19 Easy 3-Ingredient Recipes Anyone Can Make

When you’re low on time or ingredients, simple recipes come in handy without sacrificing taste. These three-ingredient dishes cover everything from cozy casseroles and warm biscuits to sweet treats and party-ready dips. With only a few items needed, each one delivers big results using what you probably already have. Ideal for beginners or anyone who wants less prep and more payoff.

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side. — 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

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Frozen broccoli, shredded cheese, and condensed soup come together in one pan. It bakes until bubbly and golden on top. This cozy side is simple enough for weeknights and filling enough to stand alone. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with texture.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

A stack of three golden-brown, flaky biscuits on a white surface, with a blurry background. — 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Just self-rising flour, butter, and buttermilk make these soft, fluffy biscuits. They’re mixed by hand and baked until lightly browned. The result is warm and tender, perfect with jam or gravy. They come together quickly without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings

BBQ Chicken Wings cooked with a 3-ingredient crockpot recipe. — 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Chicken wings slow cook in a mix of BBQ sauce and seasoning until fall-apart tender. The sauce thickens and coats every bite. They’re hands-off and great for game day or snacks. Just set and forget.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings

3 Ingredient Crockpot Meatballs

Three-ingredient meatballs ready to be cooked in a crockpot. — 3 Ingredient Crockpot Meatballs. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and BBQ sauce make a sticky, savory-sweet dish. They cook low and slow until everything melds together. A classic party food that’s always a hit. Serve with toothpicks or over rice.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Crockpot Meatballs

3 Ingredient Fudge

Close-up view of several pieces of chocolate fudge, with some stacked and one showing a bite taken out of it. — 3 Ingredient Fudge. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and a pinch of salt create rich, smooth fudge. It sets quickly in the fridge and slices cleanly. Add-ins are optional, but not needed. A solid treat with almost no prep.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Fudge

3 Ingredient Ham Glaze

Sliced roast ham garnished with herbs and pomegranate seeds, served with roasted potato wedges on a plate. A checkered cloth is in the background. — 3 Ingredient Ham Glaze. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar mix into a tangy-sweet glaze. Brush it over a ham during baking for extra flavor and shine. It caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Works with spiral or bone-in hams.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Ham Glaze

3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies

Side angle view of piped Nutella cookies on a wooden board lined with parchment paper. — 3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Nutella, an egg, and flour are all you need for soft, chewy cookies. The dough stirs up in minutes and bakes quickly. They’re rich with chocolate and hazelnut flavor. A great last-minute dessert.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms

A plate of peanut butter blossoms, with one cookie broken in half. — 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Peanut butter cookie dough made with just sugar, egg, and peanut butter. Press a chocolate kiss on top after baking. They’re soft, sweet, and always popular during holidays. No mixer required.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms

3 Ingredient Shortbread

A close-up of several rectangular pieces of shortbread placed on a wooden surface. — 3 Ingredient Shortbread. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Butter, flour, and sugar are all it takes for crumbly, buttery shortbread. It’s baked until golden and can be cut into squares or wedges. Perfect with tea or coffee. The simplicity makes the flavor shine.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Shortbread

3-Ingredient Baked Custard

A bowl of baked custard with a spoon. — 3-Ingredient Baked Custard. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Milk, eggs, and sugar are whisked and baked into a smooth custard. It sets in the oven with a gentle wobble and creamy texture. You can sprinkle nutmeg on top if you like. Serve warm or chilled.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Baked Custard

3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes

Mashed banana, eggs, and a bit of baking powder cook into soft, golden pancakes. They’re naturally sweet with no flour needed. Great for a fast breakfast or snack. Flip gently since they’re delicate.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes

3-Ingredient Banana Pudding

Slice of banana pudding topped with whipped cream on a white plate. — 3-Ingredient Banana Pudding. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Layer instant pudding mix, milk, and bananas for a quick dessert. It sets up fast and works well in cups or a trifle dish. Add cookies or whipped topping if you want more layers. Great for make-ahead.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Banana Pudding

3-Ingredient Icing

Icing being poured onto a blueberry muffin on a wooden surface. — 3-Ingredient Icing. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla mix into a glossy glaze. It’s perfect for drizzling over cookies, cakes, or cinnamon rolls. You can adjust the thickness easily. Use food coloring to match the occasion.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Icing

3-Ingredient Lemonade

Sugar-Free Lemonade in glass cup with ice. — 3-Ingredient Lemonade. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Fresh lemon juice, sugar, and water combine into a classic drink. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then chill. Serve over ice with lemon slices. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Lemonade

3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies

3-Ingredient cookies cooling on a wire rack. — 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Mashed banana, oats, and chocolate chips bake into chewy cookies. No flour or eggs needed. They’re soft with a hint of natural sweetness. Great for a quick snack or breakfast bite.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies

3-Ingredient Onion Dip

Sour cream, onion soup mix, and a splash of mayo stir together fast. Chill before serving so the flavors meld. It’s a go-to dip for chips or veggies. Always good for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Onion Dip

3-Ingredient Oreo Mousse Cake

Crushed Oreos, whipped topping, and cream cheese blend into a no-bake dessert. It sets in the fridge and slices easily. Rich, fluffy, and easy to dress up. Great for Oreo fans.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Oreo Mousse Cake

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups

Close up of a stack of peanut butter cups with blurred background. — 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar layer into mini molds. Chill until set for homemade candy. The texture is smooth with a slight snap. A great gift or freezer treat.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups

3-Ingredient Strawberry Jam

Strawberry Jam overhead shot. — 3-Ingredient Strawberry Jam. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice simmer into a thick, sweet spread. No pectin needed. Store in jars and use on toast, desserts, or yogurt. It’s bright, simple, and full of berry flavor.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Strawberry Jam