After writing my post on waffle maker hacks, I have loved finding clever, non-traditional ways to use appliances I have in the kitchen. I really try to minimize the number of appliances I have because they can quickly clutter up your counters and cabinets. So, finding fun and unique ways to use your existing appliances is so addicting. You won’t believe the things you can cook in a rice cooker but never knew it!

1. Rice Cooker Mac N Cheese

College kids listen up! You can now cook mac and cheese in your dorm room without a stove! No, not that gross easy mac kind either. Check out this awesome, gourmet mac and cheese recipe using just a rice cooker. (via Happy Slip)

2. Pull-Apart Pizza Bread in a Rice Cooker

I am not sure what has me wanting to try this more: the fact that it looks absolutely delicious or that it is so easy to make! Once you start watching this video you won’t be able to stop and that oozing cheese will have you drooling. This would be the perfect easy recipe to make if you’re having people over to watch a football game. (via Tastemade)

3. How to Cook All Grains in Your Rice Cooker

Rice is certainly not the only grain you can cook in your rice cooker. Pin this handy guide that you can refer to each time to get the water to grain ratios to cook everything from quinoa to amaranth. These healthy grains pack even more protein and fiber than white rice so are an awesome swap. (via Pinterest)

4. How to Cook Beans in a Rice Cooker

Canned beans are super convenient but also high in sodium. If you are eating too much sodium, it will cause you to retain water and feel bloated. No one wants that. So, for a healthier alternative that will also save you money, you can easily cook beans in a rice cooker. Wondering why it is better than a slow cooker or stove? Glad you asked! A rice cooker is much faster than a slow cooker and much less finicky than cooking on the stove. (via Strength and Sunshine)

5. 20-Minute Teriyaki Chicken

Slow cookers are great for busy mom meals, but they require you to have the time to get it started cooking in the morning. Between getting the kids to school and you running out the door, that may not always happen. So, that rice cooker on your counter may be all you need to save the day. Whip up this delicious 20-minute teriyaki chicken and rice recipe for a set-it-and-forget-it meal in a fraction of the time. (via While He Was Napping)

6. Rice Cooker Chicken Chili

If chili wasn’t already one of your favorite meals in the Fall and Winter, then it will be now! You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this recipe in your rice cooker. (via Kitchenability)

7. Rice Cooker Pasta & Veggies

Just when you thought pasta was one of the easiest weeknight meals, we found a way to make it even easier (and healthier). Toss all your ingredients in your rice cooker, set it, and forget it. Less mess, less time hovering over the stove, and a great way to get your kids to eat more veggies. (via Veggie Primer)

8. Rice Cooker Pancakes

It tastes like a pancake and looks like a slice of cake. This fun take on traditional pancakes promises to be unbelievably light and fluffy to soak up all of that delicious syrup. Plus, you don’t have to stand over the stove and flip your pancakes with this easy recipe. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)

Don’t believe it’s possible? Check out this video making lemon ricotta pancakes in a rice cooker:

When I hear lemon ricotta pancakes, I think “Wow, that sounds delicious, but much more time consuming than regular pancakes. Well, that would be the case with most recipes. However, this one is even faster and actually uses your rice cooker! Since it comes out looking like a slice of cake, you will really feel like you are having a treat for breakfast. (via Tastemade)

9.  How to Steam Dumplings in a Rice Cooker

Not only are steamed dumplings so much healthier than fried, but steaming them in your rice cooker saves you from buying a bamboo steamer. (via LEAFtv)

10. Rice Cooker Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a great weeknight meal to add into your rotation. With its spicy cajun flavors, it mixes things up and this recipe is so easy to make. (via Ashlee Marie)

11. 7 Non-Rice Dishes for Your Rice Cooker

This is a fun and quick reference guide to pin and remind you of some of the clever ways to use your rice cooker for chicken, oatmeal, and more. (via Wonder How To)

12. How to Make Hard Boiled Eggs in the Rice Cooker

Hard boiled eggs are such a great healthy snack that you can easily take on the go. You won’t mind cooking up a big bunch of them for the week when you can do it this easily in your rice cooker. There’s something about meal prepping snacks like this that makes me feel so accomplished! Is this just me or anyone else get an inordinate amount of pleasure out of tasks like this? (via Tampa Homebody)

13. Fruity Pebbles Rice Cooker Cake

This would be such a fun recipe to make with your kids who will be absolutely amazed that you can make a cake in a rice cooker! It’s light, fluffy, and easy to make. Plus, there is something about cereal used at toppings that I absolutely can’t turn down. I have had Froot Loop topped donuts so now on to Fruity Pebbles topped cake. (via PopSugar)

14. A Full Breakfast in a Rice Cooker!

If I saw a picture of this plated breakfast with sausage, eggs, and baked goods, I never would have believed it was all made in a rice cooker. I was in disbelief as I watched this video. (via Tastemade)

15. 4-Ingredient Rice Pudding in a Rice Cooker

It seems appropriate to end this post with a dessert and what better to make in a rice cooker than rice pudding?! (via Thirty Handmade Days)

In the market for a rice cooker? Here is the most well-reviewed and budget-friendly Amazon model (affiliate link).

Reader Favorite: 27 Surprising Waffle Maker Recipes You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Are there any surprising rice cooker recipes I’ve missed? Share your favorites in the comments.