19 Minimal Effort Recipes Ready With Just 5 Minutes of Prep Time, Even You Can’t Mess Up!
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If the thought of cooking makes you cringe, these minimal effort recipes ready with just 5 minutes of prep time are your new best friend. They’re ridiculously simple, totally foolproof, and packed with flavor—perfect for when you’re short on time or energy. Forget complicated instructions; these dishes make life easier, letting you whip up something delicious without breaking a sweat.
Applesauce Pancakes
Whip up these Applesauce Pancakes, and you’ll see just how easy breakfast can be. Fluffy, light, and naturally sweetened with applesauce, they’re the kind of recipe that’s ready with 5 minutes of prep time, even you can’t mess up. Perfect for those mornings when you want comfort food without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Applesauce Pancakes
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
When you need a warm and festive pick-me-up, Peppermint Hot Chocolate has your back. With rich chocolate, creamy milk, and crushed candy canes, it’s a drink so easy, you’ll feel like a pro with only 5 minutes of prep. No stress, just pure holiday vibes in every sip.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Hot Chocolate
3 Ingredient Shortbread
These buttery, crumbly 3 Ingredient Shortbread cookies are a lifesaver when you want something sweet but don’t want the fuss. Made with just butter, sugar, and flour, they’re a recipe you can’t mess up—even if baking isn’t your thing. In just minutes, you’ll have a tray of treats that feel like they took hours.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Shortbread
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Salsa Chicken in the slow cooker is a dinner you’ll turn to time and time again. With just chicken and salsa, this recipe takes 5 minutes to set up and delivers juicy, flavorful results every time. No fuss, no stress, just a meal you can’t mess up.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Peppermint Ice Cream
Craving something cool and festive? Peppermint Ice Cream is here to save the day with its creamy texture and holiday-perfect minty sweetness. Ready with only 5 minutes of prep, this recipe is a no-fail way to bring winter cheer to your dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Ice Cream
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Wake up to Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats that feel like autumn in a bowl. Creamy oats, crisp apples, and a touch of maple syrup come together with only 5 minutes of prep time. It’s the easiest, no-mess way to start your day on a comforting, delicious note.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Saltine Toffee
Saltine Toffee is proof that the simplest recipes are often the best. With layers of caramel, chocolate, and a sprinkle of pecans, this sweet and salty treat is ready for the oven in just 5 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that looks fancy but is impossible to mess up.
Get the Recipe: Saltine Toffee
Frozen Cranberry Margarita
Shake up your holiday game with a Frozen Cranberry Margarita that’s as festive as it is foolproof. The vibrant red drink with its tangy-sweet flavor is the perfect way to toast the season. With just 5 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a cocktail that’s effortless and always impressive.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Cranberry Margarita
Christmas Popcorn
Transform plain popcorn into a holiday masterpiece with Christmas Popcorn. A mix of pretzels, M&Ms, and sprinkles drizzled with candy melts makes this snack look like a party all on its own. Ready with only 5 minutes of effort, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser you can’t mess up.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Popcorn
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine is the holiday drink that practically makes itself. Combine fruity red wine, spices, and citrus, and let your slow cooker do the magic while you relax. With just a quick 5-minute prep, this recipe delivers cozy holiday flavors without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
Impossible Quiche
The name says it all—Impossible Quiche takes the stress out of cooking. Packed with eggs, bacon, and cheese, this self-crusting recipe comes together in just minutes. Whether for breakfast or brunch, it’s a foolproof recipe ready with 5 minutes of prep that guarantees rave reviews.
Get the Recipe: Impossible Quiche
3 Ingredient Fudge
When chocolate cravings hit, this 3 Ingredient Fudge has got you covered. Rich, creamy, and so easy to make, this recipe only takes 5 minutes to prep. You’ll love how something so simple can turn out so decadent, no stress or mess involved.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Fudge
Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken Quesadillas are proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Tender salsa chicken and melted cheese tucked into crispy tortillas come together with just 5 minutes of prep. It’s a meal so simple, even the busiest nights can end on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Quesadillas
Vodka Cranberry
Add a touch of elegance to your holiday parties with a Vodka Cranberry cocktail. With its sweet-tart flavor and festive garnishes, this drink looks fancy but is ridiculously easy to make. Just 5 minutes of prep and you’re serving up style and flavor like a mixologist.
Get the Recipe: Vodka Cranberry
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Give your green beans a glow-up with this Parmesan Roasted Green Beans recipe. Tossed with simple seasonings and cheese, they roast to crispy perfection in minutes. Ready with just 5 minutes of prep, this veggie side dish is so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Eggnog Martini
Celebrate the holidays in style with an Eggnog Martini that’s ready in a flash. This creamy, spiced cocktail feels indulgent but takes just 5 minutes of effort. It’s festive, foolproof, and guaranteed to impress with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Martini
Maple Bacon
Maple Bacon combines the smoky, savory goodness of bacon with the sweet touch of maple syrup for an irresistible bite. It’s the kind of recipe you can prep in 5 minutes and be sure it will steal the show at breakfast. Perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor, it’s comfort food made simple.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon
Bacon Wrapped Fillet Mignon
Serve up steakhouse vibes at home with Bacon Wrapped Fillet Mignon that’s perfect for date nights or celebrations. With just 5 minutes of prep, you’ll have tender beef wrapped in crispy bacon, ready to wow. This recipe is proof that gourmet doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Fillet Mignon
Honey Glazed Carrots
Brighten up your dinner table with these Honey Glazed Carrots. Sweet, buttery, and perfectly tender, they add a pop of color and flavor to any meal. And with just 5 minutes of prep, this dish is a stress-free way to enhance your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots
