Home supplies Pantry Staples for Easy Microwave Meals

Pantry Staples for Easy Microwave Meals

by Stephanie

Is your only option a fridge and a microwave, but you’re tired of eating out? Or maybe you couldn’t afford the dining hall plan at school? Do you keep certain pantry staples? 

Whether you’re stuck in a dorm or a hotel room, Just Microwave It is the blog for you! I’ll be sharing recipes for all kinds of things that just take the microwave to make.

pantry supplies for microwave cooking

Before we get started with recipes, let’s go over some necessities you’ll need.

A microwave – I prefer one with 1000 watts, but 700 watts is a good start and affordable.  

A shelf or rolling rack to keep supplies.

Pantry Supplies:

  • pinto beans
  • pasta (angel hair, penne, spaghetti, orzo etc.)
  • 1-2 russet potatoes or sweet potatoes
  • Microwave ready rice varieties
  • 1-2 cans of crushed tomatoes
  • canned soups
  • can of cream of chicken
  • can of cream of mushroom
  • oats
  • cereal
  • honey
  • bread
  • nut butters
  • small bag of all purpose flour
  • small bag of white sugar
  • olive oil or vegetable oil
  • salt & pepper and other spices
  • minced onion
  • minced garlic
  • coffee or tea

Fridge Supplies:

  • Milk
  • Butter
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella)
  • Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 dozen eggs
  • plain yogurt or sour cream
  • frozen veggies – broccoli, stir fry blends, and your favorites
  • frozen precooked chicken diced or strips
  • frozen precooked beef strips

Optional Fridge Supplies:

  • sour cream
  • bacon bits
  • green onions
  • frozen ravioli
  • berries – fresh or frozen

Storage Supplies: 

  • small shelf or rolling rack
  • square microwave-safe glass casserole dish preferably with a lid
  • couple of wooden spoons
  • spatula 
  • collapsible colander 
  • 2-3 containers for leftovers 
  • quart size freezer bags – these can be used for so much from freezer to pantry, etc. 
  • couple of plates and cereal bowls
  • large plastic bowl
  • a good sharp knife

Surprisingly, you can find just about everything I mentioned at the dollar store, like the Dollar Tree.  My daughter in college has stocked up on almost everything except for the microwave right at the Dollar Tree.  They even have 3 packages of “take and toss” leftover containers for $1! 

Are there any other supplies you like to keep on hand? 

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