You know how it goes: you're sitting around, scrolling through Pinterest, and you see a recipe that looks so delicious you just have to make it for dinner tonight. Just when you've built up the anticipation, you come the long list of ingredients and immediately become disinterested. It happens to the best of us – but that doesn't mean you'll never find an easy weeknight dinner to cook.
Your pantry is probably stocked with the basics like olive oil, garlic, and salt + pepper, so you're halfway there. With these simple 3-ingredient recipes, you'll be cooking and chowing down in no time. 3-ingredient recipes are true lifesavers when it comes to lazy days, and these are our faves!
Pineapple Skewers
The perfect combination of savory and sweet, pineapple and chicken skewers are an easy way to serve up big flavor. In the off-chance you don't this 3-ingredient recipe all at once, they make a great second-day lunch served over rice. (via Brit + Co)
Mini Strawberry Pies
Everything is better when it's bite-sized. These 3-ingredient pies are no exception. Bring them to brunchor your BFF's bridal shower. Whatever the occasion, people will think you spent all day in the kitchen and won't believe this is an actual 3-ingredient recipe. (via Brit + Co)
Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
This is one of the tastiest, easiest 3-ingredient recipes for hosting a crowd. All you need for the filling is pre-cooked chicken, hot sauce, and cheese. Then, you'll roll 'em up using your favorite tortillas, air fry (or bake) them to perfection, and voila! (via Brit + Co)
Vegetarian Pigs-in-a-Blanket
Store-bought present roll dough is the true star of this 3-ingredient recipe. To it, you'll roll up some veggie sausage links and your fave sliced cheese. These will be done within 20 minutes, easy. All your pals will be asking where you got the recipe! (via Brit + Co)
Cheesy Monkey Bread
A 3-ingredient recipe made up entirely of cheese, bread and butter? There is no way this could go wrong! (via Brit + Co)
French Market Chicken with Herbed Potatoes
The only thing simple about this recipe is the ingredients. Impress your friends with a whole roast chicken on a bed of crispy red potatoes and fresh herbs. Bon appetit! (via Refinery29)
Root Beer Pulled Pork
Barbecue sauce is a summertime necessity. The next time you get a hankering for that sweet, smoky flavor, try these pulled pork sandwiches. This is one of those 3-ingredient recipes that's sure to have you coming back for seconds! (via The Girl Who Ate Everything)
Potato Gnocchi Pasta
Transform ordinary kitchen staples like potatoes, eggs and flour into light and fluffy gnocchi! Grab that half-used jar of pasta sauce that's been hanging out in the back of the fridge, and you've got a 3-ingredient meal just asking to be devoured. (via Eugenie Kitchen)
Veggie Burger
Craving a burger... but not the beef? Blend together some plant-based tempeh, egg and harissa (a red chili paste), and you’ll get a veggie burger that is not only filling and but also packed with flavor and protein. (via Earthy Feast)
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Don't know what to bring to the next potluck? These three ingredient meatballs are a real crowd pleaser, and since you're making them in the crock pot, you won't have to rush at the last minute. They'll be ready when you are. (via Frugal Fanatic)
Avocado Chicken Salad
Dress up some leftover chicken (or even rotisserie) with avocado, cilantro, and salt + pepper to make a lunch you won't mind eating two days in a row. Enjoy this 3-ingredient recipe on a bun or as a filling for lettuce wraps! (via Hip 2 Save)
3-Ingredient Chili
Sometimes you just need a good, hearty meal, but don't have the time to stand around a simmering pot all day. Now, you can have the best of both worlds! This 3-ingredient chili is great on its own but would also be a good way to use up any leftover veggies hanging out in your crisper. (via I Heart Naptime)
Watermelon Granita
Kick back and cool down this summer with a bite of this easy-to-make granita! The prep work takes a little patience, but is sooo worth it. Save the watermelon rind and repurpose it as a serving bowl for a fancy display. (via The Kitchn)
Apple Juice Chicken
This 3-ingredient recipe may have been created by accident, but our love for it was meant to be. Coated in a sauce of reduced apple juice, this is one dish you'll never mess up or pass up. (via Oatmeal With a Fork)
Peanut Butter Cookies
We all have those days where the only cure is a sweet treat. Use up that half-empty jar of peanut butter that's stting in your cabinet, and make something worth sharing on Instagram – #YUM! 3-ingredient recipes have never looked so enticing. (via Barefeet in the Kitchen)
Summertime Salsa
Salsa is good on just about everything, and can add a punch to even the blandest of meals, so it’s important to have a go-to recipe. This 3-ingredient variation is foolproof! (via South County AZ)
Hummus
A perfect spread for sandwiches or a dip for pita chips, hummus is a healthy and versatile condiment or snack to have in your kitchen. Make a big batch and it will stay good for at least a week… if it lasts that long! (via The Space Between)
Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin spice season might be long gone, but with this easy recipe you can get your fix any day of the year! This 3-ingredient recipe tastes so good, you might even be tempted to share the yum. (via Bower Power)
Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
Biscuits are a great companion to any meal, from soups to salads, and since this 3-ingredient recipe is so easy to make you’ll be able to whip up a batch in a snap. (via Two Twenty One)
Gin Tarragon co*cktail
Everyone should have a simple, but impressive co*cktail recipe in their arsenal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard dinner party or just getting together with the girls, this is one drink that should always be on the VIP list. (via Freutcake)
Sweet and Sticky 3 Ingredient Apricot Chicken (with Cauliflower Rice)
Just looking at this meal makes it hard to believe it's one of the 3-ingredient recipes you're thinking about adding to your weekly roster. But — kid you not — you only need a jar of apricot preserves, Russian dressing, and the skin from chicken thighs to make it. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Which 3-ingredient recipes are you going to try this weekend?
Lead image via Half Baked Harvest.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
