Cooking and eating dinner alone can be hard. Not only emotionally, although sometimes it’s nice to just sit in front of the TV with your meal and relax, but logistically it’s a hassle.
If you're anything like me, you’re stuck between wanting to prepare a meal for yourself and not wanting to eat the leftovers for days afterward. Oftentimes, I just end up ordering takeout or heating up a frozen meal, but that gets expensive and unhealthy really quickly.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of single serving dinner ideas. You can cook for yourself and enjoy a night of Netflix without wasting any food or throwing away your whole paycheck.
Sushi in a Jar
You don't need a sushi mat or years of experience to make your own sushi for one at home. Just layer your favorite roll ingredients in a mason jar and you have a meal. If you're a California roll person, use this recipe.
Tomato Gazpacho
This cold soup recipe is a great light dinner option for the warmer months. For the best taste, assemble your gazpacho a few hours before you plan on eating it, and let the flavors come together in the fridge. Then, heat up a piece of crispy bread for dipping and you have a full meal.
Caprese Chicken
Not only is this recipe for caprese chicken single serving, but you can make it in your dorm. All you need is a toaster oven, and you'll have a delicious Italian dinner that reminds you of home in less than an hour.
Flatbread Veggie Pizza
Pizza is one of those foods that shouldn't be single serving, but if you're eating it alone, it always is. Like a pint of ice cream. With this recipe, you won't have to worry about leftovers or overeating. Plus, you get a healthy serving of whatever veggies you want. It's a win-win situation.
If you don't happen to have a flatbread in your pantry, try making this pizza toast instead.
Cornbread Topped Comfort Meals
Most recipes for comfort food dishes come in family-sized portions. Things are about to change when you check out this article. You can choose from shepherd's pie, shrimp and grits, or mashed potatoes and chicken. Then, each meal in a mason jar is topped with cornbread for one.
Sushirrito
You can make the latest food trend, a sushi-burrito hybrid, at home with the help of this recipe. In just 15 minutes, you'll have a healthy meal for one without having to drop your last paycheck at the local trendy sushi spot.
Turkey Avocado Panini
This grilled sandwich is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Creamy avocado and crunchy bread with cool, refreshing pickle and gooey cheese make for a sandwich worthy of dinner status. If you're a sandwich aficionado, check out this article for sandwich versions of all of your favorite foods.
Chopped Summer Salad
I love to have salads for lunch, but sometimes the ingredients that I throw together randomly just don't cut it. Either flavors clash or there's not enough texture. Next time you're craving a salad, use this recipe. You definitely won't be disappointed.
Mug Lasagna
The unfortunate fact about lasagna is that if you're going to make the traditional dish, you really have to commit to building layers in a large casserole dish. With this recipe, you bypass all that hard work and skip straight to eating the delicious pasta dish out of a mug in less than 10 minutes.
Stuffed Peppers
A large bell pepper makes the perfect edible vessel for a single serving meal. Try this recipe for a delicious vegetarian take on stuffed peppers that won't even have you missing the meat.
Buddha Bowl
The name buddha bowl came from the idea that after eating any one of these bowls, your belly will be round like Buddha's. All buddha bowls have veggies or fruits, a starch, and a protein. If you're looking for a thai-inspired dish that will leave you feeling satisfied, try this recipe.
Veggie Black Bean Burger
Black bean burgers are a delicious and healthy option for the protein component of your dinner, whether you're vegetarian or not. With this recipe, you can make yourself a single veggie burger that gives meat a run for its money.
Macaroni and Cheese
Another classic comfort meal that's often made in a giant casserole dish, real, homemade macaroni and cheese can be hard to enjoy on your own. With the help of this article, you'll have a cookbook full of single serving mac and cheese recipes that will have you ditching easy mac forever.
As you can see, no matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s a way to make it single serving. Cook yourself up a storm, and a delicious dinner, without having to deal with leftovers for the rest of the week. There’s absolutely no shame in eating dinner alone with these recipes.