Whether you’re cooking for one or just want to make exactly the number of portions you need, these single serving recipes are the flexible, no-waste solution. Each recipe is designed to be perfectly portioned for one person, but they’re also easy to scale up if you’re feeding two, three, or more.
No batch cooking, no leftovers you didn’t want, and no math that makes your brain hurt. These recipes are about making just enough.
The Single Serving Recipes
Breakfast
Psst. These recipes are also found in my easy weekend breakfast recipes list.
Cocoa Almond Oatmeal by Food52
This method is genius. That is not an exaggeration, I discovered it in the Simply Genius cookbook, which I highly recommend as a graduation present or for anyone who appreciates cookbooks.
This is made in a non-stick skillet, which makes it go a little quicker than a deep pot. And it’s delicious, of course.
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![Food52 Simply Genius: Recipes for Beginners, Busy Cooks & Curious People [A Cookbook] (Food52 Works)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51eGzk4houL._SL500_.jpg)
French Toast by NYT Cooking
This is the most basic of French toast recipes, and that’s what makes it great. Once you’ve got a good base, you can start tweaking it based on your cravings.
Caramelized Cream Eggs by Food52
These are basically just a variation on sunny side up eggs. But they are cooked in cream instead of oil, which sort of turns into butter. It’s amazing, and so cool.
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Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian Reuben Sandwich by NYT Cooking
My husband LOVES this sandwich. If you’re a fan of sauerkraut and/or rye bread, this is definitely worth a try.
Dessert
Single Serving Chocolate Sauce By Knitrition
You know what’s lovely? Topping a scoop of ice cream with fresh, warm ganache. And you can make a single serving all for yourself.
Greek Yogurt Chocolate “Pudding” by Food52
If you need a chocolate fix, and the tiny ounce of chocolate sauce above just won’t cut it, try this.
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Beverages
Iced Latte or Macchiato By Knitrition
I make a latte or macchiato every single morning. The only difference between the two is the order of operations.
Final Thoughts
Recipes don’t need to serve four to be worth making. With the right proportions, even a single scoop of ice cream deserves its own fresh-made chocolate sauce. These single serving (and easily scalable!) recipes are here to help you cook exactly what you want, exactly when you want it.
Whether you’re flying solo, planning a quiet date night, or just tired of wasting food, bookmark this list of flexible favorites you’ll want to return to again and again.
