3-Ingredient Recipes That Don’t Require a Trip to the Store
Updated: Jun. 28, 2022
These simple 3-ingredient recipes come together in a snap! (Note: We did not include basics into the ingredient count like salt, pepper, water and oil).
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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—3 ingredients are all you need! —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
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Basic Boiled Potatoes
Cook a big pot of red potatoes, and you'll not only have a fuss-free side dish, but a head start on other meals. Add butter and parsley to the portion of boiled potatoes you're serving immediately, then refrigerate the rest.
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3-Ingredient Banana Bread
It won’t be long before you’re able to make this easy banana bread without looking at the recipe! You need only three simple ingredients: a box of cake mix, mashed ripe bananas and eggs. —Kristina Vanni, Chicago, Illinois
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Wild Plum Jelly
I've had this wild plum jelly recipe for ages. Each year when the plums are ripe, I'll fill my pail and make this jelly. It's so good served with toast, pancakes or waffles! —Ludell Heuser, Mount Horeb, Wisconsin
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Air-Fryer Sausage Bacon Bites
Try surprising your family on Sunday morning by pulling these bites out of the air fryer as they head to breakfast, and get ready for the oohs and aahs of delight. They're equally delicious as a party appetizer. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
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Sawmill Gravy
I thought everyone knew how to make sawmill gravy until my husband, George, and I served it for a breakfast we hosted. It disappeared quickly, and everyone who tried it asked for the recipe. —Joan Daumeyer, Blanchester, Ohio
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Screwdriver
Vodka and orange juice come together in delicious harmony in the classic screwdriver recipe. Whether mixing a batch for brunch or enjoying it as a cocktail hour sipper, a screwdriver always hits the spot.
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Kettle Corn
If one of the reasons you go to fairs is to satisfy your craving for kettle corn, you'll get the same wonderful salty-sweet taste at home with this recipe. Now you can indulge whenever the mood strikes you. —Jenn Martin, Sebago, Maine
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Fried Eggs
If you're watching calories, make this fried egg recipe in a nonstick pan coated with nonstick cooking spray.
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Pretzel Strawberry Bark
This is my candy version of the classic strawberry pretzel dessert. It uses ruby chocolate, which is fairly new on the market. If you can't find it, you can substitute white chocolate in its place. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
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Orange and Olives Salad
My grandmother made sure this orange and olives salad was on our holiday table every year. It's so light and simple to make. And it looks pretty on the table! —Angela David, Lakeland, Florida
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Manhattan
This Manhattan on the Rocks recipe makes a substantial drink. It can be served straight up in a chilled cocktail glass or over ice in a rocks glass. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Homemade Tortilla Chips
I make these tortilla chips to serve with roasted tomatillo salsa. They have a little heat from the chipotle. If you prefer, omit the chipotle and just sprinkle with salt after frying. Try adding a squeeze of lime to your chips right before serving for a tajin flavor. —David Ross, Spokane Valley, Washington
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Ranch Mushrooms
I got this ranch mushrooms recipe from my sister-in-law, and it has become a family favorite. The mushrooms don't last long once people know I've made them. —Jackie McGee, Byron, Minnesota
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Mini Brownie Treats
I like to take these quick and easy treats to potlucks and family gatherings. They're always well received! —Pam Kokes, North Loup, Nebraska
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Classic Margarita
Our margarita recipe and easy-to-follow guide will have you juicing limes and shaking up drinks like a pro!
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Sausage Cheese Puffs
People are always surprised when I tell them there are only four ingredients in this easy sausage ball recipe. Cheesy and spicy, the golden morsels are a fun novelty at a breakfast or brunch, and they also make yummy party appetizers. —Della Moore, Troy, New York
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Green Beans with Bacon
One bite of green beans with bacon makes us wonder why we'd ever eat this veggie any other way!
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Dutch Oven Bread
This no-knead Dutch oven bread uses basic pantry ingredients to create a beautifully rustic loaf. Enjoy your crusty bread on sandwiches, as a snack or as a vehicle for soaking up broths and sauces.
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How to Make Sushi Rice
Have you ever had a superb sushi experience? The sushi rice should have a texture that's moist and creamy but firm. This guide is all about how to make that perfect sushi rice!
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Kool-Aid Pickles
Kool-Aid pickle are an essential summer treat in the South. Here's how to make a batch of Koolickles!
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Corn Pone
Corn pone is an old-fashioned Southern recipe that seemingly never goes out of style. We suspect it has something to do with the fact that it’s fried in bacon fat until it’s crispy and perfectly golden brown.
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White Russian
Learn how to make a white Russian just like The Dude in the Coen brothers' cult-classic 1998 film, "The Big Lebowski," using Kahlua, vodka and cream.
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Oven Fries
I jazz up these baked french fries with paprika and garlic powder. Something about the combination of spices packs a punch. The leftovers are even good cold! —Heather Byers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Tiger Peanut Butter Candy
A good friend gave me this recipe, and I cut it in half to make just enough for me. The effortless three-ingredient candy will please any chocolate-and-peanut-butter lover. —Roberta Taylor, Sharpsville, Indiana
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Air-Fryer Potato Chips
These crispy air-fryer potato chips require just four ingredients, and one of them is optional. Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy homemade chips anytime!
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Roasted Asparagus
Since asparagus is so abundant here in spring, I like to put it to use with this tasty roasted asparagus recipe. Not only does it come together quickly, but it calls for just a handful of items. We all look forward to this side dish each year. —Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, OH
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Baked Fish
This baked fish recipe is the opposite of fussy. Use fresh or frozen fillets for a quick and simple dish that pairs with almost anything for a perfect weeknight (or any night!) meal.
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Be-Mine Sandwich Cookies
These simple cookies are the first thing to disappear from dessert tables. They're cute, colorful and extremely fast to make. —Darcie Cross, Novi, Michigan
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Homemade Limoncello
This limoncello recipe makes a drink better than any store-bought version. It's perfect as an after-dinner treat on its own, or whipped up in a cocktail. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Brussels Sprouts with Leeks
THIS is a dish I’ve tried a few times for my husband and me. Since we both love Brussel sprouts, I often experiment with different combinations to enhance the taste. We found leeks give the sprouts a special flavor.
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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 this dish is good and easy. In summer, I can my own salsa and use some to top these chops. —LaDane Wilson, Alexander City, Alabama
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Bacon, Cabbage and Noodles
I received this fried cabbage and noodles recipe from a friend of Hungarian descent. Some folks turn up their noses when it is presented, but after one taste, they always come back for seconds...and thirds! —Jeanie Castor, Decatur, Illinois
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2-Ingredient Biscuits
With a scoop of self-rising flour and heavy whipping cream, you can whip up eight tender, flaky biscuits in no time at all.
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Guinness Float
That very first sip of a Guinness is what inspired this quick and easy dessert. The rich, creamy foam that gathers on the top of a freshly poured draft made me think of vanilla ice cream. At that point, I knew I had to combine the two in a Guinness float. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
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Buttery 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies
With only a few ingredients, these butter shortbread cookies are so simple to prepare. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
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Hard-Boiled Eggs
In the kitchen, it's important to start with something simple, like how to cook hard-boiled eggs. Use this egg recipe in plenty of dishes, or eat them plain for a quick protein fix. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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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
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Homemade Tortillas
Beautifully browned, soft homemade tortillas are just four pantry ingredients away. Once you learn how simple this recipe is, you may never buy the store-bought stacks again!
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Baked Vidalia Onions
Vidalia onion recipes are some of my favorites 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 flavorful side dish. —Norma Durham, Rogersville, Tennessee
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Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
To make a batch of these three-ingredient peanut butter oatmeal bars to enjoy throughout the week, set aside just 10 minutes on your Sunday. But we make no promises the delicious bars won’t be eaten by midweek.
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Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs
Easy and delicious are the two main characteristics of any good appetizer, and these grape jelly and chili sauce meatballs fit the bill. From Superbowl gatherings to Oscar parties, these meatballs are sure to hit the spot.
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Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
I’m a busy schoolteacher and pastor’s wife and I wouldn’t dare show my face at a church dinner or bake sale without some of these tempting peanut butter treats. They’re quick and easy to make and always a hit. —Kristi Tackett, Banner, Kentucky
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Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brewing reduces the acidity of coffee, which enhances its natural sweetness and complex flavors. Even those who take hot coffee with sugar and cream might find themselves sipping cold brew plain. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Italian Bread
A basket of Italian bread complements any meal. Make your own loaves at home with our simple, straightforward recipe, then use them for sandwiches or just for sopping up some sauce.
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Cast-Iron Steak
You can enjoy a perfectly seared cast-iron steak any night of week at home. Read on to learn how to cook steak in a skillet in just about 10 minutes.
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Roasted Rosemary Cauliflower
Roasting the cauliflower really brings out its flavor in this side dish. Even folks who aren't cauliflower lovers like it this way. —Joann Fritzler, Belen, New Mexico
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Grahams
Because so many people seem to love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, I came up with this no-bake cookie recipe.—Geraldine Sliwa, Elgin, Illinois
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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
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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
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Ice Cream Bread
Ice cream bread is the three-ingredient treat you need be making. In just 30 minutes, you will have a treat worthy of dessert (or even breakfast).
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Grilled Garlic Naan
Indian food is my all-time favorite, and no meal is complete without some naan. I like to brush grilled or baked naan with lots of butter and garlic. I sometimes add a little chopped cilantro.—Jerry Gulley, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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Clarified Butter
We make clarified butter to remove the milk solids, which are what burn when cooking with high heat. Keep a jar in the fridge to use for pan frying, or to drizzle over veggies, rice and, of course, seafood! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Dijon Pork Chops
A bread 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
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Fry Bread
While taking a trip to the Grand Canyon, my family drove through the Navajo reservation and stopped at a little cafe for dinner. I complimented the young waiter on the delicious Indian fry bread and he gave me the recipe. It is very easy to make. —Mildred Stephenson, Hartselle, Alabama
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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
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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
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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 favorite! —Allene Bary-Cooper, Wichita Falls, Texas
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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
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Southwest Pork Tenderloin
When living in Europe, I missed classic Southwestern flavors. Using what I had, I made spicy pork tenderloin and it's been a staple ever since. —John Cox, Seguin, Texas
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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
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Scottish Shortbread
My mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
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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
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Slow-Cooked Potatoes with Spring Onions
I love the simplicity of this recipe, as well as its ease of preparation with my slow cooker. Everyone always enjoys roasted potatoes, even my pickiest child! If desired, top with shredded or crumbled cheese. —Theresa Gomez, Stuart, Florida
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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
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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 flavor 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
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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
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Grilled Teriyaki Salmon
The super fast marinade for this grilled teriyaki 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
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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, Lyons, Kansas
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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
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Snickers Cookies
Though you wouldn't know by looking, you'll find a sweet surprise inside these cookies. My mother got this Snickers cookie recipe from a fellow teacher at her school. It's a terrific way to dress up refrigerated cookie dough. —Kari Pease, Conconully, Washington
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