When it comes to cooking, many people are intimidated by complicated recipes and unfamiliar ingredients. But what if we told you that delicious meals don’t have to be difficult or time-consuming? With a little creativity and some simple techniques, anyone can become a skilled cook. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for quick and easy meals or a beginner in the kitchen, these 20 simple DIY recipes are perfect for getting started.
From classic comfort foods like pasta and mac and cheese to healthy options like stir-fries and energy balls, we’ve got you covered with our collection of easy-to-make recipes. And the best part? Most of them require fewer than five ingredients and can be prepared in under 30 minutes!
Homemade Garlic Butter Pasta
This recipe yields a deliciously flavorful pasta dish that combines the richness of garlic butter with the simplicity of homemade noodles. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly golden.
4. Combine cooked pasta and garlic butter mixture in a serving dish.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: approximately 15-20 minutes
Easy No-Bake Energy Balls
Need a healthy snack that’s easy to make? These no-bake energy balls are the perfect solution! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of chewy, nutritious treats that are perfect for on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats and peanut butter. Mix until well combined.
2. Add in the honey and mix until smooth.
3. Stir in the chopped dark chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
4. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. You should end up with around 12-15 energy balls.
5. Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake energy balls are ready to go as soon as they’re formed and chilled.
Enjoy your delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make energy balls!
DIY 5-Ingredient Mac and Cheese
Transform a classic comfort food into a satisfying DIY mac and cheese with just 5 ingredients!
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add milk and stir until smooth.
- Add 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheesy sauce, and remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs (if using). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Quick Avocado Toast Variations
Elevate your breakfast or snack game with these simple yet delicious avocado toast variations. With just a few ingredients and some creative flair, you can transform plain toast into a flavorful treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (whole wheat or white)
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, spinach, lemon juice, garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toast.
3. Add your desired toppings (see below).
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Variations:
– Classic: Top with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
– Spicy: Add red onion and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of citrusy heat.
– Herby: Sprinkle spinach leaves on top for a fresh, herbaceous twist.
– Garlicky: Mix in some garlic powder for an savory, aromatic flavor.
Cooking Time:
– Toasting bread: 2-3 minutes
– Preparation time: 5 minutes
Simple Overnight Oats
These classic overnight oats are a staple for any busy morning routine. With just a few ingredients and no cooking required, you’ll be enjoying a warm and comforting bowl of goodness in the morning.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
– Pinch of salt
– Toppings of your choice (e.g., fruit, nuts, seeds)
Instructions:
1. In a jar or container, combine oats, almond milk, and honey or maple syrup (if using).
2. Stir to combine, then cover the jar with a lid.
3. Refrigerate overnight for at least 4 hours or until morning.
4. In the morning, give the oats a stir and add your preferred toppings.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! Simply refrigerate overnight.
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
This recipe delivers a bright and citrusy twist on classic chicken dinner. With only one pan to clean, you’ll be enjoying the flavors of lemon, garlic, and herbs in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Reduce heat to medium.
5. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
6. Pour in the lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Return the chicken to the pan and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
DIY 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
These classic cookies are a staple for any snack or dessert lover. With just three ingredients, you can whip up a batch of chewy and nutty goodness in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the peanut butter and sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Crack in the egg and mix until well combined.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Easy Veggie Stir-Fry
Easy Veggie Stir-Fry Recipe
Quickly cook a flavorful and nutritious veggie stir-fry with this simple recipe. Perfect as a side dish or main course, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of veggies.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; stir-fry until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mixed vegetables; stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, or until they’re tender-crisp.
4. Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using); season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Homemade Microwave Mug Cake
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this simple and speedy microwave mug cake recipe that requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1-2 tablespoons milk or water (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
3. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. If desired, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Microwave on high for 1:15-1:20 minutes (or adjust as needed based on your microwave’s power level).
6. Remove from the microwave and let cool for a minute before serving.
Cooking Time: 1:15-1:20 minutes
DIY 10-Minute Quesadillas
Get ready for a deliciously simple snack or meal with these 10-minute quesadillas! With just a few ingredients, you’ll be enjoying melted cheese and savory fillings in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1/4 cup chopped cooked chicken, beef, or beans (your choice!)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced onions, sour cream, salsa, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the shredded cheese and chopped filling of your choice.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the other side is also lightly browned.
7. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make a second quesadilla.
8. Serve hot with your desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Simple Caprese Salad Skewers
Elevate your summer gatherings with these colorful and flavorful skewers that combine the classic Italian flavors of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into thin rounds
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Wooden skewers (10-12 inches long)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thread a cherry tomato, a mozzarella round, and a basil leaf onto each skewer.
3. Repeat the sequence until all ingredients are used up.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or bake for 8-10 minutes if you prefer a slightly warm salad.
Cooking Time: None (assembly only) or 8-10 minutes (baked)
Easy Banana Pancakes
Start your day with a delicious and healthy breakfast that’s packed with banana goodness! This simple recipe yields fluffy pancakes with a sweet banana flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– Butter or oil for greasing the pan
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, egg, and milk. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined (don’t overmix!).
4. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Grease with butter or oil if needed.
5. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to dry.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on the number of pancakes)
DIY No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream
In just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and creamy vanilla ice cream without the need for an ice cream maker. This no-churn recipe is perfect for hot summer days or as a fun dessert to impress your friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Fold the milk mixture into the whipped cream until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into an airtight container and cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
5. Place the container in the freezer and let it chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: None needed! Just freeze and enjoy.
One-Pot Tomato Basil Soup
A classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This one-pot wonder is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes), chicken broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, and basil. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quick Homemade Hummus
Quick Homemade Hummus Recipe
This classic Middle Eastern dip is a staple at any gathering, and with this simple recipe, you can have it ready in no time. With just a few ingredients and some basic prep work, you’ll be scooping up creamy hummus goodness in minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup water
– Optional: paprika, parsley, or other garnishes
Instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly pour in the olive oil and water. Continue blending until creamy and well combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with your choice of paprika, parsley, or other toppings.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Recipe
Transform zucchinis into a crispy, cheesy delight with this simple and flavorful recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
4. Dip each zucchini slice into the cheese mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5. Place the coated zucchini slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the zucchinis and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
DIY 15-Minute Fried Rice
Whip up a tasty and satisfying meal with this 15-minute fried rice recipe. This classic Chinese dish is easily customizable to your taste, so feel free to add your favorite ingredients or leftovers!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until translucent.
3. Push cooked onion mixture aside, then add mixed vegetables; cook until tender.
4. Crack in eggs; scramble and stir-fry until cooked through.
5. Add cooked rice to the skillet, stirring constantly to combine with vegetables and eggs.
6. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with scallions or sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Simple Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Elevate your snack game with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the freshness of strawberries with the richness of chocolate. Perfect for a quick dessert or a special occasion, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 12 large strawberries
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon shortening (such as Crisco)
– Optional: chopped nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions:
1. Wash and dry the strawberries.
2. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. Add the shortening to the melted chocolate and stir until combined.
4. Dip each strawberry into the chocolate mixture, coating about 3/4 of the fruit.
5. Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a wire rack set over parchment paper.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including refrigeration time)
Easy Homemade Pizza Dough
Get ready to make delicious homemade pizza with this simple and straightforward recipe for pizza dough. With just a few ingredients and some basic steps, you’ll be enjoying your own freshly baked pizzas in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of warm water
– 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 4 cups of all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is activated and foamy.
2. Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it’s shiny and slightly sticky.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Cooking Time:
– Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
– Punch down the dough and shape into your desired pizza crust.
– Top with your favorite toppings and bake for 12-15 minutes or until crispy.
DIY 4-Ingredient Guacamole
Get ready to enjoy a deliciously fresh dip with this simple 4-ingredient recipe!
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. In a large bowl, use a fork to mash the avocado halves until mostly smooth.
3. Add the lime juice, chopped red onion, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocado.
4. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just 5 minutes!
Summary
Get cooking with these 20 simple and easy DIY recipes perfect for beginners! From classic comfort foods to healthy twists, this collection has something for everyone. Whip up a batch of homemade garlic butter pasta or quick avocado toast, or try your hand at baking peanut butter cookies or making a mug cake in just minutes. With ingredients as simple as eggs, flour, and veggies, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.