80 basic recipes you can make from almost nothing (2024)

Nothing much in the pantry or fridge? Don’t fret! Getcreative with these50 easy recipes that use basic ingredients,from scones, to potato bake or savoury mince.

1

You only need five ingredients to create this delicious creamy chicken pasta that even the kids will love. Better yet, it can be prepped in the morning - just give it a little extra time in the oven if baking it straight from the fridge.

2

They're just like hash browns... just better! They're baked, not fried, and finished with oozy cheese and ham.

3

Simple bulk biscuit mix, that makes approximately 15 dozen biscuits.

4

Perfect for the lunch box or as an afternoon snack, these golden, cheesy bites are made straight in the pie maker.

5

A delicious, creamy pasta salad.

6

This budget-friendly weeknight winner is made from just 5-ingredients.

7

This easy dish is ideal at any time of day when you need something filling and fast.

8

A yummy weekend lunch served warm with butter.

9

This easy and tasty pull-apart Mexican cheesy garlic bread loaf was made for sharing. It's got a kick from chilli and jalapenos, which is balanced by that irresistible melted cheese. Create it for a starter or appetizer, or serve on the side with your next Mexican feast.

10

Yes, this cake has just two ingredients: Nutella and eggs. Give it a go so you know exactly how delicious it is. Eating is believing!

11

A very tasty, savoury scone served warm with butter.

12

Using a packet of beef mince, this family-favourite has lots of flavour and is perfect for an easy meal with toast, rice or vegies.

13

Just put it on in the morning and walk away.

14

Cheap, tasty, easy to make and on the table in 15 minutes.

16

Great savoury alternative for afternoon tea.

17

The rich flavours of Diane sauce pair beautifully with potatoes in this creamy Diane potato bake.

18

For breakfast on the go or a quick healthy snack!

19

Basic dough where you can add anything or any flavour you like.

20

Delicious basic crepe recipe.

21

Take your baking to the next level with this recipe for double chocolate lamingtons.

22

This easy recipe will make you feel like you have just been transported to Italy for a bowl of Momma's pasta with meat sauce. Simple. Easy. Delicious!

23

A great change from the normal beef nachos and goes down even better. A family dinner favourite.

24

Quick and easy, and great for lunch boxes. I have played around with this recipe and have been using a full 400g tin of pie apple. It makes the muffins a little less sweet and they do not rise as much, but they are more filling. It is up to you how you want to make them.

25

Tasty taters.

26

A family favourite for 30 years. Contains 4 ingredients with a generous amount of butter adding a rich flavour and texture to the scone.

27

If you love mac and cheese and you love zucchini slice, this recipe mashup will be your idea of heaven in a baking tray. Cut it up into squares and put it in lunch boxes or have it for an easy workday lunch.

28

What could be easier than lamingtons made with packet cake mix and a pie maker?

29

This is the best potato bake you will ever cook, everybody raves about it and asks for the recipe.

30

Pizza is already easy to make, but this muffin pan version is even easier! Whip up a few - the kids will love them.

31

This will be your new go-to basic meringue – fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside! It's perfect for school fetes, morning tea, or you can even use them as a cake decoration!

32

The best sponge you will ever make. This recipe was my grandmothers and has won numerous shows.

33

Great for an appetiser or snack.

34

Easy to make and delicious.

35

Delicious stuffing for your roast chicken.

36

Very creamy and goes nice with roast lamb or sausages.

37

A really simple pizza dough that makes a great base for pizzas.

38

Made with just four ingredients, this budget-friendly vegetarian dinner is a great alternative to your traditional nachos.

39

Finally, an easy pancake recipe where you don’t rely on baking powder for fluffiness! In fact, you only need three staple ingredients to make these - and you probably have them in your fridge and pantry already. We’re not the only people who rave about this recipe: 180+ members say they’re “perfect” and popular with kids, but also very versatile if you want to tweak by adding vanilla or fruit.

40

This is the first cake that I ever made. Great basic cake for making kids' birthday cakes.

41

A sponge cake made into lamingtons. This a scrumptious delight.

42

A yummy vegetarian bake that can be served as a main meal or side dish. Hearty and warm and a great alternative to a regular potato bake!

43

Four simple ingredients are all that you need to make this delicious iced banana bread. Bake it in a fancy bundt tin to make it even more impressive!

44

Spicy, egg-free apple muffins.

45

Bring back this retro stuffed egg recipe to dinner parties, barbecues and picnics.

46

You can have dessert ready in no time with these microwave sultana mug puddings. Whisk together the ingredients, add to the cups and pop it in the microwave to cook.

47

This condensed milk whip dessert is made with just four ingredients so you have no excuse not to whip up some for dessert tonight!

48

Healthy and tasty.

49

No eggs necessary! Turn leftover fruit and vegetables into muffins quickly and easily with this basic muffin mix recipe. This makes the equivalent of four muffin packet mixes and they can be baked in a pie maker. Plus they're a fraction of the cost of store-bought muffins.

50

This magical custard impossible pie separates into layers in the oven, with a pastry-like base, coconut top and wobbly custard centre.

51

This boiled fruit cake is spiked with boozy Pimm’s for a twist on a Christmas cake. You can make it and eat it the same day, but it’ll be even better after a few weeks wrapped in the pantry.

52

This is a simple and delicious snack that you can whip up for a quick treat!

53

Just like a cake ... but smaller! Always a great way to use up your over-ripe bananas.

54

Quick and easy. Be sure to make extra, they will be a crowd favourite. Perfect for a BBQ.

55

Elevate your next zucchini slice with the addition of salmon and rice. It’s simple to make, and you can enjoy it hot from the oven or at room temperature. It’s easy to transport and would be great to take on a picnic.

56

This is the simplest pasta dish for busy weeknights and it's packed full of flavour!

57

KEEN’S Mustard in a delicious baked pasta meal, packed with flavour and so easy to prepare, one for the whole family.

58

Full of the flavour that’s made this recipe a family favourite, but made simple by using a KEEN’S Curried Sausage Recipe Base.

59

KEEN'S Mustard in a deliciously simple and versatile budget family meal with a tangy, cream mustard sauce.

60

A quick and easy family favourite.

80 basic recipes you can make from almost nothing (2024)

FAQs

What to make for dinner with almost nothing? ›

These simple dinner ideas use only a handful of ingredients so you can still whip up a meal using whatever you have in the cupboard.
  • 15-ingredient sausage rolls. ...
  • 2Creamy mushroom gnocchi. ...
  • 3Fast falafel bowl. ...
  • 45-ingredient satay beef skewers. ...
  • 55-ingredient meatball carbonara. ...
  • 6Speedy wild rice and salmon salad.

What can I make at home with barely any food? ›

Five ingredients or less recipes
  1. Smoked mackerel & leek hash with horseradish. A star rating of 4.4 out of 5. ...
  2. Beetroot, hummus & crispy chickpea sub sandwich. A star rating of 4.3 out of 5. ...
  3. Cacio e pepe. ...
  4. Easy kedgeree. ...
  5. Saucy bean baked eggs. ...
  6. Peanut butter & jam flapjacks. ...
  7. Gnocchi cacio e pepe. ...
  8. Creamy pesto & kale pasta.

What is one of the hardest recipes to make? ›

The 10 toughest dishes in the world
  1. Consommé Devilish dish: A clear soup made from meat, tomato, egg whites and stock, slowly simmered to bring impurities to the surface for skimming. ...
  2. Turducken. ...
  3. Béarnaise sauce. ...
  4. Baked Alaska. ...
  5. Croissants. ...
  6. Soufflé ...
  7. Macarons. ...
  8. Beef wellington.
Jan 18, 2023

What to make for dinner when nothing sounds good? ›

What to eat when nothing sounds good: 25 balanced meal ideas
  • Ham or turkey & cheese sandwich with a side of fruit.
  • Rotisserie chicken with frozen microwaveable rice and veggies.
  • “Adult Lunchable”: cheese, crackers, deli meat, raw fruits or veggies with dip.
  • Frozen chicken tenders or nuggets on top of a salad.
Jan 11, 2023

What to make for dinner when you're broke? ›

  • Creamy pasta carbonara. A lovely, creamy version of a well-known favourite.
  • Best Spaghetti and Meatballs. ...
  • Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry. ...
  • Devilled sausages. ...
  • Potato and leek soup. ...
  • Lemon chicken. ...
  • Salt and pepper chicken. ...
  • Chicken and bacon carbonara.

What is the easiest food to eat a lot of? ›

Foods that are easier to digest include toast, white rice, bananas, eggs, chicken, salmon, gelatine, applesauce, and oatmeal. Symptoms of digestive problems include acid reflux, bloating, or abdominal pain.

What is the most easiest to cook? ›

17 Of The Easiest Recipes Of All Time (Seriously)
  • Smoked Gouda and Mushroom Quesadillas. ...
  • Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Veggies and Sausage. ...
  • Scrambled Egg Tacos. ...
  • 15-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. ...
  • One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Artichokes. ...
  • Wild Rice and Leftover Turkey Soup. ...
  • Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp.
Jan 2, 2019

What is the most basic meal to cook? ›

Here's what they had to say about practicing essential techniques and base recipes.
  • 01 of 10. Cream-Based Soup. Victor Protasio. ...
  • 02 of 10. Roast Chicken. Julia Hartbeck. ...
  • 03 of 10. Pizza. ...
  • 04 of 10. Pasta Carbonara. ...
  • 05 of 10. Whole Roasted Fish. ...
  • 06 of 10. Risotto. ...
  • 07 of 10. Garden Salad. ...
  • 08 of 10. BLT Fried Egg-and-Cheese Sandwich.
Feb 1, 2024

What food takes the longest to cook? ›

On your meal prep day, focus first on foods that take the longest to cook: proteins like chicken and fish; whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and farro; dried beans and legumes; and, roasted vegetables.

What to make for dinner when you have no food or money? ›

Here are some additional cheap easy meals to make when you're broke:
  • Tuna Melts.
  • Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
  • Lentil Soup.
  • Fried Rice.
  • Potato Soup.
  • Vegetable Soup.
  • Hamburger Stew.
  • Macaroni and Cheese.

What to do when you're hungry but have no food? ›

Consume liquid sources of nutrition.

Add ingredients like protein powder, peanut butter, greek yogurt, or milk to squeeze in extra protein and calories. Or, eat other liquid foods like soups, broths, yogurt, or pureed fruits and vegetables.

What to make when you have no time to cook? ›

Spicy Asian Ramen Noodles

Pull a handful of basic ingredients from the pantry (like peanut butter, chili-garlic sauce, and soy sauce) and whisk together a super-quick no-cook sauce. Then stir the sauce into cooked ramen noodles and garnish with peanuts and chopped green onions. That's it! Dinner's ready in 15 minutes.

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