Easy Three-Ingredient Recipes That Don’t Require a Trip to the Store
Chances are, you've already got all the ingredients you'll need to whip up these tasty treats, mains and side dishes. (Note: We didn't include basics like salt, pepper and oil into the ingredient count.)
Our Favourite Three-Ingredient Recipes
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
“When my mother (who’s now a great-grandmother) gave me this no-flour, gluten-free peanut butter cookie recipe about 15 years ago, I was skeptical, because it calls for only three ingredients (and no flour). But since then I’ve never had a failure. For these gluten-free peanut butter cookies—three ingredients are all you need!” —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies.
Quick Biscuits
“These biscuits make a satisfying accompaniment to any meal. I never made biscuits until I tried this two-ingredient recipe, now my husband wants them all the time!” —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Get the recipe for Quick Biscuits.
Special Pork Chops
“I work nine hours a day, so I need delicious and simple recipes like this one. My husband thinks I work hard fixing meals, but these chops are good and easy. In summer, I can my own salsa and use some to top these chops.” —LaDane Wilson, Alexander City, Alabama
Get the recipe for Special Pork Chops.
Oven-Baked Asparagus
“I like to use recipes that call for fresh produce I’ve grown in my garden. Here’s a simple way to make baked asparagus to bring out the flavour while maintaining that bright green colour.” —Robert Foust, Indianapolis, Indiana
Get the recipe for Oven-Baked Asparagus.
Glazed Baby Carrots
“For a zippy side dish, try this recipe. These brown sugar-glazed carrots come together in no time at all.” —Anita Foster, Fairmount, Georgia
Get the recipe for Glazed Baby Carrots.
Baked Sweet Onions
“Onion recipes are some of my favourites to whip up. Served alongside any of a variety of fish and meats, these tender onions are a nice change of pace. Folks find it a fun and flavourful side dish.” —Norma Durham, Rogersville, Tennessee
Get the recipe for Baked Sweet Onions.
Chili and Jelly Meatballs
“The secret ingredient in this sassy sauce is the grape jelly. It’s a sweet contrast with the chili sauce.” —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Chili and Jelly Meatballs.
Cold-Brew Coffee
“Cold brewing reduces the acidity of coffee, which enhances its natural sweetness and complex flavours. Even those who take hot coffee with sugar and cream might find themselves sipping cold brew plain.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Cold-Brew Coffee.
Cast-Iron Skillet Steak
“If you’ve never cooked steak at home before, it can be a little intimidating. That’s why I came up with this simple steak recipe that’s so easy, you could make it any day of the week.” —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Get the recipe for Cast-Iron Skillet Steak.
Old Bay Cauliflower
“Ready in 10 minutes, this bowl of veggies has three ingredients and a whole lot of flavour. It’s the perfect cauliflower side dish.” —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Get the recipe for Old Bay Cauliflower.
Salsa Corn
“All you’ll need for this corn salsa recipe is corn and pico de gallo—a simple and effective solution for last-minute guests.” —Danielle Lee, Sewickley, Pennsylvania
Get the recipe for Salsa Corn.
Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
“Quinoa has been around for a while and I’m just now jumping on the quinoa breakfast bowl bandwagon. I’ve made it several times as a savoury side or salad, but never as a warm breakfast cereal. I finally gave it a try last weekend and loved it!” —Erica Schmidt, Kansas City, Kansas
Get the recipe for Quinoa Breakfast Bowl.
Rainbow Gelatin Cubes
“These perky gelatin cubes are fun to serve and to eat! I vary the colours to match the occasion—pink and blue for a baby shower, school colours for a graduation party, etc. Kids of all ages snap them up.” —Deanna Pietrowicz, Bridgeport, Connecticut
Get the recipe for Rainbow Gelatin Cubes.
Simple Home Fries
“When I was little, my dad and I would get up early on Sundays and make these for the family. The rest of the gang would be awakened by the tempting aroma.” —Teresa Koide, Manchester, Connecticut
Get the recipe for Simple Home Fries.
Ice Cream Bread
“Ice cream gets a whole new use in this tender bread recipe that I pared down to serve two. Be sure to use full-fat ice cream for best results.” —Katherine Kuehlman, Denver, Colorado
Get the recipe for Ice Cream Bread.
Lemon Salmon with Basil
“At our house we opt for healthy foods, and this lemony salmon with basil is a knockout in the good-for-you category. We have it with asparagus or zucchini.” —Shanna Belz, Prineville, Oregon
Get the recipe for Lemon Salmon with Basil.
Cucumber Salad Boats
Scoop out the seeds and fill fresh cucumbers with your favourite salad for a crunchy and refreshing light lunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Cucumber Salad Boats.
Grilled Garlic Naan
“Indian food is my all-time favourite and no meal is complete without some naan. I like to brush grilled or baked naan with lots of butter, garlic and a little chopped cilantro.” —Jerry Gulley, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Grilled Garlic Naan.
Dijon Pork Chops
“A crumb coating is all you need to turn pork chops into a wow-worthy family dinner. Try the breading on chicken breasts, too.” —Chris Rentmeister, Ripon, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Dijon Pork Chops.
Chocolate Pretzel Rings
“If you like chocolate-covered pretzels, you’ll love these simple snacks. They’re fun to make any time of year because you can colour co-ordinate the M&M’s to each holiday.” —Kim Scurio, Carol Stream, Illinois
Get the recipe for Chocolate Pretzel Rings.
Oven-Roasted Asparagus
“Asparagus never tasted so good! Simply seasoned with butter and green onions, they taste fresh and keep their bright green colour, too. They’re so good, you might want to make extra.” —Jody Fisher, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania
Get the recipe for Oven-Roasted Asparagus.
Grilled Ribeyes with Browned Garlic Butter
“Use the smoke of the grill to flavour the ribeyes, then pass them with garlicky butter for a standout entree your friends and family always remember.” —Arge Salvatori, Little Ferry, New Jersey
Get the recipe for Grilled Ribeyes with Browned Garlic Butter.
Parmesan Baked Potatoes
“It always amazed me that this simple recipe could make potatoes taste so good. Mom liked to make them for Easter because they were more special than ordinary baked potatoes.” —Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Get the recipe for Parmesan Baked Potatoes.
Quick Mango Sorbet
“Last summer, I decided to try my hand at making a passion fruit and mango sorbet. But fresh fruits require more prep and are difficult to find ripened at the same time. So I experimented using frozen fruit and juice, and voila! Both are readily available and inexpensive, too.” —Carol Klein, Franklin Square, New York
Get the recipe for Quick Mango Sorbet.
Grilled Cajun Green Beans
“This is a perfect way to use up your garden’s green beans. The Cajun flavor makes it different from your regular green bean recipe.” —Shannon Lewis, Andover, Minnesota
Get the recipe for Grilled Cajun Green Beans.
Golden Apricot-Glazed Turkey Breast
“Basted with a simple glaze, this wonderfully moist and tender turkey bakes to a lovely golden brown. Make it the centrepiece of your holiday table; guests will be glad you did.” —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Get the recipe for Golden Apricot-Glazed Turkey Breast.
Salsa Rice
“It’s a snap to change the spice level in this popular rice side dish by choosing a milder or hotter salsa. It’s a delicious way to round out burritos or tacos when the clock is ticking.” —Molly Ingle, Canton, North Carolina
Get the recipe for Salsa Rice.
Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Pepper Butter
“Roasting fresh-picked corn is as old as the Ozark hills where I was raised. My Grandpa Mitchell always salted and peppered his butter on the edge of his plate before spreading it on his corn, and I did the same as a kid. Today, I continue the tradition by serving lemon-pepper butter with roasted corn—it’s a favourite!” —Allene Bary-Cooper, Wichita Falls, Texas
Get the recipe for Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Pepper Butter.
Pecan Caramel Candies
“Salty and sweet, these candies are the perfect little snack. Form a kitchen assembly line with your kids, and the making becomes just as fun as the eating.” —Julie Wemhoff, Angola, Indiana
Get the recipe for Pecan Caramel Candies.
Oven-Roasted Salmon
“When I’m starving after work, I want a fast meal with no-fail technique. Roasted salmon is super tender and has a delicate sweetness. It’s also an easy wowza for company.” —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Oven-Roasted Salmon.
Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
“My roommate and I used to make garlicky Brussels sprouts at least twice a week. Now I make them as a healthy side for all sorts of occasions.” —Katherine Moore-Colasurd, Cincinnati, Ohio
Get the recipe for Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
Old-Fashioned Green Beans
“Mom would prepare homegrown green beans using this recipe and, boy, did they ever taste good! The bacon provides rich flavour and the brown sugar a touch of sweetness. This is one irresistible side dish.” —Willa Govoro, St. Clair, Missouri
Get the recipe for Old-Fashioned Green Beans.
Roasted Radishes
Radishes aren’t just for salads anymore. This abundant springtime veggie makes a colourful side to any meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get the recipe for Roasted Radishes.
Southwest Pork Tenderloin
“When living in Europe, I missed classic Southwestern flavours. Using what I had, I made spicy pork tenderloin and it’s been a staple ever since.” —John Cox, Seguin, Texas
Get the recipe for Southwest Pork Tenderloin.
Old-Fashioned Applesauce
“We had all kinds of apple trees in the yard when I was growing up, so I don’t know for sure which ones Mother liked best for applesauce. (Today I use Cortlands.) I do know that her applesauce was very white. The secret, she said, was to keep the apples in salt water while she peeled them so that they wouldn’t darken.” —Doris Natvig, Jesup, Iowa
Get the recipe for Old-Fashioned Applesauce.
Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower
“When we make a time-consuming entree, we also do a quick broccoli and cauliflower side. The veggies are a good fit when you’re watching calories.” —Debra Tolbert, Deville, Louisiana
Get the recipe for Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower.
Freezer Sweet Corn
“People ask me how to freeze corn on the cob because my frozen corn tastes as good as fresh! This way it stays crisp-tender and now I can have “fresh” corn any time of the year.” —Judy Oudekerk, St. Michael, Minnesota
Get the recipe for Freezer Sweet Corn.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
“My husband and I grill dinner almost every night, and I love grilling veggies for a side dish. I serve this grilled bacon wrapped asparagus recipe with meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal.” —Trisha Kitts, Dickinson, Texas
Get the recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus.
Jalapeno-Lime Chicken Drumsticks
“Bottled hot sauce isn’t my thing, so I developed a fresh pepper glaze for grilled chicken. These drumsticks practically fly off the plate.” —Kristeen DeVorss, Farmington, New Mexico
Get the recipe for Jalapeno-Lime Chicken Drumsticks.
Scottish Shortbread
“Scottish settlers first came to this area over 150 years ago. My mother herself was Scottish, and—as with most of my favourite recipes—she passed this on to me. I make a triple batch of it each year at Christmas, to enjoy and as gifts.” —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
Get the recipe for Scottish Shortbread.
Spicy Grilled Eggplant
“This grilled side goes well with pasta or meats also made on the grill. Thanks to the Cajun seasoning, it gets more attention than an ordinary veggie.” —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Get the recipe for Spicy Grilled Eggplant.
Roasted Carrots with Thyme
“These roasted carrots are so simple but always a hit. Cutting the carrots lengthwise makes this dish look extra pretty.” —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Get the recipe for Roasted Carrots with Thyme.
Slow-Cooked Potatoes with Spring Onions
“I love the simplicity of this recipe, as well as the ease of preparation with my slow cooker. And everyone always likes roasted potatoes, even my pickiest child! If desired, top with shredded or crumbled cheese.” —Theresa Gomez, Stuart, Florida
Get the recipe for Slow-Cooked Potatoes with Spring Onions.
Jalapeno Jelly-Glazed Pork Chops
“Jalapeno jelly makes a fabulous glaze. The chops have a beautiful golden colour, and my husband says they’re good enough to keep everyone quiet at the dinner table.” —Shannon Bruce, Mooresville, Indiana
Get the recipe for Jalapeno Jelly-Glazed Pork Chops.
Lemon-Roasted Asparagus
“When it comes to fixing asparagus, I think it’s hard to go wrong. The springy flavours in this easy recipe burst with every bite.” —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Get the recipe for Lemon-Roasted Asparagus.
Shredded Pork with Beans
“A friend gave me this recipe, which my sons say is a keeper. For a change of pace, spoon the tasty filling into soft tortillas.” —Sarah Johnston, Lincoln, Nebraska
Get the recipe for Shredded Pork with Beans.
Bacon-Wrapped Corn
“After one bite of this grilled corn on the cob, you’ll never go back to your old way of preparing it. The incredible flavour of roasted corn combined with bacon and chili powder is sure to please your palate and bring rave reviews at your next backyard barbecue.” —Lori Bramble, Omaha, Nebraska
Get the recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Corn.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
“There’s nothing to this recipe—the preparation and cooking are so quick. I sprinkle in a few dried cranberries, but you can let your imagination take over. Add a handful of raisins or walnuts at the end…even sliced oranges. If your Brussels sprouts are large, cut them in half.” —Ellen Ruzinsky, Yorktown Heights, New York
Get the recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries.
Peanut Butter Fudge
“This peanut butter fudge is a favourite ‘never fail’ quickie recipe.” —Eleanore Peterson, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Peanut Butter Fudge.
Cheesy Quesadillas
“We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter.” —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Get the recipe for Cheesy Quesadillas.
Tarragon Asparagus
“I grow purple asparagus, so I’m always looking for new ways to prepare it. Recently, my husband and I discovered how wonderful any colour of asparagus tastes when it’s grilled.” —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Tarragon Asparagus.
Grilled Teriyaki Salmon
“The super-fast marinade for this salmon recipe combines maple syrup and teriyaki sauce which also creates a delicious sweet-and-sour glaze. The salmon stays extremely moist and is really yummy.” —Lenita Schafer, Ormond Beach, Florida
Get the recipe for Grilled Teriyaki Salmon.
Herbed Butternut Squash
“This is just one of many ways I prepare butternut squash for my two girls. It’s a winter staple in our house.” —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Get the recipe for Herbed Butternut Squash.
Slow-Cooked Cajun Corn
“My husband loves corn on the cob, and I love this slow cooker recipe because I don’t have to stand at a hot stove. We like a little spice, so the Cajun seasoning works well for us, but any spice blend works.” —Audra Rorick, Scott City, Kansas
Get the recipe for Slow-Cooked Cajun Corn.
Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
“Pull out your ovenproof skillet for this juicy balsamic pork tenderloin that goes from stovetop to oven. Balsamic vinegar gives it a tangy glaze.” —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Get the recipe for Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin.
Spaghetti Squash & Sausage Easy Meal
“I first created my son’s favourite dish using homegrown squash, kielbasa and salsa. This variation uses only a few ingredients.” —Pam Copeland, Taylorsville, Utah
Get the recipe for Spaghetti Squash & Sausage Easy Meal.
Parmesan Asparagus
“Nothing could be more simple than this side dish. Since it has just four ingredients, I assemble it in no time, then pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes. It turns out perfect every time.” —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Get the recipe for Parmesan Asparagus.
Parmesan Butternut Squash
“Butternut squash sprinkled with Parmesan and bread crumbs makes a superb side dish we love to share. Using the microwave cuts down on long roasting time.” —Jackie O’Callaghan, West Lafayette, Indiana
Get the recipe for Parmesan Butternut Squash.
Snickers Cookies
“Though you wouldn’t know by looking, you’ll find a sweet surprise inside these Snickers cookies. My mother got this recipe from a fellow teacher at her school. It’s a great way to dress up refrigerated cookie dough.” —Kari Pease, Conconully, WA
Get the recipe for Snickers Cookies.
Maple Cranberry Chicken
“With just four ingredients, these moist and flavourful chicken breasts are a cinch to prepare. The tart cranberry sauce contrasts nicely with the sweet maple syrup.” —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California
Get the recipe for Maple Cranberry Chicken.
Pesto Twists
“Use pesto made straight from your garden if you make these in the summer or purchase it prepared from the grocery store to fill these easy appetizers.” —Jaye Beeler, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Get the recipe for Pesto Twists.
Grilled Cauliflower Wedges
“This meal is incredibly easy, yet is packed with flavour and looks like a dish from a five-star restaurant. The grill leaves the cauliflower cooked but crisp, and the red pepper flakes add bite.” —Carmel Hall, San Francisco, California
Get the recipe for Grilled Cauliflower Wedges.
Buttermilk Smashed Potatoes
“My family loves this decadent homestyle recipe of buttermilk, potatoes and butter. Serve with your favourite toppings and enjoy!” —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Get the recipe for Buttermilk Smashed Potatoes.
Chipotle-Raspberry Pork Chops
“With only three ingredients and 10-minute prep time, this supper’s fast enough to throw together after a long day of work.” —Jennifer Ray, Poncha Springs, Colorado
Get the recipe for Chipotle-Raspberry Pork Chops.
Next, check out 35 easy bread recipes anyone can bake.
