11 Minimalist Recipes with 5 Ingredients or Less

Ever find yourself staring at a recipe with a mile-long list of ingredients and thinking, “Nope”? Well, here are some super simple recipes that keep it down to just the bare essentials with 5 ingredients or less. They’re all about making your life easier without sacrificing taste.

Whether you’re looking to whip up something quick on a busy weeknight or just trying to keep your grocery bill in check, these recipes are the ticket to a hassle-free, delicious meal. Think of these minimalist recipes as your cooking cheat code. With just a handful of items, you can create something that's both satisfying and impressively straightforward.

There's no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here, just straightforward cooking that gets you from hungry to happy with minimal fuss. So, let's get cooking and turn those five ingredients into your next mealtime win!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

You know, sometimes less really is more. Take this Buffalo Chicken Dip, for example. With just a handful of ingredients—chicken, cheese, buffalo sauce, and a dab of ranch—you've got yourself a crowd-pleaser that's all about that tangy, spicy kick. It's like your favorite wings, but in a dip that's just begging for some crunchy chips to dive in.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Cold Brew Coffee

Let's talk about cold brew coffee. It's not just coffee; it's a smooth, chilled out version that's so easy to make with just coffee grounds and water. Let that sit overnight, and you've got a concentrate that's ready to dilute and ice down for those hot mornings. No barista needed, just you and your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Cold Brew Coffee

Dehydrated Strawberries

Dehydrated Strawberries? Oh, they're like candy, but better because they're just fruit! Just slice them up, pop them in the air fryer, and what comes out is this intensely sweet, snackable treat. It's amazing what heat can do to a berry, turning it into these little jewels of flavor, perfect for topping your morning oatmeal or just snacking straight up.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Strawberries

Iced Sweet Blackberry Tea

Picture this: it's a scorching day and you've got a glass of Iced Sweet Blackberry Tea in your hand. It's just tea, blackberries, some sweetener, and a squeeze of lemon—if that's your jam. It's refreshing, it's got that fruity kick, and it's so simple to whip up. Feels like a fancy cafe drink, doesn't it? But it's all yours, homemade.
Get the Recipe: Iced Sweet Blackberry Tea

Mini Frittata

Mini Frittatas are kind of genius, you know? Eggs, a bit of cheese, and whatever veg you've got laying around. Whisk it, bake it, and boom—personal-sized frittatas that are the perfect answer to breakfast on-the-go. I mean, who needs a full-on quiche when you can have these little guys ready in a flash?
Get the Recipe: Mini Frittata

Oven-Baked Sausage

Have you ever tried oven-baked sausage? Lay those links on a tray, season them however you fancy, and let the oven do its thing. It's almost too easy. And the best part? They come out perfectly cooked and ready to be thrown onto a bun, chopped into a pasta, or just eaten straight from the pan. Minimal effort, maximum flavor—that's the goal, right?
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Sausage

Pink Drink

The Pink Drink is one of those trendy, too-pretty-to-drink kind of beverages. It's just a mix of strawberries, a splash of coconut milk, some tea, and a little sweetener. It tastes like summer in a cup and it's ridiculously easy to make. You'll feel like you're at the beach with every sip, and your kitchen stays as chill as the drink.
Get the Recipe: Pink Drink

Ground Pork Burgers

Switch up your burger game with some ground pork. Season that meat, form your patties, and cook them up. That's all there is to it. You end up with a burger that's just dripping with juiciness and packed with flavor. It's a nice little twist on the classic, and when you're only dealing with five ingredients, each one gets to really shine.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted Cabbage Steaks are a revelation. Who knew a head of cabbage, a drizzle of oil, and your favorite seasonings could result in something so delicious? They come out of the oven with edges that are just the right amount of crispy and a tender, sweet center. It's the kind of side dish that turns 'just cabbage' into 'wow, cabbage!'
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops are like a hug on a plate. You take a chop, stuff it with a simple mix of breadcrumbs and herbs, maybe toss in some cheese, and let the oven do its thing. What comes out is this succulent, flavorful dish that says 'special occasion' without all the fuss. It's minimalist, sure, but on taste? It's totally maximalist.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

There's something magical about bread that doesn't need kneading. Just stir together flour, water, yeast, and salt, give it time to rise, and bake. You'll end up with this beautiful loaf of Italian artisan bread that's crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside, and just waiting to be torn into and shared. It's like a little bit of Italy right there in your kitchen, no plane ticket required.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread