You arrive home at the end of a long day, kick off your boots, and hang up your keys. You’re exhausted and you’d give anything to melt into your sofa and just do nothing at all. But there’s just one problem — dinner isn’t going to make itself.
4 Minute Read
You arrive home at the end of a long day, kick off your boots, and hang up your keys. You’re exhausted and you’d give anything to melt into your sofa and just do nothing at all. But there’s just one problem — dinner isn’t going to make itself.
No matter how long of a day you’ve had, it isn’t always possible to take the day off from dinner duties. And ordering take-out? That gets pricey in no time. But don’t worry, you aren’t doomed to spend hours standing in front of the stove. There’s an easier way!
We’ve put together a collection of recipes with 5 ingredients (or less!) so you can enjoy family meals without the hassle of lengthy prep.
13 Easy 5 Ingredients or Less Recipes
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s possible to make delicious homemade meals with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, and we’re about to prove it!
Here are a few of our favorite simple and satisfying meals.
1. Almond Butter and Banana Sandwich
When you’re in a pinch and need a quick, healthy dinner your kids will devour, these almond butter and banana sandwiches will do the trick. They’re filled with nutritious value thanks to protein-packed almond butter and potassium-rich bananas, yet they’re still delicious enough to be a hit with your little ones. And the best part? It isn’t even food with 5 ingredients — you only need four!
2. Peanut Butter Strawberry Sandwich
This is easily one of our most popular 3- to 5-ingredient recipes. It’s a slight variation on the traditional PB&J that uses fresh sliced strawberries instead of jam. The ripe juiciness of the berries adds a tartness that perfectly balances the richness of the peanut butter while still staying true to the classic flavors. Need to satisfy hunger in a hurry? You can whip these up in just 5 minutes!
3. PB & Dave Slider
Sure, a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a tried-and-true favorite, but why not take it up a notch? Our PB & Dave sliders include ripe banana slices for a creamy, tropical spin that further enhances this timeless classic. On those crazy-busy nights, they’re a yummy go-to meal that never lets you down.
4. Colorful Fruit Sandwich
Refreshing, juicy pieces of naturally sweet fruit are coated in a blanket of whipped cream to make our colorful fruit sandwiches. We use bright tropical kiwis, plump strawberries, and soft, syrupy canned peaches, but you can choose whatever fruits you like. It’s a quick and nutritious five-ingredient meal that keeps you happily full and content every time.
5. Pistachio Pomegranate Toast
Sometimes, two ingredients come together so perfectly, it's like they were meant to be — like chocolate and hazelnut or apple and cinnamon. Well, we’re adding pistachio and pomegranate to that list! Our pistachio pomegranate toast is a must-try 5-ingredient recipe, bringing together the buttery crunch of crushed pistachios and the tangy explosion of pomegranate seeds over a velvety cream cheese base. It’s pure flavor magic!
6. Sweet Avocado Toast
You probably expected avocado toast to be on our list of simple 5-ingredient recipes, but this one isn’t basic! We’ve revamped this classic breakfast option with a creative twist, adding sharp, salty cotija cheese and a zesty pop of tajin (chili, lime, and salt)—all atop a fresh, lightly toasted sweet English muffin.
7. Teddy Bear Toast
When your kids are hungry, every second counts. That’s why you need a recipe or two up your sleeve that you can whip up in a flash — like our teddy bear toast. It’s a lightning-fast, nutrient-packed meal made with rich and creamy peanut butter, fresh banana, and ripe, juicy blueberries. (Plus the bread, of course.) That’s just four ingredients!
8. Sausage and Egg Sandwich
Backpacks are zipping; footsteps are scurrying — it’s a busy school day morning and everyone is rushing against the clock. What can you eat before you rush out the door? We recommend our sausage and egg sandwiches. They’re one of our most popular few-ingredient recipes and can easily be prepared the night before for a quick grab-and-go breakfast. You just need sausage patties, butter, eggs, and a pack of our Original Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls.
9. Prosciutto Pear Crostini
Swift and simple meals don’t have to look or taste rushed. Our prosciutto and pear crostinis maintain a gourmet feel without any of the fuss. Each one is layered with luxurious cream cheese, crunchy pear slices, and savory prosciutto. You can make them in just 10 minutes and share them with the whole family, or savor them solo as a special late-night snack.
10. Healthy Veggie Dip
Nothing fills the stomach or satisfies the taste buds quite like a bread bowl full of dip — especially when you can put one together in just a matter of minutes. Our healthy veggie dip is an easy 5-step recipe that’s fun to eat and full of flavor. And here’s the kicker: You only need a handful of ingredients to prepare it. No more calling your kids twice to come eat their dinner. They’ll be rushing to the table to get the first bite!
11. Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups
Ready to meet your new favorite comfort food? Our grilled cheese roll-ups are ooey, gooey perfection, served in an ultra-snackable roll-up format. You can dip them in tomato soup, enhance them with your favorite herbs, or add marinara sauce for a pizza-inspired twist. Just be sure to let them rest for a moment before digging in — melted cheese can stay super hot, and we wouldn’t want you to burn your mouth!
12. Cheesy Bread
Next up on our list of recipes with 5 ingredients or less is our incredibly easy-to-make yet totally comforting cheesy bread. You’ll instantly fall in love with how the gooey, melted cheese stretches with every bite, bringing that familiar, nostalgic feeling. To make it, just grab mayonnaise, green onion, minced garlic, shredded cheese and bread. 5-ingredient recipes don’t get much simpler than that!
13. Mac N Cheese Bites
What makes mac and cheese so satisfying? Some say it’s the smooth, creamy richness. Others credit the golden-crispy layer of cheese on top. Our thoughts? It’s hard to decide, but one thing we do know is that it tastes even better nestled between two of our fluffy and feather-light Hawaiian sweet rolls. That’s why we created our mac n’ cheese bites — they deliver all the velvety goodness you know and love in a convenient handheld slider. (It’s genius, if we do say so ourselves.)
Make Fast and Easy Meals with King’s Hawaiian
Now you're all set to say goodbye to last-minute dinner panic and hello to mealtimes that connect you with the people you love most. At King’s Hawaiian, we’re committed to providing high-quality products and wholesome feel-good recipes, so you can experience more moments of joy around the dinner table — even on the busiest days. Find your new favorite recipe today!