Reading Time: 13 minutes 23 Simple and Satisfying Recipes You Can Make with Only 5 Ingredients
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Looking for simple recipes that don’t require a trip to the grocery store? These 23 recipes use just five ingredients each, and you probably have them in your kitchen already. They’re designed to help you make delicious meals while staying budget-friendly.
In this guide, you’ll find recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts, all with minimal ingredients. You’ll learn how to turn basic pantry staples into tasty meals that seem like they took hours to prepare.
These kitchen-tested recipes prove that amazing food doesn’t need complicated techniques or long lists of ingredients. Each recipe includes clear instructions, practical tips, and suggestions for variations based on what you have on hand.
Have you tried any of the recipes on this list? Or is there something you’d like to add? Let us know in the comments which recipes spark your interest!
Table of Contents
Avocado Egg Toast
Start your morning with this filling breakfast that combines creamy avocado with perfectly cooked eggs. Toast your favorite bread until it reaches golden-brown perfection. While the bread toasts, mash a ripe avocado and season it with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook your egg according to your preference, a runny yolk creates a luxurious sauce when it mixes with the avocado. Top your toasted bread with the seasoned avocado mash, add your egg, and finish with an extra sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper.
Red pepper flakes make an excellent addition if you enjoy a bit of heat in your breakfast.
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Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
Transform simple ingredients into a satisfying breakfast hash that will keep you energized throughout the morning. Cut sweet potatoes into small, even cubes and dice your onion and bell pepper into similar sizes for consistent cooking.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add your vegetables and season them with salt, stirring occasionally until the sweet potatoes become tender inside and develop crispy edges.
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The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory onions and peppers. Add an egg on top for extra protein and a complete breakfast.
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Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Create a creamy, protein-packed smoothie that works perfectly as a quick breakfast or energizing snack. Place a peeled banana, a generous spoonful of peanut butter, your choice of milk, a drizzle of honey, and a handful of ice in your blender.
Blend everything until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. The banana adds natural sweetness and creates a thick, milkshake-like texture. Make this smoothie even more indulgent by freezing the banana ahead of time.
The frozen banana creates an extra thick consistency that tastes like dessert.
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Honey Mustard Chicken Bites
These tender chicken bites offer the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Cut chicken breasts into evenly-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. Mix honey and mustard in a bowl, adding minced garlic or scallions and salt to create a flavorful sauce.
Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in the honey mustard mixture. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake until they turn golden brown and cook through completely. These chicken bites taste even better when you let them marinate in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
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Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This comforting pasta dish comes together quickly and delivers restaurant-quality flavors. Start cooking your pasta in well-salted water according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until it becomes fragrant and golden.
Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining your noodles. Toss the hot pasta with the garlic oil and generous amounts of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp
Turn simple shrimp into an impressive meal with this quick-cooking recipe. Heat butter in a large skillet until it melts and begins to bubble. Add minced garlic and cook until it releases its aroma. Place your shrimp in a single layer in the pan and season them with salt.
Cook until they turn pink and opaque, flipping once. Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. The shrimp cook in less than 5 minutes, making this an ideal choice for busy evenings.
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Tomato Basil Soup
Create a cozy soup that tastes like summer all year round. Sauté chopped garlic and onion in a pot until they become soft and translucent. Add your canned tomatoes and fresh basil, letting everything simmer together for several minutes to develop deep flavors.
Use an immersion blender or regular blender to create a smooth, creamy soup. Season with salt to taste, adjusting the amount based on your preferences. The fresh basil makes a significant difference in the final taste, adding brightness and complexity to this simple soup.
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Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Make a lighter version of classic chicken salad that still delivers big flavors. Start with cooked, cooled chicken breast and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Mix the chicken with creamy Greek yogurt, adding finely diced celery for crunch.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to get the balance right. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens all the flavors and adds a subtle tang that complements the creamy yogurt perfectly.
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Maple Glazed Carrots
Turn ordinary carrots into a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. Start with fresh carrots cut into uniform pieces, ensuring they’ll cook evenly. Place them in boiling water until they become tender but still maintain a slight bite.
Transfer the carrots to a pan with melted butter, drizzle pure maple syrup over them, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the carrots develop a beautiful glaze and the maple syrup starts to caramelize.
The natural sweetness of the carrots shines through while the maple syrup creates an irresistible coating.
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Crispy Chickpeas
Create a crunchy, protein-rich snack that satisfies your craving for something salty. Open a can of chickpeas, drain them well, and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Toss the dried chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded. Roast them until they turn golden brown and crispy, giving the pan a good shake midway through cooking. The chickpeas will continue to crisp as they cool.
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Spicy Roasted Potatoes
Take simple potatoes to the next level with this spicy, crispy preparation. Cut potatoes into even-sized cubes and toss them with olive oil until well coated. Mix chili powder, garlic powder, and salt together, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the potatoes.
Spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet, leaving space between pieces for proper crisping. Roast them until they develop a golden-brown crust while staying tender inside. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of flavor right after roasting.
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Tuna Cucumber Bites
Prepare a light, refreshing appetizer or snack that comes together in minutes. Slice fresh cucumbers into thick rounds, creating stable bases for the tuna mixture. Mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt until well combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Top each cucumber round with a small scoop of the seasoned tuna mixture. These bites offer a perfect combination of crisp vegetable and creamy protein. A dash of hot sauce adds an exciting kick to each bite.
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Chocolate Mug Cake
Satisfy your chocolate craving with this single-serve cake that cooks in your microwave. Mix flour, sugar, and cocoa powder in a large microwave-safe mug until no lumps remain. Add milk and oil, stirring until the batter becomes smooth and well combined.
Microwave the mixture for about a minute, watching carefully as it rises in the mug. The cake will feel springy when done, and the center should be set but still moist. Top with a few chocolate chips while the cake is still hot for extra decadence.
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Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Start your day with fluffy pancakes that taste like apple pie. Prepare your favorite pancake mix according to package instructions, then stir in finely diced fresh apples and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter to prevent sticking. Pour the batter onto the hot surface and cook until bubbles form on top. Flip each pancake once and cook until golden brown on both sides.
A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top creates a delightful sweet finish.
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Cheesy Baked Eggs
Transform basic eggs into an impressive breakfast with minimal effort. Grease a baking dish and create a bed of fresh spinach leaves. Crack eggs directly onto the spinach, spacing them evenly apart.
Sprinkle your favorite cheese generously over the eggs, then season with salt and pepper. Bake the eggs until the whites set but the yolks remain slightly runny. The spinach wilts perfectly while the cheese melts into a golden crust on top.
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Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Make Brussels sprouts the star of your meal with this simple preparation method. Trim and halve fresh Brussels sprouts, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet to maximize caramelization.
Roast the sprouts until they become tender inside and crispy outside. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the hot sprouts right after they come out of the oven. The vinegar creates a tangy glaze that perfectly complements their natural sweetness.
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Creamy Spinach Quesadillas
Transform simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the table. Heat a large skillet and add fresh spinach with diced onions, cooking until the spinach wilts and the onions turn translucent.
Lay out tortillas and add a generous layer of cheese on one half. Add the spinach mixture on top of the cheese, then fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. Cook each quesadilla in the skillet until golden brown, flipping once to ensure both sides get crispy.
The cheese melts into the spinach creating a creamy filling that holds everything together.
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Almond Butter Energy Bites
Create nutritious snacks that taste like treats and keep you energized throughout the day. Mix rolled oats with almond butter and honey in a large bowl until well combined. Add mini chocolate chips and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Roll the mixture into small balls about the size of a walnut. Place the energy bites in the refrigerator to firm up. These bites stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep.
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Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips
Make crispy apple chips that satisfy your crunch cravings without any guilt. Slice apples into very thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline. Arrange the slices on baking sheets without overlapping.
Mix cinnamon with a small amount of sugar and sprinkle the mixture over the apple slices. Bake at a low temperature for several hours, flipping halfway through. The apple chips turn crispy as they cool, creating a sweet and healthy snack.
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Stuffed Bell Peppers
Prepare a colorful dinner that looks impressive yet requires minimal effort. Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Cook rice according to package instructions and mix it with sautéed onions and half the cheese.
Fill each pepper half with the rice mixture and top with remaining cheese. Arrange the peppers in a baking dish and bake until the peppers soften and the cheese turns golden brown. The peppers become sweet and tender while the filling stays creamy and flavorful.
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Frozen Yogurt Bark
Create a refreshing treat that doubles as a healthy snack. Spread Greek yogurt in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle honey over the yogurt and swirl it gently with a knife. Sprinkle fresh berries and granola evenly across the surface.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the yogurt sets completely solid. Break or cut the frozen bark into pieces and store them in a freezer container. This cool treat offers the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures.
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Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
Make a healthier alternative to traditional fries that still delivers a satisfying crunch. Cut zucchini into uniform sticks and pat them dry with paper towels. Mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and seasonings.
Toss the zucchini sticks with olive oil, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange them on a baking sheet with space between each piece. Bake until golden brown and crispy, turning halfway through for even cooking.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
End your meal with an elegant dessert that needs minimal preparation. Wash fresh strawberries and dry them completely. Melt chocolate chips with a small amount of coconut oil until smooth.
Hold each strawberry by its leaves and dip it into the melted chocolate. Place the dipped strawberries on parchment paper and sprinkle them with a tiny pinch of salt. Let the chocolate set completely before serving.
The salt enhances the chocolate flavor while the strawberries provide a fresh, juicy contrast.
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Simple Cooking, Amazing Results
These 23 recipes prove that delicious meals don’t need complicated techniques or long ingredient lists. Each dish offers a chance to learn new skills while creating satisfying food.
Your kitchen will become a place of creativity and confidence as you master these simple recipes. Start with what feels comfortable, then add your own special touches.
Great cooking starts with basics, and now you have everything needed to make magic happen in your kitchen.
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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.