There are days when I hate the idea of long recipes with grocery lists that never end. That is why there is 16 four-ingredient recipes. No lengthy shopping lists, and no complicated steps to take. And you still end up with good food! It can be a snack, a full meal, or even a dessert. You can find an easy win here.
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1) Pasta Carbonara
It is restaurant quality, and there is almost nothing in the pantry! It has a silky, and salty texture.
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Ingredients
Method
- Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Crisp the chopped bacon in a skillet until golden.
- Whisk the eggs and parmesan together in a bowl.
- Toss the hot drained pasta with the bacon, then quickly stir in the egg mixture off the heat.
- Loosen with splashes of pasta water until silky and serve right away.
Notes
2) Caprese Salad
When tomatoes are at their absolute peak, it's summer on a plate, and it takes essentially no work at all.
Caprese Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into rounds.
- Arrange them on a platter, alternating and slightly overlapping.
- Tuck the basil leaves between the slices.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top.
- Finish with a pinch of salt and serve.
Notes
3) Peanut Butter Cookies
No flour means no hassle for you and your kids can basically make them on their own!
Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350F and line a baking sheet.
- Stir the peanut butter, sugar, egg and vanilla together until smooth.
- Roll the dough into balls and place on the sheet.
- Press each one with a fork to make a crisscross pattern.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes, then let cool on the pan before moving.
Notes
4) Garlic Bread
The delicious buttery side that vanishes before the main meal is served.
Garlic Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Mash the softened butter with the minced garlic and parsley.
- Spread the garlic butter generously over the cut sides of the bread.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake 10 to 12 minutes until golden.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
5) Fruit Smoothie
My best breakfast when there is no time to think is an instant five minute breakfast!
Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients
Method
- Add the frozen berries, banana, yogurt and orange juice to a blender.
- Blend on high until completely smooth.
- Add a splash more juice if it's too thick.
- Pour into two glasses.
- Serve right away while it's cold and frosty.
Notes
6) Chicken Quesadilla
Cheesy and crispy, these snacks take less time to prepare than the kids take to ask “What’s for lunch?”.
Chicken Quesadilla
Ingredients
Method
- Melt a little butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Lay a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle half the cheese, then the chicken, then more cheese on one half.
- Fold the tortilla over and press gently.
- Cook until golden and crisp, then flip and toast the other side.
- Slice into wedges and serve with salsa.
Notes
7) Scrambled Eggs
Soft and creamy scrambled eggs are a delicious indulgence and take only five minutes to make.
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Scrambled Eggs
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the eggs, milk and salt together until smooth.
- Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet over low heat.
- Pour in the eggs and let them sit a moment before stirring.
- Gently push the eggs around as they set into soft curds.
- Pull them off the heat while still slightly glossy and serve.
Notes
8) Grilled Cheese
Always dependable and who doesn't love it on a lazy afternoon.
Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Place one slice butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat.
- Layer on the cheddar and mozzarella, then top with the second slice butter-side up.
- Cook until golden, then flip and toast the other side until the cheese melts.
- Slice in half and serve warm.
Notes
9) Tomato Soup
Smooth and cozy, this soup is begging for grilled cheese to be dunked in!
Ingredients
Method
- Saute the garlic in a little oil in a pot until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cook 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Blend until smooth with an immersion blender.
- Stir in the cream, season with salt, and serve hot.
Notes
10) Banana Pancakes
They're naturally sweet and fluffy and are made from ingredients you probably have on hand!
Banana Pancakes
Ingredients
Method
- Mash the bananas in a bowl until mostly smooth.
- Whisk in the eggs and milk.
- Stir in the flour just until combined, leaving a few lumps.
- Pour batter onto a greased griddle over medium heat.
- Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden, and serve with syrup.
Notes
11) Mac and Cheese
Creamy stovetop mac that I promise beats this boxed stuff every single time.
Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the macaroni in salted water until tender, then drain.
- Melt the butter in the same pot and stir in the milk.
- Warm gently, then add the cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until smooth.
- Return the macaroni and toss until every piece is coated.
- Season with salt and serve right away.
Notes
12) Avocado Toast
This trending breakfast deserves the hype, and it couldn't be any easier!
Avocado Toast
Ingredients
Method
- Toast the bread until golden and crisp.
- Mash the avocado with the lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
- Spread the mashed avocado generously over the toast.
- Sprinkle with flaky salt.
- Add a crack of pepper or chili flakes if you like and serve.
Notes
13) Berry Parfait
Layered and pretty! This beauty is perfect to make an ordinary Tuesday feel a little more special.
Ingredients
Method
- Spoon a layer of yogurt into the bottom of two glasses.
- Add a layer of berries, then a layer of granola.
- Repeat the layers until the glasses are full.
- Drizzle honey over the top.
- Serve right away so the granola stays crunchy.
Notes
14) Chocolate Mousse
Rich, airy, and so impressive, no one will believe it only takes a handful of ingredients!
Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the chocolate and let it cool slightly.
- Whip the cream, sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold a third of the whipped cream into the melted chocolate to loosen it.
- Fold in the rest of the cream until no streaks remain.
- Spoon into cups and chill at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
15) Pesto Pasta
Bright and herby, ready to eat in the time it takes to boil the pasta.
Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the penne in salted water until al dente, reserving a splash of pasta water before draining.
- Return the pasta to the pot and stir in the pesto.
- Loosen with a little pasta water until glossy.
- Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes.
- Top with parmesan and serve warm.
Notes
16) Tuna Salad
This hero is a no-cook lunch option and is delicious on bread and crackers or straight off the fork!
Tuna Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Flake the drained tuna into a bowl.
- Stir in the mayonnaise and lemon juice.
- Fold in the diced celery for crunch.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve on bread, over greens, or with crackers.