Cheap Microwave Foods

A starter collection for price-sensitive meals and pantry basics, ranked around low estimated serving cost and simple prep.

cheappantrymicrowave-only

Ranked for cheap first. Re-tune the sliders below to rank by what you care about.

#1
Potato
A fluffy microwave baked potato without oven time.
5/5 cheap
9 min
Cheap: Price/serving 0.55Easy: Ease (expert 0-5) 5
#2
Oatmeal
A bowl of microwave oats that does not boil over.
5/5 cheap
4 min
Cheap: Price/serving 0.22Easy: Ease (expert 0-5) 4
#3
Rice
Reheat cooked rice so it is hot and soft instead of dry.
5/5 cheap
3 min
Cheap: Price/serving 0.28Easy: Ease (expert 0-5) 4
#4
Corn
Tender corn on the cob with minimal prep.
4/5 cheap
6 min
Cheap: Price/serving 0.75Easy: Ease (expert 0-5) 5
#5
Frozen Vegetables
Steam frozen mixed vegetables from freezer to hot side dish.
4/5 cheap
7 min
Cheap: Price/serving 0.65Easy: Ease (expert 0-5) 5

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Ranking slidersCheap3.0xIgnore priceLowest costEasy1.0xMore effort okLeast effortHealthy0.5xFlexibleHigh proteinEco1.0xFlexibleLower impact

TimeDietEquipment

5 shown

A fluffy microwave baked potato without oven time.

A bowl of microwave oats that does not boil over.

Reheat cooked rice so it is hot and soft instead of dry.

Tender corn on the cob with minimal prep.

Steam frozen mixed vegetables from freezer to hot side dish.