22 Recipes That Only Have 2-5 Ingredient

Cooking does not have to mean long grocery lists or complicated steps to be satisfying. This roundup focuses on easy recipes made with just a handful of ingredients, perfect for busy days, tight budgets, or anyone who loves simple comfort food. From quick meals to sweet treats and snackable favorites, these ideas keep prep low while still delivering big flavor. If you enjoy stress-free cooking that actually works, these recipes are proof that less really can be more in the kitchen.

Homemade Silly Chili Macaroni Recipe

A bowl of macaroni mixed with beans and cheese sits on a wooden table next to a fork and a blue napkin. — Homemade Silly Chili Macaroni Recipe. Photo credit: Saving Talents.

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This dish combines tender macaroni with a bold chili base for a cozy, familiar meal. The sauce clings to every bite, making it hearty without being complicated. It comes together quickly, which makes it ideal for busy evenings. The flavors deepen as it cooks, giving it a homemade feel that is hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Silly Chili Macaroni Recipe

3-Ingredient Protein Pancakes

A stack of pancakes topped with whipped cream and blueberries sits on a white plate, with extra blueberries scattered around and eggs in a bowl in the background. — 3-Ingredient Protein Pancakes. Photo credit: Fit As A Mama Bear.

These pancakes keep things simple with a short ingredient list and quick prep time. They cook up soft with lightly crisp edges on the griddle. The batter mixes easily without any special equipment. They are great served plain or topped with something sweet.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Protein Pancakes

5-Ingredient Crockpot Chicken

A plate of white rice topped with shredded meat in a brown sauce, with a spoon resting on the side. — 5-Ingredient Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Fit As A Mama Bear.

This slow cooker chicken requires very little hands-on time. The meat turns out tender and easy to shred or serve whole. It works well on its own or as a base for other meals. Cleanup stays minimal since everything cooks in one pot.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Crockpot Chicken

Pierogi Soup

A bowl of soup with pasta, crispy bacon, cubes of white cheese, and chopped parsley on top, set on a brown cloth napkin. — Pierogi Soup. Photo credit: The Peasants Daughter.

This soup transforms classic pierogi flavors into a comforting bowl. The broth is rich and filled with familiar textures. Dumplings soak up the flavor as they simmer. It is an easy way to enjoy pierogi without shaping each one.
Get the Recipe: Pierogi Soup

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Several cooked and seasoned turkey legs resting on a metal cooling rack. — Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Jersey Girl Cooks.

These chicken legs cook up with a crisp exterior and juicy interior. The air fryer keeps the process fast and consistent. Seasoning sticks well to the skin as it cooks. They are easy to serve straight from the basket.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Easy 5-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse Cups

A glass cup filled with chocolate mousse, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, with decorative silver stars in the background. — Easy 5-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse Cups. Photo credit: Hungry Whisk.

These mousse cups are light, creamy, and full of chocolate flavor. The texture is smooth without being heavy. They look elegant when portioned into small cups. Preparation stays simple with very few steps.
Get the Recipe: Easy 5-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse Cups

Best Cake Batter Puppy Chow Recipe

A bowl filled with powdered sugar-coated cereal pieces topped with colorful sprinkles, placed on a light surface with additional cereal and sprinkles nearby. — Best Cake Batter Puppy Chow Recipe. Photo credit: Hungry Whisk.

This puppy chow has a sweet cake batter flavor that coats every piece evenly. It mixes together quickly in a large bowl. The coating sets nicely without becoming sticky. It is easy to portion for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Best Cake Batter Puppy Chow Recipe

Tuna dip with cream cheese

A white bowl of creamy dip topped with chopped chives sits in the foreground; sliced carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon wedges are in the background. — Tuna dip with cream cheese. Photo credit: Go Healthy With Bea.

This dip blends tuna with cream cheese for a smooth, savory spread. It mixes together quickly with minimal prep. The flavor works well with crackers or vegetables. It holds its texture well when chilled.
Get the Recipe: Tuna dip with cream cheese

4 Ingredient Guacamole

A bowl of guacamole is surrounded by half a lemon, half an avocado, a small bowl of salt, a small bowl of spices, and a spoon on a white surface. — 4 Ingredient Guacamole. Photo credit: Go Healthy With Bea.

This guacamole keeps the focus on simple avocado flavor. The texture stays chunky yet creamy. It comes together in minutes with minimal chopping. It pairs well with chips or as a topping.
Get the Recipe: 4 Ingredient Guacamole

French Chocolate Mousse Without Eggs

Two glasses of chocolate mousse topped with chocolate shavings, served on a white plate with fresh raspberries, with a bowl of raspberries and two spoons beside them. — French Chocolate Mousse Without Eggs. Photo credit: Go Healthy With Bea.

This mousse has a rich chocolate taste with a silky texture. It sets nicely without the use of eggs. The preparation stays straightforward and approachable. It feels elegant without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: French Chocolate Mousse Without Eggs

Three Ingredient Fudge

Close-up of chocolate fudge pieces with pink and white mini marshmallows mixed inside, stacked on a surface. — Three Ingredient Fudge. Photo credit: Baste Cut Fold.

This fudge recipe delivers a smooth, dense texture with very little effort. The mixture melts together evenly. It sets firmly once chilled. Slices hold their shape well.
Get the Recipe: Three Ingredient Fudge

Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling (Just 2 Ingredients!)

A white baking dish filled with baked cinnamon roll pieces topped with white icing, placed on a marble surface. — Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling (Just 2 Ingredients!). Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

These cinnamon rolls bake up soft with a sweet apple filling. The rolls expand nicely in the oven. The filling melts into the layers as they cook. They are easy to serve warm.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling (Just 2 Ingredients!)

Fruit Dip Recipe

A platter with strawberries, apple slices, banana slices, cherries, and a bowl of creamy dip on a light blue placemat. — Fruit Dip Recipe. Photo credit: Kitchen Ready Betty.

This fruit dip is creamy with a lightly sweet flavor. It blends smoothly without any lumps. The dip pairs well with a wide range of fruits. It is easy to make ahead and chill.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Dip Recipe

Frito Chili Pie (Only 3 Ingredients)

A sheet of corn chips topped with chili, melted cheese, chopped onions, and cilantro, served on parchment paper with a wooden spoon on the side. — Frito Chili Pie (Only 3 Ingredients). Photo credit: Rose Bakes.

This dish layers crunchy corn chips with warm chili. The flavors come together quickly with almost no prep. It is easy to customize with toppings if desired. Serving it straight from the dish keeps cleanup simple.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie (Only 3 Ingredients)

3 Ingredient Hot Cocoa Dip Recipe

A glass bowl of creamy dip topped with mini marshmallows and crushed peppermint, with a graham cracker stick, next to striped cookies and a red-striped napkin. — 3 Ingredient Hot Cocoa Dip Recipe. Photo credit: Fox Farm Home.

This dip tastes like melted hot chocolate in creamy form. It mixes together in minutes. The texture is smooth and easy to scoop. It pairs well with cookies or fruit.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Hot Cocoa Dip Recipe

Easy Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A gray bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts sprinkled with grated cheese, placed on a woven placemat. — Easy Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These Brussels sprouts roast until tender with crisp edges. The oven brings out their natural flavor. Preparation stays simple with minimal seasoning. They are easy to serve straight from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Spaghetti aglio e olio

This pasta relies on simple ingredients and bold flavor. Garlic infuses the oil as it warms. The sauce coats the noodles evenly. It comes together in very little time.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti aglio e olio

Easy Gorgonzola Pasta with Olives alla Cenere.

A square white plate with creamy penne pasta and mushrooms, garnished with a small sprig of herbs, with a fork resting on the plate. — Easy Gorgonzola Pasta with Olives alla Cenere.. Photo credit: The Pasta Project.

This pasta has a creamy sauce with a sharp cheese finish. Olives add depth and texture. The sauce clings well to the noodles. It feels rich without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gorgonzola Pasta with Olives alla Cenere.

The BEST 3 Ingredient Fudge Recipe (with Chocolate!)

Rectangular slab of cookie dough with chocolate chunks, partially cut into squares, sitting on parchment paper atop a wooden board. — The BEST 3 Ingredient Fudge Recipe (with Chocolate!). Photo credit: The Buttery Fairy Tale.

This fudge turns out dense and smooth. The chocolate flavor is rich and consistent. It firms up cleanly once cooled. Cutting neat squares is easy.
Get the Recipe: The BEST 3 Ingredient Fudge Recipe (with Chocolate!)

The BEST 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe

Nine round yellow cookies are evenly spaced on a black cooling rack over a white marble surface. — The BEST 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe. Photo credit: The Buttery Fairy Tale.

These cookies bake with soft centers and lightly crisp edges. The dough comes together quickly. They hold their shape well. They are easy to decorate or serve plain.
Get the Recipe: The BEST 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe

Caprese Skewers Recipe

Skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze on a white plate, with salt, basil, and tomatoes nearby. — Caprese Skewers Recipe. Photo credit: I Heart Naptime.

These skewers stack fresh flavors in a simple format. Each bite includes tomato, cheese, and basil. They are quick to assemble. Serving is clean and mess-free.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Skewers Recipe

cken and Potatoes – 5 Ingredients Only!

This dish cooks everything together in one pan. The potatoes soften as they roast. The chicken stays juicy throughout cooking. Cleanup stays minimal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Potatoes – 5 Ingredients Only!