Like a shortcut through a crowded kitchen, these 12 microwave recipes get meals on the table fast. You’ll make cheesy garlic mashed potatoes, a bright cranberry orange sauce, and single-serve pumpkin mug cake, plus sides and a couple of desserts, all with simple steps and few dishes. Follow the short instructions, time things carefully, and you’ll free up time for guests — and for the things that really matter.
Microwave Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes ready in minutes—cheesy comfort with zero fuss.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium russet potatoes (about 1.5–2 lb), peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk (plus extra to adjust consistency)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
- Salt, to taste (about 1 tsp)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make:
- Place the diced potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and add 2–3 tablespoons water. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plate.
- Microwave on high for 8–10 minutes, stirring once halfway, until potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain any excess water from the bowl.
- Add butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and milk to the hot potatoes.
- Mash with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth, adding more milk if you want a creamier texture.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and evenly distributed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley if using.
- Serve hot and enjoy the gooey, garlicky goodness.
Perfect for a cozy holiday side—your microwave just earned a standing ovation.
5-Minute Cranberry Orange Sauce
Bright, zesty cranberry orange sauce ready in minutes — tart, sweet, and perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 orange)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1–2 tablespoons water (only if needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How to Make:
- Place the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon (if using), and salt in a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir everything briefly to combine and break up a few cranberries.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes, then carefully remove and stir — berries will start popping.
- Return to the microwave and cook in 30–45 second bursts, stirring between, until most cranberries have burst and sauce has thickened (about 3–4 minutes total depending on your microwave).
- If the sauce looks too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons water and microwave another 15–30 seconds.
- Stir in vanilla extract if using, then let the sauce cool for 5–10 minutes to thicken further.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or jar; it keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Enjoy this bright, quick cranberry orange sauce spooned over turkey, yogurt, or toast — holiday flavor in a flash!
Single-Serve Pumpkin Mug Cake
Cozy, spiced pumpkin mug cake — ready in minutes for one!
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed) or granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch ground nutmeg (about 1/16 tsp)
- Pinch salt
- 3 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
- Optional garnish: whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon
How to Make:
- In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
- Add pumpkin puree, milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla; stir until smooth and no dry streaks remain.
- Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Microwave on high for 60–75 seconds; start checking at 60 seconds — cake should be set on top but still moist.
- Let the mug cake cool for 1–2 minutes (it will finish cooking as it rests).
- Top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Enjoy your warm, spiced pumpkin treat — perfect for a cozy solo indulgence!
Speedy Green Bean Almondine
Crisp-tender green beans tossed with toasted almonds and a bright lemon-butter finish — ready in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon lemon zest for extra zing
How to Make:
- Place trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe dish with 2–3 tablespoons water; cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plate.
- Microwave on high for 3–4 minutes until beans are bright green and just tender; drain any excess water.
- Meanwhile, in a small microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and sliced almonds.
- Microwave the butter-and-almond bowl on high for 30–45 seconds, watching closely, until butter is melted and almonds are golden and fragrant.
- Stir minced garlic into the warm butter-almond mixture and let sit 30 seconds to soften the garlic without overcooking.
- Pour the almond-butter-garlic mixture over the drained green beans.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper; toss gently to coat evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning; sprinkle lemon zest or red pepper flakes if using.
- Serve immediately while warm and crunchy.
A simple, tasty side that looks elegant and comes together in minutes — enjoy!
Quick Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Crispy, smoky bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts ready in minutes — a crowd-pleasing holiday nibble!
Ingredients:
- 12 Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved if large
- 6 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or a splash of balsamic glaze for serving
How to Make:
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper (and smoked paprika if using).
- Wrap each sprout or sprout half with a half-slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
- Place the wrapped sprouts in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel to absorb grease.
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes, then check and rotate the plate.
- Continue microwaving in 1–2 minute bursts until bacon is cooked through and crisp to your liking (about 5–7 minutes total depending on your microwave).
- Brush or drizzle with maple syrup or honey and microwave 20–30 seconds more to set the glaze.
- Let rest for a minute (they’ll be hot), then remove toothpicks and arrange on a serving plate. Drizzle with a little balsamic glaze if you like.
Enjoy these smoky, sweet bites — they disappear fast at any holiday spread!
Microwave Sweet Potato Casserole for Two
Perfectly cozy microwave sweet potato casserole for two — gooey, crunchy, and ready in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb total), washed and pierced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon milk (or cream)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon mini marshmallows (optional, or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
How to Make:
- Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Place on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 6–8 minutes, turning once halfway, until potatoes are soft and a knife slides in easily.
- Carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop flesh into a medium bowl, discarding skins.
- Add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and milk to the bowl. Mash until smooth-ish and creamy.
- Stir in the maple syrup or honey if using.
- Spoon the mashed sweet potato into two small microwave-safe ramekins or one larger dish divided for two.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top, then add mini marshmallows if you like.
- Microwave ramekins on high 30–60 seconds until topping is warm and marshmallows puff slightly and toast a bit.
- Let rest 1 minute (they’ll be hot), then enjoy immediately.
Warm, sweet, and perfectly portioned — a tiny holiday treat to share (or not!).
Instant Herb-Butter Corn on the Cob
Quick, buttery corn with bright herbs ready in minutes — perfect for holiday sides.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husks removed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1/4 tsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus extra to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice or grated Parmesan for serving
How to Make:
- Rinse the corn and pat dry. Trim ends if needed so ears fit in your microwave.
- Place each ear of corn on a large piece of microwave-safe plastic wrap or a damp paper towel.
- Spread 1 tbsp butter over each ear; sprinkle the chopped parsley, chives, thyme, salt, and pepper evenly.
- Wrap each ear tightly in the plastic wrap (or fold the damp paper towel around the corn).
- Microwave on high for 3–5 minutes total depending on microwave power and corn size (start with 3 minutes, add time if not tender).
- Carefully unwrap (steam will be hot) and check for doneness; cook an extra 30–60 seconds if needed.
- Give a quick brush of any melted butter from the tray, finish with a squeeze of lemon or grated Parmesan if using, and taste for salt.
Enjoy your herby, buttery corn — a speedy holiday hit!
Easy Panko-Parmesan Stuffing Cups
Crispy, cheesy stuffing bites that turn classic stuffing into perfect handheld holiday appetizers.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups prepared stuffing (store-bought or homemade), slightly compacted
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or mix of sage, thyme, and rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nonstick spray or a little extra melted butter for the muffin tin
How to Make:
- In a bowl, combine the stuffing, panko, Parmesan, beaten egg, melted butter, chopped onion and celery (if using), poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Lightly grease a muffin tin with nonstick spray or brush with melted butter.
- Press about 2 tablespoons of the stuffing mixture into each muffin cup, shaping into a cup with a slightly hollowed center.
- Microwave the muffin tin on high for 2–3 minutes, then check doneness: the tops should be set. Cook in additional 30-second bursts if needed until cooked through.
- For extra crispiness, optionally remove the cups and broil or microwave individually on a microwave crisper for 1–2 minutes until golden.
- Let the stuffing cups rest for 1–2 minutes, then carefully remove from the tin with a spoon or knife.
- Serve warm as a side or appetizer—perfect topped with gravy, cranberry sauce, or a dollop of sour cream.
Enjoy these crunchy, savory stuffing cups—holiday comfort in a bite!
Maple-Glazed Carrot Medley
Maple-Glazed Carrot Medley — sweet, buttery carrots with a hint of maple that come together in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) baby carrots or sliced carrots
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make:
- Place the carrots in a microwave-safe dish and add 1 tablespoon water; cover with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap.
- Microwave on high for 4–6 minutes, stirring halfway, until carrots are tender-crisp.
- Carefully uncover (steam will be hot) and drain any excess liquid.
- Add the butter, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if using.
- Stir well and microwave uncovered for 30–60 seconds until butter melts and glaze thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving for color.
Enjoy these glossy, maple-kissed carrots as a cozy side that’s ready in minutes!
Hot Buttered Rum Apple Cider (Microwave Mug)
Warm up your holiday with cozy Hot Buttered Rum Apple Cider in a mug — quick, spiked, and perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (packed)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- 1 ounce (30 ml) dark rum (adjust or omit for nonalcoholic)
- Optional: cinnamon stick or apple slice for garnish
How to Make:
- Pour the apple cider into a microwave-safe mug.
- Add the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg; stir to combine.
- Microwave on high for 1 to 1½ minutes, until steaming hot (time may vary by microwave).
- Carefully remove the mug and stir again so the butter and sugar melt into the cider.
- Stir in the rum, tasting and adjusting sweetness if needed.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice if you like.
Enjoy your cozy mug of hot buttered rum apple cider — cheers to a toasty, festive treat!
Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Dip in a Bowl
Warm, bubbly comfort in a bowl — all the cheesy spinach-artichoke goodness, made fast in the microwave.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
- Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for serving
How to Make:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Microwave 30–45 seconds until slightly softened and easier to stir.
- Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add the squeezed-dry spinach and chopped artichoke hearts to the bowl and mix until evenly combined.
- Stir in half of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan until the mixture is smooth.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Microwave the bowl uncovered on high for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully; stop when the cheese is melted and the top is bubbly. If needed, microwave in additional 20–30 second bursts.
- Let the dip rest 1–2 minutes (it will thicken slightly), then garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
- Serve warm with crackers, toasted bread, or veggies and enjoy the gooey, cheesy bliss.
Dip in and enjoy — warm, cheesy, and perfect for holiday snacking!
No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Mug Brownie
A cozy, minty mug brownie you can make in minutes—no oven required.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or neutral oil)
- 3 tbsp milk (dairy or plant)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8–1/4 tsp peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- Crushed peppermint candy or candy cane pieces for topping
- Whipped cream or marshmallow (optional)
How to Make:
- In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined.
- Stir in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla until you have a thick, smooth batter.
- Add the peppermint extract a drop at a time, tasting (if you like) so it doesn’t get too strong.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate so there are pockets of melty chocolate.
- Microwave on high for 45–60 seconds. Start checking at 45 seconds—cake should be set on top but still moist. Don’t overcook.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy over the hot brownie so it lightly melts and sticks.
- Top with whipped cream or a marshmallow if you like, and let cool for a minute before digging in.
Enjoy your quick, festive, no-bake mug brownie—rich, minty, and perfectly cozy in every bite!
Conclusion
You’ve got a dozen microwave recipes that cut prep and cleanup time so you can focus on guests and chores. Use your microwave to steam, melt, or brown in minutes, and pick recipes that share ingredients to save trips to the store. Follow the simple steps, watch cooking times, and stir when directed. Like a pocketknife for holiday cooking, these recipes give quick, reliable solutions you can use again and again.