29 Stupid Simple 5-Ingredient or Less Recipes That Taste Like You Tried

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. These stupid simple recipes use five ingredients or less but still taste like you put in way more effort. Whether you’re short on time, energy, or just not in the mood to cook, these no-fuss meals will save the day, without skimping on flavor.

2-Ingredient English Muffins

Who knew you could make English muffins with just two ingredients? These fluffy, cheesy muffins come together in minutes and taste way better than store-bought. They’re so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along.
Get the Recipe: 2-Ingredient English Muffins

No-Bake Cheesecake Fluff

This no-bake cheesecake fluff is proof that a ridiculously easy dessert can still taste luxurious. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s smooth, creamy, and downright irresistible. When you need a sweet fix without the hassle, this is the recipe to keep on repeat.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Cheesecake Fluff

Sausage Rolls

Flaky, buttery puff pastry wrapped around a perfectly seasoned sausage filling, these homemade sausage rolls are impossible to resist. With only a few ingredients, you get a snack that tastes like you spent all day making it. One bite and you’ll see why this ridiculously simple recipe is a fan favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls

3-Ingredient Fudge

This rich, melt-in-your-mouth fudge is as simple as it gets. Just three ingredients and a few minutes of stirring are all it takes to create a decadent, chocolatey treat. When a recipe this easy delivers bakery-level results, there’s no reason not to try it.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Fudge

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

Sweet, juicy pineapple wrapped in crispy, salty bacon, it doesn’t get better than this. With only two ingredients, these little bites are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Make them for a party or just to treat yourself; either way, they disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie

This tropical smoothie is a sunshine-filled sip of paradise, and you only need five ingredients to make it happen. A blend of fresh berries, coconut, and tropical fruits creates a refreshing, creamy drink that’s perfect for any time of day. If you want an easy smoothie that tastes like a beach vacation, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie

Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

This slow cooker cheesy ranch chicken is as easy as dump, set, and forget. With just a handful of ingredients, it transforms into a creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed dinner with zero effort. When you need a meal that practically makes itself, this is the one to turn to.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

2-Ingredient Flourless Waffles

Fluffy, golden waffles with just two ingredients? Yes, it’s possible. These waffles are light, crisp, and come together in no time, perfect for rushed mornings when you want something good without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: 2-Ingredient Flourless Waffles

Peanut Butter Brownies

These peanut butter brownies deliver big on fudgy goodness with only five ingredients. Swirls of creamy peanut butter take them over the top, making them taste like you put in way more effort. Perfect for a last-minute dessert or a little indulgence any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Brownies

Cheese Curds

Cheese lovers, this one’s for you. With just four ingredients, these crispy, gooey cheese curds are an absolute must-try. Whether you bake or fry them, they’re ridiculously easy and dangerously addictive.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Curds

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms

Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a melty chocolate kiss, this classic cookie is a holiday staple for a reason. With just three ingredients, it’s the easiest way to make a batch of crowd-pleasing cookies in no time. So good, you’ll be making these long after the holidays are over.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms

Chicken Quesadillas

Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these chicken quesadillas are almost too easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you can throw together an easy dinner that tastes way better than takeout. If you need a meal that’s simple but still exciting, this is the one.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Quesadillas

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

This cozy, spiced mulled wine is the easiest way to warm up any gathering. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let the magic happen. With only a few ingredients, you get a festive drink that tastes like it took way more effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Breakfast Sausage

Cooking breakfast sausage should be simple, and this recipe makes sure it is. Whether you’re frying, baking, or air frying, these foolproof methods guarantee perfectly juicy sausage every time. Once you see how easy it is, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Sausage

Tiger Sauce

This bold, spicy-sweet tiger sauce adds instant flavor to anything it touches. With just a few ingredients, you get a sauce that works as a dip, marinade, or drizzle for your favorite meals. When you need an easy way to level up your dishes, this is the answer.
Get the Recipe: Tiger Sauce

Peanut Butter Fudge

Rich, creamy, and loaded with peanut butter flavor, this fudge is dangerously easy to make. Just a few simple ingredients melt together into a perfectly smooth, irresistible treat. It’s so simple, you might just find yourself making it on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Fudge

Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

This salsa chicken is the definition of foolproof. Just toss chicken and salsa in the slow cooker, and a few hours later, you have a tender, flavorful meal ready to go. Use it for tacos, salads, or bowls, it’s too easy not to love.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

Cranberry Margarita

This cranberry margarita is the festive cocktail you didn’t know you needed. Tart cranberry, fresh lime, and a salted rim make this drink feel fancy, but it comes together in just minutes. Whether for the holidays or a casual night in, it’s the easiest way to impress with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Margarita

3-Ingredient Baked Custard

Who knew making a rich, creamy custard could be this easy? With just three ingredients, this simple dessert delivers a smooth, velvety texture that tastes like it took way more effort. If you love an easy treat, this foolproof recipe is a winner any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Baked Custard

2-Ingredient Pancakes

These 2-ingredient pancakes prove that breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Made with just cream cheese and eggs, they turn out thin, delicate, and packed with protein, perfect for sweet or savory toppings. Simple, easy, and delicious, this recipe is a no-brainer when you want something homemade without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: 2-Ingredient Pancakes

Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon

Impress without the stress with this bacon-wrapped filet mignon. Juicy, tender beef wrapped in crispy bacon and pan-seared in herb butter, it sounds fancy, but it’s ridiculously easy. Whether for a special occasion or just a treat-yourself night, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon

Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is the ultimate swap for regular rice when you want something light, fluffy, and packed with flavor. With just one ingredient, it’s a simple way to add more veggies to your meals without sacrificing texture or flavor. Once you see how easy it is to make at home, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice

Chocolate Chai Latte

This chocolate chai latte is your new favorite cozy drink, combining rich chocolate with warm chai spices for the perfect balance of sweet and spice. With just a few ingredients, it’s a luxurious yet ridiculously easy treat to whip up anytime. No fancy barista skills required, just mix, heat, and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chai Latte

4-Ingredient Banana Bread

No need for a long ingredient list to make a perfectly moist and sweet banana bread. This 4-ingredient recipe is the easiest way to use up ripe bananas and create a delicious breakfast or snack in no time. One bowl, one pan, and a whole lot of flavor, what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Banana Bread

Copycat McDonald’s Biscuit

These copycat McDonald’s biscuits are so light, fluffy, and buttery, you won’t believe they only take a few simple ingredients. Whether you serve them with jam for breakfast or pair them with dinner, they’re a foolproof addition to any meal. Homemade never tasted this effortless.
Get the Recipe: Copycat McDonald’s Biscuit

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Juicy chicken thighs wrapped in crispy bacon. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of smoky, savory goodness in every bite. Whether baked or grilled, it’s an easy way to make an ordinary dinner feel extra special.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Blackberry Smoothie

This 3-ingredient blackberry smoothie is a summer staple, blending up in just five minutes for a refreshing and nutritious drink. Creamy, naturally sweet, and bursting with fresh berry flavor, it’s proof that simple really is best. Perfect for rushed mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Smoothie

Egg Drop Soup

Egg Drop Soup is comfort in a bowl, made with just a few ingredients in under 10 minutes. This budget-friendly, low-carb recipe skips the cornstarch but still delivers that silky-smooth texture you love. It’s a ridiculously easy way to warm up with something homemade and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

2-Ingredient Burger Buns

These 2-ingredient burger buns are the easiest way to enjoy a warm, fluffy bread alternative without fuss. Whether you’re watching your carbs or just need a simple bun in minutes, this recipe delivers. With only eggs and cheese, they come together fast but taste like you actually put in the effort.
Get the Recipe: 2-Ingredient Burger Buns