Everyday Cooking

Everyday Cooking

15 Easiest Dinner Recipes Featuring 5 Ingredients or Less

Posted by Leslie Wu. Updated on March 23, 2020

If you're spending all your time inside and all you want to do is cocoon in front of the television with something simple, comforting and delicious, we've got you covered. Assuming you have at least salt, pepper and cooking oil in your cupboard (the essentials of all essentials!) try your hand at one of these easy dinner recipes containing five ingredients max.

  • Grilled Brie and Goat Cheese With Bacon and Green Tomato Sandwich
     
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    Grilled Brie and Goat Cheese With Bacon and Green Tomato Sandwich

    <p>Forget the lettuce: this bacon sandwich has everything you need with two types of cheese (and green tomato, to assuage the need for vegetables).</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href=" https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-brie-and-goat-cheese-with-bacon-and-green-tomato/20022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Grilled Brie and Goat Cheese With Bacon and Green Tomato Sandwich</strong></a></p>
  • 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
     
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    5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

    <p>Mac and cheese in under 15 minutes is a surefire way to feed the family in a hurry. Fans of spice can add a splash of hot sauce for a fiery touch.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href=" https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/5-ingredient-instant-pot-mac-and-cheese/20170/" target="_blank"><strong>5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese</strong></a></p>
  • Grilled Salmon Steaks
     
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    Grilled Salmon Steaks

    <p>It takes a little initial work to remove the pinbones and curl the salmon into mock tenderloins, but the result is well worth it. Tons of flavour in a pretty wrapped package to serve to hungry diners.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href=" https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-salmon-steaks/18507/" target="_blank"><strong>Grilled Salmon Steaks</strong></a></p>
  • Pesto Pizza
     
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    Pesto Pizza

    <p>With a jar of pesto in the fridge, you can add a dollop of flavour to soups, stews or anything that could use some extra kick. Use your favourite toppings for this easier-than-takeout pesto pizza (or keep it simple with tomatoes and Parmesan cheese).</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href=" https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pesto-pizza/13255/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Pesto Pizza</strong></a></p>
  • Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloins
     
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    Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloins

    <p>Lean pork tenderloins cook in a flash, but keeping them juicy and tender is often a challenge. A simple balsamic herb vinaigrette and quick roast will make for a flavourful main course in under 30 minutes.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href=" https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/balsamic-roast-pork-tenderloins/15038/" target="_blank"><strong>Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloins</strong></a></p>
  • Sriracha Chicken Salad Sandwich
     
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    Sriracha Chicken Salad Sandwich

    <p>Take humdrum chicken salad up a notch with sriracha (and chili flakes if you want it super spicy). Creamy mayonnaise takes the edge off and finely minced onion adds crunch.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href=" https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sriracha-chicken-salad-sandwich/14850/" target="_blank"><strong>Sriracha Chicken Salad Sandwich</strong></a></p>
  • Zucchini Noodles
     
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    Zucchini Noodles

    <p>A mandoline (or some pro-level knife skills) make it easy to prepare these zucchini noodles, which are the perfect base to nestle curry-scented salmon in. Choose your favourite curry paste to season: golden, green or red all work well.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href=" https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/zucchini-noodles-with-coconut-curry-salmon/18121/" target="_blank"><strong>Zucchini Noodles with Coconut Curry Salmon</strong></a></p>
  • Buttermilk Fried Chicken
     
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    Buttermilk Fried Chicken

    <p>Keeping fried chicken simple is the best way to get the pure and unadulterated joy of crispy skin and tender meat. A buttermilk soak helps keep the chicken juicy during the cooking process.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href=" https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/michael-smiths-buttermilk-fried-chicken/8572/" target="_blank"><strong>Michael Smith’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken</strong></a></p>
  • Flank Steak and Fontina Grilled Cheese
     
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    Flank Steak and Fontina Grilled Cheese

    <p>Gooey grilled cheese is upgraded with flank steak and hearty sourdough bread. Remember to slice that steak thinly for an easier eating experience. Top with chimichurri for an added level of flavour.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href=" https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/flank-steak-and-fontina-grilled-cheese/20618/" target="_blank"><strong>Flank Steak and Fontina Grilled Cheese</strong></a></p>
  • Spicy Cauliflower Stir Fry
     
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    Spicy Cauliflower Stir Fry

    <p>Turn cauliflower into the star attraction with spicy hot sauce, a hit of acidity with lime juice or rice wine vinegar and a splash of soy. Green onions are optional, but make for a nice crunch.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href=" https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spicy-cauliflower-stir-fry/15628/" target="_blank"><strong>Spicy Cauliflower Stir Fry</strong></a></p>
  • Cheese Tortellini in Light Broth
     
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    Cheese Tortellini in Light Broth

    <p>Yes, this recipe is just cooking cheese tortellini in prepared broth, but the parmesan crisps (frico) dress it up somewhat with a crunchy textural counterpoint. Store leftover frico (should there be any) in an airtight container for a couple of days for snacks.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href=" https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cheese-tortellini-in-light-broth/17276/" target="_blank"><strong>Cheese Tortellini in Light Broth</strong></a></p>
  • Ham and Cheese in Puff Pastry
     
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    Ham and Cheese in Puff Pastry

    <p>Defrosting the puff pastry is the hardest part of this quick recipe. Dijon, ham and cheese make for a traditional pairing in a pretty package. Serve in large portions for dinner or smaller ones for an easy pre-dinner snack.</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>Ham and Cheese in Puff Pastry</strong></a></p>
  • Cold Pasta Salad
     
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    Cold Pasta Salad

    <p>Sliced fresh mozzarella balls and tender crisp green beans elevate this pasta salad out of the picnic basket and onto the dinner table.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href=" https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cold-pasta-salad/13114/" target="_blank"><strong>Cold Pasta Salad</strong></a></p>
  • Quick Roast Beef
     
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    Quick Roast Beef

    <p>This pot roast inspired approach to a boneless beef sirloin uses bouillon for flavour, approximating the rich taste of roast beef in a set-it-and-forget-it manner.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href=" https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/quick-roast-beef-with-roasted-potatoes-and-carrots/6114/" target="_blank"><strong>Quick Roast Beef</strong></a></p>
  • Salt and Pepper Shrimp
     
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    Salt and Pepper Shrimp

    <p>This recipe is as simple as it sounds, and takes less than 10 minutes to pull together. Last-minute dinner is served!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/salt-and-pepper-shrimp/8283/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Salt and Pepper Shrimp</strong></a></p>
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