21 Delicious Recipes to Cook in the Microwave

Food Network Kitchen's version of this old-fashioned dish works beautifully in the microwave. It is made with rotisserie chicken, so you're halfway done before you start. Golden cornmeal dumplings make a tender-chewy topping; using a bowl in a smaller microwave protects them from overcooking.

Brown sugar in the batter of this classic fudgy cake makes it extra rich and gooey. Baking it in the microwave doesn't heat up the kitchen, which means this cake makes a great summer treat, topped with vanilla (or your favorite) ice cream. The longer the cake cools, the more the pudding is absorbed.

This from-scratch mac and cheese cooks in one bowl, and you don't have to boil the macaroni or cook the cheese sauce separately. Plus, it's ready in less than 15 minutes. A blend of American and Jack cheeses makes the sauce smooth and tangy.

Although it has no crust or color, this loaf of bread is light and airy, with surprisingly great texture reminiscent of Chinese steamed buns. Equally amazing — it takes only about 4 minutes to bake.