17 recipes with 5-ingredients or less you’ll be obsessed with

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When it comes to cooking, I love recipes that keep things simple without sacrificing flavor. That’s why I’m excited to share these dishes that require five ingredients or less, perfect for those busy days when you want a satisfying meal without the hassle. You’ll find that these recipes are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile, making them a go-to for any weeknight dinner or casual get-together.

A fork holding a bite of cheesy broccoli and ham frittata with a drip of cheese sauce.
Mini Frittata. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasted cabbage steaks are a simple side dish that packs a punch with just a few ingredients. These are perfect for when you want something hearty, without a long ingredient list. They cook quickly and work great for busy weeknights. You’ll love how easy it is to make something so flavorful with minimal effort. Ideal for recipes with only a handful of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potato topped with butter and garnished with herbs on a white plate, with a red checkered napkin on the side.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer sweet potatoes are a fast and hassle-free way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. They crisp up beautifully with just a touch of seasoning, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a simple, healthy dish. The air fryer cuts cooking time, so they’re ready in no time. Perfect when you want something satisfying without too much work. With just a few ingredients, it’s an easy go-to.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

A plate of pork chops stuffed with mushrooms and cheese served with green beans.
Baked Stuffed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These baked stuffed pork chops come together with minimal effort and are filled with flavor. Using a few ingredients, they’re a great way to have a restaurant-style meal at home. They bake in the oven, freeing you up to focus on other things. The stuffing adds a nice touch without requiring too many ingredients. A perfect choice for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

A plate of salmon on a white plate with lemon slices on it.
Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This lemon butter sauce is a quick and easy way to take your salmon to the next level. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it brings a bright, rich flavor that complements any salmon dish. Ready in minutes, this sauce is ideal for when you want something that feels special but doesn’t take much time. It’s the perfect pairing for salmon dinners with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon

Sheet pan with cooked eggs, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, and bacon.
Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sheet pan eggs with bacon is a convenient way to serve breakfast or brunch with minimal cleanup. With only a few ingredients, it’s a great dish for feeding a crowd or prepping meals ahead. Everything cooks together in the oven, saving time and effort. You get a hearty, protein-packed meal without needing a lot of ingredients. Perfect for when you need something easy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon-wrapped onion rings are a fun and easy snack or appetizer that only needs a few ingredients. Wrapping crispy bacon around onions adds a smoky, savory flavor without requiring too much effort. They cook quickly and make a great addition to any gathering or casual meal. A simple dish that’s big on flavor, perfect for when you’re craving something different and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Ground Pork Burgers

Close-up of  grilled pork burger patties stacked on a white plate.
Ground Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground pork burgers are a fast and flavorful option for burger night with just a few ingredients. They’re easy to prepare, cook quickly, and offer a nice change from the usual beef burger. With basic seasonings, you get a juicy and satisfying meal. Perfect for when you want something filling but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Simple and straightforward, they’re a hit.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background.
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These maple-glazed carrots come together in the air fryer with just a few ingredients, making them an easy side dish. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs perfectly with the maple glaze, and the air fryer makes them quick to cook. With minimal prep, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals. It’s an effortless way to get a flavorful vegetable dish on the table with hardly any work.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli salad with bacon bits on a white oval plate, accompanied by a wooden serving spoon on a linen napkin.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli salad with bacon is a great dish for when you want something fresh and crunchy with a hint of smoky flavor. It uses just a few ingredients, making it quick and easy to throw together. The bacon adds a nice savory touch to the mix. Perfect for potlucks or as a side dish at dinner. A great choice when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Easy Pickled Red Onions

A bowl of pickled red onions garnished with black peppercorns, placed on a white surface.
Easy Pickled Red Onions. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These easy pickled red onions are a simple way to add a tangy crunch to any dish with just a few ingredients. They come together quickly and are a great topping for salads, tacos, or sandwiches. With minimal effort, you can keep a jar of these in the fridge, ready to use at a moment’s notice. They add a burst of flavor without much work, making them a perfect addition to your recipe rotation.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pickled Red Onions

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate.
Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Beef quesadillas are a quick and easy lunch or dinner option, using just a few ingredients to pack in lots of flavor. They come together in minutes and are perfect for busy weeknights. The beef pairs perfectly with melted cheese for a satisfying bite. Simple ingredients make this dish a go-to for when you want something hearty but easy to prepare. Ideal for recipes with minimal ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Close-up of an air-fried barbecued rib with charred edges over a white plate.
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer baby back ribs offer a quick way to get tender, flavorful ribs with just a few ingredients. The air fryer speeds up the cooking process, making this an easy option for weeknights or casual get-togethers. You don’t need much to bring out the rich flavor of the ribs. Perfect when you want to enjoy ribs without spending hours cooking. An easy, fuss-free way to enjoy this classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Sheet Pan Pancakes

A plate of square pancakes drizzled with syrup, next to strawberries and a cup of maple syrup on a white tablecloth.
Sheet Pan Pancakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sheet pan pancakes are a great way to feed a crowd with minimal effort. Using just a few ingredients, you can bake a batch of pancakes all at once, saving time and hassle. This method is perfect for busy mornings when you want to get breakfast on the table quickly. The recipe is simple, making it ideal for when you want a no-fuss breakfast that still feels special. Easy to customize, too.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes

Slow Cooker Rice

A spoonful of slow-cooked white rice held above a bowl, with a fresh green parsley leaf in the background.
Slow Cooker Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow cooker rice is a no-hassle way to prepare rice with just a few ingredients. The slow cooker does all the work, giving you perfectly cooked rice without needing to watch the stove. This method is perfect for busy days when you need an easy side dish to go with your meal. It’s simple and reliable, making it a go-to for recipes with minimal ingredients. Just set it and forget it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Mini Frittata

A fork holding a bite of mini frittata with ham and broccoli, with the dish in the background.
Mini Frittata. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Mini frittatas are a quick and simple breakfast or snack made with only a few ingredients. They cook in minutes and are great for meal prep or a grab-and-go option. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for using up leftover veggies or proteins. Great for when you need a light meal or snack without much fuss. An easy, customizable recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Mini Frittata

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage is an easy and flavorful side dish with just a few ingredients. The air fryer makes the cabbage crispy, while the bacon adds a smoky touch. This dish is perfect for when you want something quick and simple that still packs in flavor. It’s a unique way to enjoy cabbage without a lot of prep. A great option for minimal-ingredient recipes.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A hand holding a tortilla chip dipped in creamy Buffalo chicken dip, garnished with slices of green onion.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Buffalo chicken dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer made with just a few ingredients. Perfect for game day or gatherings, it comes together quickly and packs in a lot of flavor. You don’t need much to make this dish a crowd-pleaser. It’s great for dipping chips or veggies and works well for recipes that focus on minimal ingredients. Quick, easy, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

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