREAKFAST

Oatmeal

Add about 1/2 cup oatmeal, brown sugar and cinnamon to taste, and your choice of chocolate chips, freeze-dried apples, dried cranberries, or other fruit. Add enough milk to reach your desired consistency and microwave for about a minute or until desired doneness.

Scrambled Eggs

Crack two eggs into a coffee cup, add a splash of milk, whisk, and microwave for about 45 seconds. Scramble with a fork and heat for another 30 to 45 seconds until almost set. Top with shredded cheese if desired.

Quiche

Melt a teaspoon of butter in the mug and then mix in your fillings–1 egg, 1 1/2 tablespoons milk, grated cheese, ham, or other breakfast meats. Tear a bit of crusty bread and press it gently on top. Microwave for 45 second intervals until quiche comes away smoothly from the mug’s edges.

French Toast

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the mug and turn to coat. Mix together 1 egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon white sugar in the mug. Cube 2 slices of bread or raisin bread and add to mixture. Microwave about 90 seconds until set. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Bacon & Egg Cups

Precook bacon strips in microwave to about 50% doneness. Wrap bacon strip around inside of mug and then crack egg on top. Microwave for 45 to 50 seconds and check. Microwave again for about 20 seconds until set.

ENTREES

Soup

Mix together broth, cooked diced chicken, and precooked pasta in a mug. If desired, add cooked carrot pieces or corn kernels. Microwave for about a minute or until desired temperature is reached.

Macaroni & Cheese

Mix together about 1/3 cup cooked pasta with 1/3 cup shredded cheddar or Colby jack cheese and a splash of milk. Mix well and top with extra cheese. Microwave for about 45 seconds to melt the cheese and at 15 second intervals to reach the desired temperature. Top with panko breadcrumbs if desired.

Mug Meatloaf

Mix up your favorite meatloaf recipe using ground beef, 1 egg, oatmeal to taste, dash of salt and pepper, and ketchup. Cover mug with wax paper and microwave at 70% power for 10 or 11 minutes. Cut in half and cook an additional 30 seconds or so if inside is still pink.

Lasagna

Let no-cook lasagna noodles sit in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and layer noodles, red sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and precooked beef or chicken if desired. Repeat and top with extra mozzarella. Microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until cheese is melted and lasagna is heated throughout.

Kid-Friendly Casserole

Mix together baked beans, kidney beans, bacon bits, and sliced hotdogs along with a touch of barbecue sauce. Microwave at 30 second intervals for a kid-friendly casserole.

DESSERT

Brownie Cups

Mix together 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons cocoa, dash of salt, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and a drop of vanilla. Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes or so and continue at short intervals until brownie is set.

Rice Krispie Treats

Mix together 1/2 tablespoon of butter and either 1/2 cup mini marshmallows or 4 large marshmallows and melt in the microwave for about a minute. Mix in 1 cup Rice Krispies or similar cereal and enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

With a quick search online, you can find mug cake recipes for everything from chocolate cake to pumpkin cake to red velvet cake. Try this recipe for chocolate peanut butter mug cake, courtesy of ?The Novice Chef.? Whisk together 3 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, a pinch of salt, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon peanut butter. Cook in the microwave on high for 1 minute and 10 seconds. This recipe will rise a lot and then deflate. Serve immediately.

Mug-Style Cheesecake

Coat your mug in butter and crush two graham crackers inside a zipper seal bag. Combine the graham crackers with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Mix together 1 egg with 2 oz. cream cheese until smooth, then add 2 tablespoons sour cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour the cheesecake batter over the graham cracker crust and microwave for about 60 seconds or until set.

Chocolatey S’mores

Three simple ingredients make a delicious, rustic dessert you can enjoy inside anytime. Place graham crackers, chocolate chips or chocolate bars, and marshmallows in your mug and microwave between 30 and 60 seconds or until the chocolate and marshmallows melt.

Peach Cobbler

Whether you prefer peach, apple, or berry cobbler, you can make your own in a mug in your microwave with some basic ingredients from your pantry and some fresh fruit. Follow this recipe from “Cooking Classy” for a delicious peach cobbler cake. Place 1 tablespoon butter in a mug and melt in microwave. Meanwhile, whisk together 3 tablespoons cake mix and 1 to 2 pinches of cinnamon in a small bowl. Then whisk in 2 1/2 tablespoons milk and stir until combined. Pour mixture over melted butter in mug (don’t stir). Drain 2 tablespoons liquid from 4 oz. peaches then pour peaches over top of cake mix (don’t stir). Microwave on 50% power for about 3 to 4 minutes until desired doneness (time may vary depending on each microwave oven and wattage). Allow to cool slightly (it will be ridiculously hot). Top with vanilla ice cream and a light dusting of cinnamon if desired.

Skip the dirty dishes and have some fun making delicious treats and eats in a single mug or coffee cup this year.