Finding ways to cook favorites from home in a college dorm can be difficult. With only a microwave and a minifridge to use while at school, many students turn to easy snacks or desserts to satisfy their hunger and go home on the weekends for a familiar meal. However, these comfort foods may not be as far away as some may think. More and more, grocery store shelves are filled with quick options which can easily be adapted to college living.
For students looking to get away from frozen burritos and towards fresher options, baked potatoes are an underrated meal that most college students can make easily in the microwave. In fact, many grocery stores now sell pre-washed and packaged potatoes for this exact reason—no prep work necessary! Bakeables brand potatoes are one example and come pre-washed, wrapped in plastic and intended for cooking in the microwave. This is especially convenient for many students, since it skips the need for washing the potato before baking.
Bakeables potatoes come in two varieties, russet and sweet, which makes for even more options when baking in a dorm room setting. At the bare minimum, all this recipe requires is a potato, some butter and salt for flavor. However, you can add to this recipe in a wide variety of ways to create a bigger meal as necessary. Cheese, bacon bits, chives and more are all quick toppings that can be added to create a loaded baked potato. Cinnamon, brown sugar and butter can be added to a sweet potato for those craving a less savory, more sweet option out of their meal.
Aside from the ease in which students can make this recipe in a dorm (or even in an apartment), potatoes are also space friendly. They don’t take up much space and will stay fresh when stored in a cool, dark place. Extra toppings are completely optional and only require a small area of a fridge for storage. In addition, these toppings generally don’t require extra cutting, chopping or cooking. The options that do require cutting (such as chives) only need a small plate and knife to cut with and can be cut relatively quickly.
As fall arrives and cooler weather begins to sweep across campus in the coming weeks, the perfect time to try this recipe is fast approaching. On the days when the dorm room is feeling extra chilly or when you’re feeling the need for a warm comfort food, baked potatoes are a great choice. A staple food for the season, taking the time to make this recipe may be the perfect way to get into the fall spirit. Plus, as temperatures cool further and winter sets in, being able to make these in the comfort of a dorm can save students from a chilly trip to the Marketplace.
Overall, this recipe is rated high by this author for its convenience and simplicity. From storage to cooking to eating, baked potatoes are an easy option for dorm living. It’s inexpensive, filling and is a good alternative to frozen or pre-made foods. The options of toppings and potato varieties makes this recipe adaptable to different preferences. By making this recipe from scratch and not using a frozen option, it tastes more like something one would get out of a home-cooked meal. In many ways, baked potatoes are a fantastic option for students looking to add to their dorm cooking repertoire.
