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Learn & WatchSubmitWe independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.Cook in Your Dorm With the Best College Cookbooks
Published: 7 May 2023Starting out in college can be intimidating and for some students, it might be the first time that they need to cook for themselves. Although there is a wide assortment of TV shows, videos, articles and blogs available online, there is something very special about holding a cooking book in your hand, flipping through the pages of delicious dishes and then making something for yourself. College cookbooks are great as they provide quick easy-to-follow recipes which provide a healthier alternative to on-campus food.
There are a number of amazing books that guide college students to cook foods that provide them with the nutrients they need every day. These books enable students to make their own meals even with limited cooking and storage options at a very low price. To save you the trouble, we’ve made a list of the highest-rated college cookbooks in 2023 along with our buying to help you on your cooking journey from your dormitories.
Show contentsReviewing the Top-Rated College Cookbook of 2023College Cookbooks: A Buying Guide
What Factors Should You Consider Before Buying a College Cookbook?
Easy to follow
A college cookbook that’s hard to follow is the bane of every college student’s life. You don’t have a lot of time on your hands to try out elaborate recipes so you want to make sure that the book you’re getting has instructions that are simple and easy, and use everyday cooking items and ingredients that are accessible for a student. Bonus points if the book uses some sort of visual aids or pictures to make the cooking process even more clear.
Correct nutritional information
Getting a college cookbook that includes the nutritional benefits of the recipes, ingredients and meal plans in the clearest way possible is extremely important. Look for books that are written by renowned experts or people who back up their claims by presenting scientific evidence and research for their recipes.
Suits your goals
One of the most important factors that you should look at when picking a college cookbook is if the book is tailored toward your nutritional goals. For example, if you want to lose weight seek out books that focus more on how to eat healthy while losing some pounds. You don’t want to waste your money on a cookbook that falls short of the goals that you have set for yourself.
How We Picked the Perfect College Cookbooks?
The reputation of the author
When curating our list we made sure to select books authored by well-renowned, reputable authors, chefs and experts who’ve made a big impact in the cooking world.
Information quality
The quality of the information was a big consideration while creating this list. We’ve ensured that all the books we’ve provided offer information that is communicated in an engaging and creative way. The books we’ve included provide credible information and don’t mislead the reader by making outrageous health benefits for their recipes.
Customer reviews
Customer ratings and reviews were an important factor when curating this list. We picked college cookbooks that not only got great ratings but also got a lot of positive feedback from reviewers.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a College Cookbook?
Live healthier
Let’s face it, most people don’t really have a great diet when they’re in college, especially when there are so many accessible options out there with fast food and microwaveable meals. But the problem is that those options aren’t really healthy and so getting a simple college cookbook and cooking for yourself in your dorms or at home is a much better and safer option. You have more control over what ingredients you’re using in your meals, you can change up different recipes to better suit your taste buds. The possibilities are just endless when you’re cooking for yourself.
Saves money
With a college cookbook to follow along for everyday recipes and meals, you can save a ton of money when buying groceries. Instead of spending money every day eating out, you can plan ahead and get the ingredients you need from the supermarket which are a much cheaper and healthier option in the long run.
Learning an essential life skill
College is a place to learn and grow, not just in your academics but also in life as a person. You’re learning to grow as an adult in the real world and cooking is an essential life skill to have for that. By learning how to cook properly with a cookbook you’ll be teaching yourself a valuable skill that will always come in handy no matter what.
Learning responsibility
By reading cookbooks and learning how to cook for yourself you’re actually learning to be more responsible and taking better care of yourself. At first, you might be intimidated and have no idea what you’re doing. Slowly but surely though you will learn what kind of meals work for you, what ingredients mesh well together, what you like and don’t like and be able to whip up nutritious meals with just the simplest of ingredients.
Cooking Tips To Help You Out in the Kitchen as a College Student
Seasoning
A great way to spice up your cooking is by using more seasoning in your dishes. Using different types of seasoning really helps to add that extra kick to make even the most basic and bland dishes into something that’s more palatable. Try out all different kinds of seasoning in your everyday meals and see what works for you.
Learn how to meal plan
Meal planning is an essential thing to pay attention to especially if you’re a college student. Knowing or having at least some idea of what kind of meals you want to have throughout the week can help you plan better and buy only the things you need to make your meals. In the long run, this helps save both your time and money, both of which college students don’t have a lot of.
Freeze your food
Learn to utilize the freezer more often. You probably don’t always have time to cook a meal for yourself every day, this is where your frozen food should serve you well. You can store most food items from soups to sauces, and a bunch of other meals for months in the freezer without them going bad. But if you’re running out of space or if you don’t have a freezer, freezer bags are always an option.
Microwave more
Microwaves are an indispensable appliance to have, especially in college dorms. Now we don’t want you to waste your money on unhealthy microwaveable meals like cup ramen and stuff. Instead, you should learn how to prepare healthier alternatives using your microwave. You’ll find tons of recipes in cookbooks that you can use a microwave with, from poppadoms, caramel sauces and even salmon.
Learn some simple recipes
This probably comes as no shock to you but learning some very basic recipes to start things off as a novice cook is really important. You can browse through your cookbook for some delicious one-pot recipes. They don’t really require a lot of effort to make and you can store them up to have them throughout the week.
You can also start off by learning a simple but delicious tomato sauce recipe. They work great as a base for a lot of dishes like pasta, enchiladas and even different kinds of stew. Once you get the hang of the recipe, you can change it up a bit, and add in some extra flavoring and spices to make it more suitable for you and your taste.
Reviewing the Top-Rated College Cookbook of 2023
1Christine Nelson College Cookbook
– Best OverallThe Recipes Every College Student Should Know Cookbook is authored by Christine Nelson who is a cook, writer and accountant with 4 college-age sons who regularly call her for cooking advice. This college cookbook is a perfect gift for freshman college students since it guides them on how to cook and eat healthy meals, snacks and other tasty items. The cookbook helps you discover quick breakfasts which are a big help when you are in a rush to get to class on time. It also includes recipes that allow you to make study break snacks, late-night dinners and backpack-friendly lunches.
The cookbook includes basic tools, budgeting guides, nutrition information and safety tips for inexperienced cooks. It also features recipes for everything from chocolate-covered popcorn and breakfast burritos to healthy avocado, hummus and veggie wraps, sunflower seed sandwiches and more. The cookbook provides simple recipes that will satisfy your cravings and save you both money and time which is why it’s our top pick.
Pros- Two servings at most for each recipe
- The Pocket-sized book is quite portable
- Uses everyday ingredients
Cons- The size of the book is very small
2Candace Braun Davison College Cookbook
– Best BudgetThe Easy College Cookbook is authored by Candace Braun Davison. The book provides 75 affordable and quick recipes for college life. It includes recipes that don’t require much fuss and allow you to make tasty, budget meals from the comfort of your dorm. The cookbook gives the delicious taste of homemade cooking while being away at your college campus. It will also guide you on how to make amazing meals with easy-to-get ingredients, clever recipes and simple dorm room appliances.
This cookbook will help you overcome the challenges of cooking in college, helping you navigate limited space and budget. It provides you with tips and tricks that will turn your dorm into a great place for cooking success, with recipes that are perfect for everything from study sessions and group projects to game nights and tailgate parties. The cookbook also offers recipes that cover almost all dietary restrictions, making cooking in your tiny dorm room fun, even for people with zero cooking skills.
Pros- Has homemade-cooking style recipes
- All budget-friendly recipes
- Added tips and hacks for making cooking simple
Cons- A lot of recipes require perishable foods
3Pamela Ellgen College Cookbook
– Least Ingredients UsedThe 5-Ingredient College Cookbook is authored by Pamela Ellgen, a certified personal trainer, blogger and author of several books on cooking, nutrition and fitness. The cookbook includes more than 100 easy, healthy and affordable five-ingredient recipes for college students who don’t have much time to cook. The cookbook offers tasty meals on a budget which is perfect for college students who don’t have much kitchen space, time, or money to make fancy meals.
The cookbook guides students to make healthy meals that are fresh and tasty. It features more than 100 recipes and only requires five main ingredients. It also enables college students to upgrade from microwave and fast food dinners to healthier options. The book provides simple and fast ways to cook your favorite foods from everything including the classic french toast to Greek pita sandwiches, Thai chicken ramen, vegan enchiladas and more. The book includes a variety of recipes and includes alternate versions of the recipe to provide something for every taste.
Pros- Tips and tricks for kitchen basics
- Fun and accessible methods to cook fresh food
- Recipes don’t require fancy kitchen tools
Cons- Does not include pictures
People Also Asked
Q: What can I learn from college cookbooks?A: Like most regular cookbooks, college cookbooks also cover a wide array of topics that talk about living a healthy life and eating good quality food while you’re in college. These books usually contain super simple recipes that would be easy for most college students to make.
Q: Why is it important to eat healthily?A: Providing your body with the right nutrients and supplements is key to living a well-balanced, healthy life. Considering how tough college life is, following a balanced and nutritious diet is even more important for a college student.
Q: How can you start to eat healthy as a college student?A: In order to start eating more healthily, the best thing you can do is increase the number of fruits and vegetables you consume daily. Along with that add in some legumes and whole grain foods to your diet as well and try to cut out extremely oily and processed stuff, like fast food, out of your daily meals.
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