While most people use microwaves primarily for reheating leftovers or defrosting frozen items, this versatile appliance can do much more. Here are 15 innovative ways to use your microwave to simplify cooking and food preparation:​

1. Revive Stale Bread

   • Wrap stale bread in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 20 seconds. The moisture rejuvenates the bread, making it soft and fresh again.​

2. Soften Hardened Brown Sugar

   • Place a moist paper towel in a microwave-safe container with the clumped brown sugar and heat for 25 seconds. This process softens the sugar, making it easier to use.​

3. Liquefy Crystallized Honey

   • If your honey has crystallized, microwave it for 20 to 40 seconds, stirring intermittently, until it returns to a smooth consistency.​

4. Reduce Onion-Induced Tears

   • Microwave a whole onion for about 30 seconds before cutting to lessen the release of tear-inducing compounds.​

5. Soften Collard Greens for Wrapping

   • Wash and microwave collard green leaves for approximately 10 seconds to make them more pliable for use as wraps.​

6. Create Flavored Butter

   • Melt a stick of butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds, then mix in your choice of herbs or seasonings to enhance flavor.​

7. Froth Milk for Beverages

   • Pour milk into a mason jar, filling it halfway. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for a minute or two. Remove the lid and microwave for 30 seconds to create frothy milk suitable for coffee or lattes.​

8. Crisp Bacon Efficiently

   • Place an inverted bowl on a microwave-safe plate and drape bacon strips over it. Microwave for about one minute per slice to achieve crispy bacon.​

9. Ease Peeling of Vegetables

   • Microwave hard-to-peel vegetables like squash or root veggies for 2 to 4 minutes to loosen the skin, making peeling easier.​

10. Accelerate Dough Rising

    • Place dough in a bowl inside the microwave alongside a cup of water. Microwave on the lowest setting for about 3 minutes to help the dough rise more quickly.

11. Toast Nuts Quickly

    • Combine nuts with a bit of oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for a total of 5 minutes, stirring every minute, to toast the nuts evenly.

12. Simplify Garlic Peeling

    • Microwave garlic cloves with their skins on for 15 seconds. The heat loosens the skin, making it easier to peel.

13. Cook Corn on the Cob

    • Leave the husks on and microwave corn cobs for 3 to 4 minutes on high heat. The corn will be cooked and ready to enjoy.

14. Enhance Citrus Juicing

    • Microwave whole citrus fruits like lemons or oranges for 10 seconds to soften them, making it easier to extract more juice.

15. Cook Quinoa Efficiently

    • Rinse one cup of quinoa and place it in a microwave-safe bowl with two cups of water. Cover and microwave for 6 to 7 minutes. Let it stand for 10 minutes to absorb the water, then fluff and serve.

16. Ripen Bananas Quickly

    • To ripen bananas faster, pierce the peel a few times and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Allow them to cool before use.

By utilizing these microwave hacks, you can save time and add convenience to your kitchen routine.