19 Incredibly Easy 5-Ingredient Recipes for Any Night

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Some nights just need something simple. These 19 5-ingredient recipes are easy on the grocery list. (5 ingredients, not including oil, salt, and pepper!) Simple to shop for, these recipes still manage to hit the spot, whether you’re after a cozy dinner or a quick sweet treat. Think grilled cheese, easy pasta, peanut butter cookies, and flaky Nutella pastries that feel way more impressive than they should for how little effort they take.

Whipped Ricotta Dip

A bowl of white dip topped with an orange swirl of liquid and oregano leaves.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

This whipped ricotta dip comes together fast with just five ingredients plus salt and pepper. It’s smooth, creamy, and easy enough for last-minute guests with a drizzle of hot honey and a sprinkle of fresh oregano on top.

Get the recipe: Whipped Ricotta Dip

Beet Chips

Beet chips in a bowl, topped with large flake salt.
Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

These crispy beet chips cook fast in the air fryer and make a great salty snack. Try them with salt, pepper, and thyme or switch up the seasoning to match what you’re craving.

Get the recipe: Beet Chips

Havarti Grilled Cheese

A grilled cheese sandwich on a plate with melty cheese between the halves.
Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

A crispy, golden grilled cheese made with rich, melty Havarti. It’s an easy go-to for lunch or a quick dinner. Use these simple tips to get it perfectly toasted every time.

Get the recipe: Havarti Grilled Cheese

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

A stacked halved toasted sandwich filled with melty cheese.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Savor the ultimate convenience and indulgence with these irresistible air-fryer grilled cheese sandwiches. Made with crusty sourdough bread and creamy, melted Havarti cheese, these time saving sandwiches take 3 ingredients and 4 minutes.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Vegan Buttered Noodles

Pasta in a bowl topped with butter and parsley beside a plate of toasted bread.
Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Craving ultimate easy comfort food? These melt-in-your-mouth noodles are coated in a savory garlic butter sauce with a touch of nutty parmesan, all finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and black pepper.

Get the recipe: Vegan Buttered Noodles

5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

A halved peanut butter cookie on a counter with more cookies behind it.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

These incredible 5-Ingredient peanut butter cookies come together in a flash. No need to soften butter, no creaming required – just toss everything in one bowl and bake!

Get the recipe: 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

One Pot Hummus Pasta

Pasta in a bowl topped with oregano leaves.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Dinner in a flash? This creamy hummus pasta takes just 20 minutes! Roasted red pepper hummus gets tossed with sautéed veggies and curly noodles for a satisfying, 5-ingredient vegetarian meal.

Get the recipe: One Pot Hummus Pasta

Mango Smoothie Bowl

A bowl with a light orange smoothie in it topped with mango chunks, coconut, and chia seeds.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

This refreshing smoothie bowl combines frozen fruit with creamy coconut milk for a sweet and filling breakfast that’s ready in just 5 minutes. Top it off with your favorite tropical vibes – fresh fruit, crunchy granola, or a sprinkle of nuts and coconut flakes.

Get the recipe: Mango Smoothie Bowl

3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Chicken in a wrap with cucumber and onion.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

This slow-cooker salsa chicken is the ultimate shortcut. Just toss in 3 ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work. This easy and flavorful chicken is perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or on its own with mashed potatoes.

Get the recipe: 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Air Fryer Tofu Katsu

A bowl with topped rice on one side and tofu rectangles on the other side.
Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Craving that irresistible Katsu crunch? Look no further! This Air Fryer Tofu Katsu features juicy tofu cloaked in a light batter and golden panko, bursting with Japanese flavors in every bite.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Katsu

Coconut Jasmine Rice

Rice in a bowl topped with toasted coconut and parsley.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Fragrant jasmine rice is simmered in creamy coconut milk for a side dish that’s loaded with flavor. Made with just 5 ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect accompaniment to your favorite Thai curries.

Get the recipe: Coconut Jasmine Rice

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

A plate with smashed baby potatoes with a bowl of dip in the center.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Craving crispy, flavorful potatoes but short on time? These air fryer smashed potatoes are ready in 30 minutes! 5 ingredients create perfectly smashed potatoes with a delightful contrast: crispy on the outside, fluffy and soft on the inside.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

A bowl with roasted Brussels sprouts topped with fresh thyme.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Transform frozen Brussels sprouts into a delightful side dish in just 15 minutes using your air fryer. A sweet and tangy maple balsamic glaze with a touch of Dijon mustard and thyme bring big flavor.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Sesame Broccoli

Roasted broccoli in a bowl topped with sesame seeds.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Elevate ordinary broccoli into a flavor bomb with a satisfyingly crispy texture and a hint of nutty goodness from sesame seeds. Made with just 5 simple ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for a special occasion.

Get the recipe: Roasted Sesame Broccoli

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Three bowls of pasta topped with black olives and basil.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Beat the heat with this refreshing and flavorful salad! It’s loaded with summer vibes in just 5 simple ingredients: store-bought pesto, bowtie pasta, red onion, juicy tuna, and briny black olives.

Get the recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Air Fryer Cumin Chicken Recipe

A plate with cooked spiced chicken.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Skip the complicated recipes – this 4-ingredient cumin chicken is all about fast and flavorful. Juicy chicken is coated in a simple spice blend with a touch of lime juice, creating next-level flavor in just 20 minutes.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Cumin Chicken Recipe

Nutella Puff Pastry Tree

Pastry shaped as a tree with a chocolate filling, topped with powdered sugar beside a bowl of chocolate.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Skip the complicated desserts – this Nutella puff pastry tree is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Layers of store-bought puff pastry are filled with creamy Nutella and transformed into a pretty Christmas tree with a simple cutting technique. Great for any time of year by turning it into twists.

Get the recipe: Nutella Puff Pastry Tree

Air Fryer Chicken Katsu

A plate with rice, topped with sliced green onions and sliced breaded chicken, beside a small bowl of green onions.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Ditch the deep fryer and satisfy your Japanese food cravings with this incredibly easy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu! Inspired by the classic Japanese dish, this recipe uses just 4 ingredients and takes only 12 minutes in your air fryer.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Katsu

Arepas Con Queso

Circle corn cakes on a platter beside a bowl of red sauce.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Arepas con queso are cheesy cornmeal cakes with a crispy outside and melty center. They’re simple to make and naturally gluten-free, great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Get the recipe: Arepas Con Queso

Still hungry? Try this!

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