Everyday Cooking

Everyday Cooking

Simple and Satisfying Recipes That Use 5 Ingredients or Less

Updated on April 22, 2020 by Melissa Girimonte

Is your refrigerator looking bare and your pantry supply running low? Never worry! You don’t need complicated recipes and dozens of ingredients to prepare a satisfying and tasty meal. From omelettes and pancakes for breakfast to sheet pan salmon and fried chicken for dinner, you have to try these simple and delicious dishes that use five ingredients or less in addition to salt, pepper and oil.

  • Cacio e Pepe
     
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    Cacio e Pepe

    <p>This classic Italian comfort food dish is so simple to make, yet so satisfying. All you need is your favourite spaghetti, salt and pepper and a mix of grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano for a quick lunch, dinner or late night snack. Skip the usual spaghetti or penne and make one of these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-stuffed-pasta-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easy stuffed pasta recipes that start with store-bought noodles</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cacio-e-pepe-reloaded/23233/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Alton Brown's Cacio e Pepe: Reloaded</strong></a></p>
  • Glazed Chicken and Broccoli Sheet Pan Dinner
     
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    Glazed Chicken and Broccoli Sheet Pan Dinner

    <p><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/hearty-sheet-pan-dinner-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sheet pan dinners</a> are an easy way to get a hearty meal on the table with minimal fuss or mess. In this variation, tender teriyaki chicken, crisp broccoli and rainbow-coloured fingerling potatoes are ready in just under an hour.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/glazed-chicken-and-broccoli-sheet-pan-dinner/20703/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Glazed Chicken and Broccoli Sheet Pan Dinner</strong></a></p>
  • Crispy Grilled Cheese
     
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    Crispy Grilled Cheese

    <p>How do you improve on the perfection of an ooey, gooey grilled cheese? If you're Ree Drummond, you sandwich a blend of Cheddar, Grueyere and Fontina between thick slices of sourdough, and sprinkle Parmesan on top for a golden, crispy finish.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/crispy-grilled-cheese/21170/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Crispy Grilled Cheese</strong></a></p>
  • Quickie Grains, Greens and Beans Bowl
     
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    Quickie Grains, Greens and Beans Bowl

    <p>For a nutritious and delicious lunch, take some <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-tasty-ways-use-leftover-rice/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">leftover rice</a> and add chickpeas, baby kale and your choice of avocado or apple slices, then finish it with a drizzle of creamy tahini. If you're looking for a grain-free option, use cauliflower rice as your base instead.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/breakfast-lunch-dinner-5-ingredients/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Quickie Grains, Greens and Beans Bowl</strong></a></p>
  • French Omelette With Cheese and Chives
     
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    French Omelette With Cheese and Chives

    <p>This simple omelette filled with your choice of grated gruyere or fontina is topped with finely chopped fresh chives and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, feel free to add other fillings like mushrooms, spinach or even ham.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/french-omelette-with-cheese-and-chives/22985/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Antoni Porowski's French Omelette With Cheese and Chives</strong></a></p>
  • Waffled Chorizo-Cheese Quesadilla
     
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    Waffled Chorizo-Cheese Quesadilla

    <p>Almost anything can be waffled, but have you ever made quesadillas in a waffle iron? Fill flour tortillas with browned chorizo, shredded cheddar and quick pickled onions and cook until the cheese is melted and the outside is golden.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/waffled-chorizo-cheese-quesadilla/18745/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Waffled Chorizo-Cheese Quesadilla</strong></a></p>
  • Maple Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
     
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    Maple Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

    <p>Break out of your oatmeal rut with this quinoa breakfast bowl made with sweet maple syrup, toasted nuts and fresh blueberries. It's a healthy and delightful way to start your day. Give every morning a burst of sunshine with these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/sweet-savoury-breakfast-bowl-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sweet and savoury breakfast bowls</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/breakfast-lunch-dinner-5-ingredients/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Maple Quinoa Breakfast Bowl</strong></a></p>
  • Sweet Potato Toast With Almond Butter, Banana and Toasted Coconut Chips
     
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    Sweet Potato Toast With Almond Butter, Banana and Toasted Coconut Chips

    <p>Forget the bread and use thick slices of sweet potato as the base of this morning treat. It's not only a great way to add variety to your breakfast rotation, but it's equally satisfying as a snack or dessert. No matter the time of day, here are some <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/superfood-spotlight-best-sweet-potato-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">standout sweet potato recipes to devour</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sweet-potato-toast-with-almond-butter-banana-and-toasted-coconut-chips/20273/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Sweet Potato Toast With Almond Butter, Banana and Toasted Coconut Chips</strong></a></p>
  • Sheet Pan Miso Salmon
     
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    Sheet Pan Miso Salmon

    <p>Five ingredients and 35 minutes is all you need for a palate-pleasing sheet pan supper. The maple-miso marinade really brings out the flavour of the salmon which pairs beautifully with the nutty roasted broccoli. For more meals packed with protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, look no further than these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-salmon-fillet-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fantastic ways to cook salmon fillets</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/breakfast-lunch-dinner-5-ingredients/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Sheet Pan Miso Salmon</strong></a></p>
  • 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
     
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    5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

    <p>Macaroni and cheese is a family favourite and by using the popular multi-purpose kitchen gadget, you can have creamy mac and cheese ready in no time with this five-ingredient, one-pot recipe. For more meal prep ideas, try out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/pressure-cooked-instant-pot-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instant Pot recipes for quicker dinners</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/5-ingredient-instant-pot-mac-and-cheese/20170/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese</strong></a></p>
  • Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes
     
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    Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes

    <p>No flour in the house? No problem! You can still make fluffy pancakes with this three-ingredient, gluten-free recipe. All you need is a banana and a couple of eggs. If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, add a bit of cinnamon instead.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/3-ingredient-gluten-free-banana-pancakes/19681/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes</strong></a></p>
  • Veggie and Quinoa Collard Wraps
     
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    Veggie and Quinoa Collard Wraps

    <p>Instead of a tortilla or pita, why not make your wrap with bright green collard leaves? Fill each one with cooked quinoa, hummus and an assortment of chopped vegetables for a protein-packed lunch.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/veggie-and-quinoa-collard-wraps/20621/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Veggie and Quinoa Collard Wraps</strong></a></p>
  • Breakfast Baskets
     
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    Breakfast Baskets

    <p>In just one easy step, you can make a delicious and impressive weekend breakfast that your entire family will adore. Stuff ramekins with a slice of soft sandwich bread and crack an egg into the centre before popping them into the oven. No frying pans or toasters are required, so clean up is a breeze. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/breakfast-baskets/13884/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Breakfast Baskets</strong></a></p>
  • Pesto Pizza
     
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    Pesto Pizza

    <p>Top store-bought dough with a basil pesto, halved Campari tomatoes and shaved Parmesan for a gourmet pizza that's ready in less time than it takes to order takeout. If you prefer more toppings, you can add anything from olives and baby spinach to roasted red peppers and leftover bacon.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pesto-pizza/13255/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Michael Smith's Pesto Pizza</strong></a></p>
  • Penne Pecorino
     
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    Penne Pecorino

    <p>With only five ingredients and less than 30 minutes of prep time, this recipe from Ree Drummond's kitchen will help you get lunch or dinner on the table with minimal effort. What really sets this pasta apart from cacio e pepe is the addition of caramelized yellow onions for a deeper flavour.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/penne-pecorino/22581/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Penne Pecorino</strong></a></p>
  • Ham and Cheese in Puff Pastry
     
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    Ham and Cheese in Puff Pastry

    <p>Swiss gruyere and slices of black forest ham are baked between layers of refrigerated <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/puff-pastry-dinner-hacks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">puff pastry</a>. Serve with a cup of soup or a simple salad.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ham-and-cheese-in-puff-pastry/15361/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Ham and Cheese in Puff Pastry</strong></a></p>
  • Buttermilk Fried Chicken
     
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    Buttermilk Fried Chicken

    <p>Don't be intimidated by the thought of making fried chicken. By following this simple recipe from Michael Smith, you'll be a pro in no time at all. And the secret to perfectly crispy skin is baking it for 10 to 12 minutes after frying.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/michael-smiths-butermilk-fried-chicken/8572/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Michael Smith's Buttermilk Fried Chicken</strong></a></p>
  • Cheese Tortellini in Light Broth
     
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    Cheese Tortellini in Light Broth

    <p>With just a couple of store-bought ingredients like refrigerated cheese tortellini and chicken broth, you can have this delicious dish on your table in less than 30 minutes. Plus, the Parmesan crisps are fun and easy to make.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cheese-tortellini-in-light-broth/17276/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Cheese Tortellini in Light Broth</strong></a></p>
  • Tomato, Mozzarella and Pesto Sandwiches
     
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    Tomato, Mozzarella and Pesto Sandwiches

    <p>Ree Drummond takes the ingredients of a Caprese salad and adds them to a ciabatta roll for a quick and delicious sandwich. In place of fresh basil, spread prepared pesto on the bread and then add slices of tomato and mozzarella. If you prefer your bread toasted and the cheese melted, pop the sandwich into a panini press before serving. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tomato-mozzarella-and-pesto-sandwiches/15641/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Tomato, Mozzarella and Pesto Sandwiches</strong></a></p>
  • Mushroom and Smoked Cheddar Frittata
     
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    Mushroom and Smoked Cheddar Frittata

    <p>Eggs aren't only for breakfast. They're a great way to add more protein to your lunch and dinner menus as well. This frittata — made with creamy smoked cheddar, minced garlic and meaty cremini mushrooms — is a satisfying main dish that can be paired with a green salad or toasted slices of your favourite bread.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mushroom-and-smoked-cheddar-frittata/10071/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Anna Olson's Mushroom and Smoked Cheddar Frittata</strong></a></p>
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