Microwave Spinach Soup (Cheap & Healthy)

Microwave Spinach Soup (Cheap & Healthy)

A creamy green bowl of microwave spinach soup topped with croutons, cream swirl, and parsley, sitting beside a microwave and fresh spinach leaves on a wooden surface.


This Microwave Spinach Soup is perfect for dorm cooking, tiny kitchens, or anyone who wants a fast, healthy, budget-friendly soup without a stove. It’s creamy, comforting, and uses simple ingredients you can find anywhere. If you like easy microwave meals, try Microwave Cream of Mushroom Soup or Microwave Marry Me Chicken.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Fast & microwave-friendly: Spinach cooks in minutes, no simmering needed.
  • Healthy & cheap: Uses budget ingredients like spinach, milk, and bouillon.
  • Creamy texture: A quick microwave roux thickens the soup perfectly.
  • Dorm-safe: No stove, no blender required.

Microwave Spinach Soup

Servings: 1–2   |   Prep Time: 5 minutes   |   Cook Time: 6 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup water + ½ bouillon cube
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • ½ cup milk
  • Salt + pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook spinach: Add spinach, water, and bouillon to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 3–4 minutes.
  2. Make roux: Microwave butter + flour in a small cup for 30–40 seconds until bubbly. Stir well.
  3. Combine: Stir roux into spinach mixture, add milk, microwave 2 minutes, stir, then microwave 1 more minute.

Estimated Cost (Approximate)

  • Spinach: $0.50
  • Bouillon + water: $0.10
  • Milk: $0.20
  • Butter + flour: $0.10

Total cost: ~$0.90   |   Cost per serving: ~$0.45

Substitutions

  • Spinach: Use frozen spinach or baby spinach.
  • Milk: Use evaporated milk or oat milk.
  • Bouillon: Chicken, vegetable, or beef all work.

Variations

  • Garlic Spinach Soup: Add garlic powder or minced garlic.
  • Cheesy Spinach Soup: Stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese.
  • Chunky Version: Skip mashing for texture.

Storage

  • Fridge: 2 days.
  • Reheat: Microwave 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.

Step-by-Step

Six‑panel collage showing how to make microwave spinach soup: gathering ingredients, microwaving spinach, making roux, mixing milk, and serving creamy green soup garnished with croutons and cream swirl.


Seasoning Options

  • Classic: Salt, pepper, garlic powder.
  • Spicy: Chili flakes or cayenne.
  • Herby: Thyme, basil, parsley.
  • Umami: A splash of soy sauce.

Serving Ideas

  • With microwave garlic bread.
  • Poured over rice.
  • As a base for noodles.

Oil Alternatives

  • No oil: Works fine since this is a soup.
  • Butter: Best flavor.
  • Margarine: Cheapest option.

Dipping Sauces

  • Garlic mayo
  • Chili crisp
  • Ranch
  • Hot sauce

Tips for Best Results

  • Use frozen spinach for convenience.
  • Stir between microwaving steps.
  • Add a splash of milk at the end for extra creaminess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the roux — soup will be thin.
  • Microwaving milk too long without stirring.
  • Using too much bouillon (makes it salty).

FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes — it works perfectly and cooks even faster.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use oat milk or almond milk and skip the butter.

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