Life can get hectic, and spending hours in the kitchen isn’t always an option. That’s where 5-ingredient recipes come in! With just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, you can create delicious, satisfying meals without the stress of long prep times or complicated instructions.
Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or need a last-minute meal idea, these quick and easy recipes will help you whip up something amazing in no time. Simple cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor—when you use the right ingredients, even the easiest dishes can taste gourmet.
Why 5-Ingredient Recipes?
Cooking with just five ingredients has its perks:
✔ Saves Time – Less chopping, prepping, and cooking means more time for other things.
✔ Budget-Friendly – Fewer ingredients = lower grocery bills.
✔ Less Cleanup – With fewer components, you won’t have a pile of dishes to wash.
✔ Easy to Follow – No complex techniques—just simple, delicious meals.
✔ Endless Variety – With the right combinations, you can create an array of dishes from different cuisines.
All you need are a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients to make magic happen in your kitchen!
5-Ingredient Breakfast Recipes
🌞 Avocado Toast with Egg
A nutritious and satisfying breakfast packed with protein and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
- 1 slice of whole-grain bread
- ½ avocado, mashed
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Toast the bread until golden.
- Mash the avocado and spread it on the toast.
- Cook the egg to your liking (fried, poached, or scrambled) and place it on top.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
🥞 Fluffy 2-Ingredient Pancakes
No flour needed! These naturally sweet pancakes are quick and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
Instructions:
- Mash bananas in a bowl until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs to form a batter.
- Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and pour small circles of batter.
- Cook for 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Serve as-is or drizzle with honey.
5-Ingredient Lunch & Dinner Recipes
🍝 Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
A restaurant-quality dish in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink (about 3-4 minutes).
- Toss in the drained pasta and red pepper flakes.
- Stir well and serve warm.
🍗 Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Place chicken in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
- Brush with the honey mustard mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
🌯 Cheesy Black Bean Quesadilla
A quick and satisfying meal with crispy edges and a gooey center.
Ingredients:
- 2 large tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- ½ cup black beans, drained
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add butter.
- Place one tortilla in the pan, sprinkle cheese, beans, and cumin over it.
- Top with the second tortilla and press down gently.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Slice and serve with salsa or sour cream.
5-Ingredient Snacks & Sides
🥑 Guacamole
The perfect dip for chips, tacos, or toast.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cumin
Instructions:
- Mash avocados in a bowl.
- Stir in diced tomato, lime juice, salt, and cumin.
- Mix well and serve fresh.
🥔 Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Golden, crispy, and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 3 large potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5-Ingredient Desserts
🍪 Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft, chewy, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Scoop dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool and enjoy!
🍓 Berry Yogurt Parfait
A light, refreshing treat that’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup granola
- ½ cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and berries in a glass.
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle cinnamon on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
With just five ingredients, you can create meals that are easy, delicious, and stress-free. Whether you're craving a quick breakfast, a hearty dinner, or a satisfying snack, these recipes prove that simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor.
So the next time you’re short on time, grab a few ingredients and whip up something amazing in minutes!