Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen whipping up a meal? Do you wish you had more time to enjoy your favorite hobbies or simply relax after a long day? Look no further! In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But what if we told you that there was a way to get delicious meals on the table in no time at all?
Enter: 4-ingredient recipes! With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a wide variety of tasty dishes without breaking a sweat. From classic comfort foods like cookies and pancakes to international-inspired dishes like garlic parmesan roasted potatoes and honey mustard chicken, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 quick and easy recipes that use just four ingredients or less. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for some new ideas to spice up your meal routine or a college student trying to make the most of your limited cooking time, these recipes are sure to become instant favorites.
4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these easy-to-make peanut butter cookies, requiring just four ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the egg until well combined.
4. Stir in the baking soda.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Easy 4 Ingredient Pancakes
Start your day with a delicious and effortless breakfast treat using just four simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour and eggs until smooth.
2. Add the milk and melted butter; whisk until well combined.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
6. Flip pancakes; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes total (4-5 pancakes at a time)
Enjoy your fluffy and flavorful pancakes!
4 Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the power of garlic, parmesan cheese, and roasted potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss together potatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to taste.
4. Spread the potato mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Simple 4 Ingredient Guacamole
Get ready to dip into the creamy goodness of this easy guacamole recipe! With just four ingredients, you’ll be enjoying fresh and delicious dip in no time.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the avocado halves, lime juice, and red onion.
3. Use a fork to mash the ingredients together until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
4 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Muffins
These 4-ingredient banana oatmeal muffins are a perfect breakfast or snack option for any time of the day. With minimal effort, you can create a tasty treat that’s packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas using a fork until smooth.
3. Add the oats, flour, and egg to the bowl. Mix until just combined.
4. Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Quick 4 Ingredient Tomato Soup
This recipe yields a flavorful and comforting tomato soup that can be prepared in no time. With just four ingredients, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to release their juices.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
4 Ingredient Honey Mustard Chicken
This recipe combines the flavors of honey and mustard to create a deliciously sweet and tangy chicken dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and mustard until well combined.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush the honey-mustard mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the top of each breast.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Easy 4 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this simple recipe that requires only a few ingredients and minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 can (14 oz/397g) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup (120g) chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Place over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. If using walnuts, fold them into the fudge mixture.
5. Pour the fudge into the prepared baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
6. Cut into squares and serve.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (melting chocolate) + chilling time
4 Ingredient Avocado Toast
A simple and delicious twist on traditional toast, this recipe combines the creaminess of avocado with the crunch of whole grain bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of whole grain bread (such as sourdough or baguette)
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toast.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice for an added burst of flavor.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes (depending on toaster or oven settings)
Simple 4 Ingredient Pasta Alfredo
A classic comfort food dish that’s ready in no time! This recipe uses just four ingredients to create a rich and creamy pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente, then reserve.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add the cooked fettuccine to the saucepan and toss until coated with the Alfredo sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
4 Ingredient Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Quickly add a burst of citrus flavor to your shrimp with this simple recipe that combines the brightness of lemon and the richness of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the shrimp in a single layer.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Quick 4 Ingredient Tuna Salad
A refreshing and protein-packed salad that’s ready in no time. This tuna salad is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup of chopped celery
– 1/4 cup of chopped onion
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, and a pinch of salt.
2. Stir until well combined and creamy.
3. Add the chopped celery and onion to the bowl and stir gently to distribute evenly.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in under 5 minutes.
4 Ingredient Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Get ready to indulge in a deliciously simple treat with these 4-Ingredient Cinnamon Sugar Donuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough (10-12 count)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F.
2. Open the can of biscuit dough and separate the dough into individual biscuits.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.
4. Dip each biscuit into the sugar mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5. Fry the coated biscuits in batches for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on frying method)
Tips:
– Make sure to not overcrowd the pan when frying, as this can cause the donuts to stick together.
– Let the donuts cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Easy 4 Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork
Easy 4 Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork
Get ready for a mouthwatering pulled pork recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious! This easy-to-make dish requires just four ingredients and some tender loving care.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to cover it evenly.
4. Place the pork in a large Dutch oven or a heavy-duty aluminum foil-lined roasting pan.
5. Pour the BBQ sauce over the pork, making sure it’s completely coated.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
4 Ingredient Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Revitalize your morning with a delicious and refreshing strawberry banana smoothie that’s packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana
– 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Add the banana, strawberries, Greek yogurt, and honey to a blender.
2. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Pour the smoothie into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Enjoy your strawberry banana smoothie as a quick breakfast or snack!
Simple 4 Ingredient Cheese Quesadilla
Get ready for a cheesy delight that’s easy to make and packed with flavor!
Ingredients:
– 2 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place one tortilla on a flat surface.
3. Sprinkle half of the cheese and all of the cilantro onto the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Brush the tops with olive oil.
6. Place the quesadilla on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
7. Flip the quesadilla over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make another quesadilla.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
4 Ingredient Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Get ready to enjoy a deliciously simple side dish that’s perfect for any meal. This 4-Ingredient Baked Parmesan Zucchini recipe is a game-changer, requiring minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. In a bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
4. Brush both sides of the zucchini slices with olive oil.
5. Coat each slice with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Place the coated zucchini slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quick 4 Ingredient Sausage Rolls
In just a few minutes, you can create delicious sausage rolls with only a handful of ingredients. Perfect for a quick snack or meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of sausage (such as hot dogs or breakfast links), sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup of refrigerated biscuit or croissant dough, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon of water
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the biscuit or croissant dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Place a slice of sausage in the center of each piece of dough, leaving a small border around it.
4. Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg and fold the dough over the sausage, pressing gently to seal.
5. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch between each roll.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
4 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
These decadent bars combine the creaminess of peanut butter with the deepness of chocolate, all wrapped up in a crispy oat crust. A perfect treat for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup rolled oats
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together peanut butter and butter until smooth.
3. Press the peanut butter mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
6. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 30 minutes to set.
7. Cut into bars and serve.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Easy 4 Ingredient Caprese Salad
This classic Italian salad is a staple for any occasion, and with only four ingredients, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. Fresh flavors shine in this colorful and refreshing dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 large, ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
1. Arrange the tomato slices on a large plate or platter.
2. Top each tomato slice with a round of mozzarella cheese.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad, making sure each piece gets a light coating.
4. Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves evenly over the salad.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served fresh and at room temperature.
Summary
Discover 20 quick and easy recipes that require only 4 ingredients each, perfect for busy days. From sweet treats like peanut butter cookies and banana oatmeal muffins to savory dishes like garlic parmesan roasted potatoes and lemon garlic shrimp, these recipes are designed to save time without sacrificing flavor. You’ll also find indulgent treats like chocolate fudge and cinnamon sugar donuts, as well as healthy options like avocado toast and baked parmesan zucchini. Get cooking with these simple and delicious 4-ingredient recipes!
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