11 Simple Dishes You Can Make With Only 3 Ingredients

Cooking does not always have to be complicated to be delicious. With just three ingredients, you can create meals and snacks that taste far more impressive than their simplicity suggests. These dishes are perfect for busy weeknights, college students, or anyone looking to save time without sacrificing flavor. From hearty mains to sweet treats, these recipes prove that less can indeed be more. Each one relies on pantry basics or easy-to-find items, so you can get dinner or dessert on the table with little effort and plenty of satisfaction.

1. Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies prove that baking can be simple and rewarding. With peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you can create dough that bakes into soft, chewy cookies with a rich, nutty flavor. The sugar balances the savory notes of peanut butter, while the egg binds the ingredients into a smooth texture. Pressing the dough with a fork before baking gives the cookies their signature crisscross design. They take only minutes to prepare yet taste like a homemade treat, making them a go-to for last-minute cravings.

2. Baked Mac and Cheese Cups

Mac and cheese cups bring comfort food into a fun, snackable form using pasta, shredded cheese, and milk. The pasta provides the base, while milk keeps everything creamy, and the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly topping. Baked in muffin tins, these cups hold their shape and make convenient individual servings. They are great for school lunches, potlucks, or portion-controlled snacks. Despite needing only three ingredients, they deliver all the flavor of traditional mac and cheese in a portable and family-friendly version.

3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Few things are as universally loved as a grilled cheese sandwich. All it takes is bread, butter, and cheese to create the perfect balance of crisp exterior and melty interior. Buttered bread crisps beautifully in a skillet while the cheese softens into a gooey layer. Cooked slowly over medium heat, the sandwich develops a golden crust without burning. Simple yet endlessly comforting, it can be enjoyed on its own or paired with soup for a classic meal. This three-ingredient staple never disappoints.

4. Banana Pancakes

Banana pancakes are a healthier twist on breakfast favorites, needing only bananas, eggs, and baking powder. Mashed bananas act as both sweetener and binder, while eggs provide protein and structure. A small amount of baking powder ensures the pancakes rise to a fluffy texture. Cooked on a skillet until golden, they are naturally sweet and soft, requiring no added sugar. These pancakes are also gluten-free, making them a versatile choice. Served with fresh fruit or syrup, they prove breakfast can be deliciously simple.

5. Tomato Soup

Tomato soup comes together quickly with canned tomatoes, broth, and cream. The tomatoes provide tang and depth, while broth balances with savory notes, and cream creates a velvety finish. Simmered gently, the flavors meld into a cozy, warming soup that feels more complex than it is. Served with bread or a grilled cheese sandwich, it makes a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner. Despite being so easy, this three-ingredient soup captures the comfort and nostalgia of a homemade classic.

6. Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice proves that leftovers can become a full meal with just rice, eggs, and soy sauce. Cold, day-old rice works best because it fries without clumping. Scrambled eggs are cooked lightly in a skillet, then mixed with rice and soy sauce for a savory, filling dish. It is quick, budget-friendly, and versatile enough to stand alone or act as a base for extra toppings. This minimalist version highlights how just a few ingredients can transform into a dish with big flavor.

7. BBQ Chicken Sliders

BBQ chicken sliders are a party favorite that only require chicken, barbecue sauce, and slider buns. Shredded chicken mixed with smoky, tangy sauce becomes the filling, while the soft buns hold everything together in neat, handheld portions. These sliders are easy to scale up for a crowd and can be prepared in advance. The flavors are bold yet familiar, making them a guaranteed hit at gatherings or as a simple weeknight dinner. With just three ingredients, you get sandwiches that feel hearty and festive.

8. Pasta with Pesto

Pasta with pesto is a weeknight lifesaver, needing only pasta, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. The pasta serves as the canvas, while the pesto delivers a burst of freshness with basil, garlic, and olive oil. Parmesan ties it together with a nutty, salty edge. Tossed while hot, the pasta absorbs the pesto, creating a flavorful dish without being heavy. Quick, vibrant, and satisfying, this recipe shows that even a busy evening can end with a meal that feels homemade and complete.

9. Chocolate Mug Cake

A chocolate mug cake offers instant gratification with flour, cocoa powder, and condensed milk. Mixed in a mug and microwaved, it bakes into a moist, fudgy cake in just minutes. The cocoa provides bold flavor, the flour gives structure, and the condensed milk sweetens and softens the texture. It is perfect for when you crave dessert but do not want to bake an entire cake. Topped with whipped cream or fruit, it feels indulgent yet requires almost no effort, making it a favorite quick fix.

10. Caprese Salad Skewers

Caprese salad skewers turn mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil into a colorful appetizer. Threaded onto skewers, the creamy cheese balances with juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil, creating fresh flavor in every bite. While balsamic drizzle is often added, the three ingredients stand beautifully on their own. Easy to assemble and visually appealing, these skewers are perfect for parties, picnics, or light snacks. They showcase how minimal ingredients can still create an elegant dish that feels special.

11. Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp tacos are a quick meal made with shrimp, tortillas, and salsa. The shrimp cooks in minutes, becoming tender and juicy, while the tortillas provide a soft base. A spoonful of salsa adds freshness and spice, tying everything together. These tacos are light yet satisfying, ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Despite their simplicity, they deliver vibrant flavor and can be customized with toppings if desired. With only three ingredients, they still feel festive and full of character.