If you’re anything like us, you love delicious homemade meals. But we aren’t always in the mood to tackle a long list of ingredients and complicated steps. Enter 6-ingredient recipes. You definitely have some bits and bobs hanging around in your fridge or pantry, and these recipes use just a handful of ingredients to keep things quick, simple, and accessible. Plus you skip the takeaway and don’t get to that ‘I’m so hungry nothing sounds good anymore’ stage.
That’s why we’re so excited to share some of our favorite recipes that are quick but also require just 6 ingredients (or fewer!) with you today. These dishes are perfect for busy weeknights when you come home exhausted from work, lazy weekends when you want to relax without worrying about cooking, or anytime you crave something tasty without the fuss. If you ever find yourself staring at a long ingredient list and feeling completely overwhelmed, trust us, we have all been there.
The Best 6 Ingredient Recipes (Or Fewer!)
The frustration of hunting down obscure items at the grocery store or the stress of juggling multiple steps can really take the joy out of cooking. But with these eight recipes, you can say goodbye to those worries- so let’s get started!
1. Spicy Avocado Toast
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![slice bread]()
1 slice bread of choice, toasted -
![avocado]()
0.5 avocado ripe, peeled, thinly sliced -
![egg]()
1 egg sunny side up -
![chili oil]()
2 tsp chili oil
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Avocado toast has become a go-to breakfast for many of us. Especially the millennial generation! What’s not to love – it’s simple and healthy! But why settle for just mashed avocado on bread? With a bit of creativity, you can take it to new heights. This recipe gives some unique variations that will make your morning routine anything but boring.
One common way to dress it up is adding a poached egg on top of your avocado toast. We all know egg and avocado are perfect partners. Sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle a bit of sriracha sauce to give it a spicy kick. Plus, spicy foods offer various health benefits, like boosting metabolism and enhancing endorphin production, which can improve your mood.
2. Garlic Butter Shrimp
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![butter]()
4 tablespoons butter -
![shrimp]()
1 lb shrimp large, I use 16-20 count size, peeled, deveined and tails removed if desired -
![salt]()
salt to taste -
![pepper]()
pepper to taste -
![italian seasoning]()
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
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![minced garlic]()
2 teaspoons minced garlic use more if you love garlic -
![the juice of lemon]()
1 the juice of lemon -
![parsley]()
1 tablespoon parsley chopped
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When it comes to quick, delicious, and versatile meals, Garlic Butter Shrimp is a standout. This dish brings the Mediterranean to your table in under 10 minutes. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Serve it with crusty bread to mop up those juices – or some steamed green beans, if you’re craving a healthier meal.
3. Lemon Herb Chicken
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![skinless boneless chicken breast halves]()
2 X 5 ounce skinless boneless chicken breast halves -
![lemon]()
1 lemon medium, juiced, divided -
![salt]()
salt to taste -
![olive oil]()
1 tablespoon olive oil -
![dried oregano]()
1 pinch dried oregano
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![fresh parsley]()
2 sprigs fresh parsley for garnish
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Lemon Herb Chicken is one of those dishes that just hits the spot—it’s fresh, flavorful, and super easy to whip up. First off, the ingredients are simple yet pack a punch. You’ve got the tangy lemon combined with earthy herbs; a combo which brings out the best in both ingredients.
A quick marinade is all it takes to elevate the flavors, but even if you’re in a rush, a few minutes of seasoning before cooking will still yield delicious results. And if you really want to take it up a notch, experiment with some variations. Add a splash of white wine to the marinade, or sprinkle some feta and olives for a Mediterranean twist.
4. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
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![flour tortillas]()
2 flour tortillas 8-10" -
![cheese]()
0.5 cup cheese freshly shredded, Mozzarella, cheddar, Colby jack, Pepper jack all work well -
![chicken]()
0.75 cup chicken cooked, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces -
![barbecue sauce]()
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce plus more for serving
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BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a perfect blend of smoky, cheesy, and savory goodness. They’re incredibly easy to make and will have everyone asking for seconds. . All you have to do is shred the cooked chicken, mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce, then layer the mixture with cheddar cheese and thinly sliced red onions between two tortillas. Finally, cook in a skillet until golden brown and crispy and sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving. It’s that simple!
These quesadillas are so versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to make a complete meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, some crunchy tortilla chips with salsa, or a bowl of coleslaw are all wonderful choices.
5. Caprese Salad Skewers
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![cherry tomatoes]()
16 cherry tomatoes -
![fresh basil leaves]()
16 fresh basil leaves medium-large -
![fresh bocconcini]()
16 fresh bocconcini small balls of mozzarella cheese -
![Extra-virgin olive oil]()
Extra-virgin olive oil to lightly drizzle -
![Balsamic glaze]()
Balsamic glaze to drizzle
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![sea salt flakes]()
sea salt flakes
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Caprese Salad Skewers are a fresh, vibrant appetizer or side. These skewers are perfect for parties, picnics, or a light snack. The classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is taken a notch further with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can serve them as part of a larger antipasto platter, alongside other Italian favorites like bruschetta and olives. They also pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of white wine or a sparkling Prosecco. What are we saying here? Well, they’re a great choice to share with a crowd at a party!
6. Peanut Butter Energy Bites
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![creamy peanut butter]()
0.67 cup creamy peanut butter -
![semi-sweet chocolate chips]()
0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips -
![old fashioned oats]()
1 cup old fashioned oats -
![ground flax seeds]()
0.5 cup ground flax seeds -
![honey]()
2 tablespoons honey
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Need a quick pick-me-up? These no-bake energy bites are perfect for snacking on the go. This is one of those 6 ingredient recipes we find ourselves making toooonss of. And why wouldn’t we? Peanut Butter Energy Bites are the perfect snack for when you need a quick pick-me-up. They’re packed with protein and healthy fats to keep you energized throughout the day. Whether you need a quick snack on the go, a post-workout boost, or a healthy dessert, these energy bites are the perfect solution.
7. Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
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![frozen bananas]()
4 frozen bananas peeled -
![cocoa powder]()
0.25 cup cocoa powder -
![almond butter]()
2 tablespoons almond butter can sub peanut butter -
![milk]()
0.25 cup milk only use if you are making this in a food processor -
![chocolate chunks]()
chocolate chunks or chips, to sprinkle on the top
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Now, for those with a sweet tooth, let’s whip up some Chocolate Banana Ice Cream. This dessert is not only tasty but also a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream. It’s perfect for hot summer days, post-dinner cravings, or even as a midday snack. The best part? You don’t need an ice cream maker to create this delightful dessert.
It’s made with ripe bananas, which means it’s naturally sweet without the need for added sugars. The bananas also provide a smooth and creamy texture that mimics traditional ice cream, but with a fraction of the calories and fat. Cocoa powder adds that rich chocolate flavor we all love, and if you’re a fan of peanut butter, adding a spoonful gives it an extra nutty twist. Plus, it’s dairy-free and vegan if you use a plant-based milk, making it suitable for almost any dietary preference.
8. Baked Zucchini Fries
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![zucchini]()
2 zucchini large -
![eggs]()
2 eggs large -
![panko bread crumbs]()
2 cups panko bread crumbs -
![parmesan cheese]()
0.5 cup parmesan cheese finely grated -
![salt]()
1 teaspoon salt
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![pepper]()
1 teaspoon pepper
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First up, let’s talk about why we love Baked Zucchini Fries. One of our favourite 6 ingredient recipes, these are a healthy alternative to traditional fries and are incredibly simple to make. They’re perfect as a snack, a side dish, or even an appetizer for your next gathering.
The combination of zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs creates a texture and flavor that’s hard to resist. If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra burst of flavor, try adding finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or rosemary. You can also experiment with different cheeses; a sharp cheddar or a crumbly feta can offer a unique twist on the classic Parmesan.
Need More Inspiration? Check Out Our Other Recipe Collections
You’ve seen our favorite 6 ingredient recipes, but maybe you want more easy dinners or cooking tips? Check out these for more weekday meal inspo:
