Some of the best meals don’t come from a cookbook – they come from instinct, leftovers, and a well-stocked pantry. These no-recipe recipes are the kind of meals you can throw together from memory without measuring and without stress. Perfect for busy nights, fridge clean outs, or those moments when you want something comforting but low-effort, these are the things I return to again and again.
Each one is more of a formula than a strict recipe, giving you the freedom to swap ingredients and make it your own.
The “Recipes”
Everyone should have a repertoire of go-to things to make without needing to reference a recipe. These are mine.
Meals
Yogurt Bowl By Knitrition
This yogurt bowl is a go-to meal for me any time of day. I started making these after a study-abroad trip to Paris fifteen years ago. My husband has started making these, too. It’s easy, quick, infinitely customizable, and delicious. Think of it as a very simple parfait.
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti by The Kitchn
This one is basically magic. And once you make it one time, it counts as a ‘no-recipe recipe.’ It’s just 4 ingredients – pasta, sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.
Ravioli
I don’t think this really counts, but in case it’s new to you, here’s how I do ravioli.
Ingredients
Ravioli: This can be any ravioli you like. My go-to is the Rana Mozzarella Ravioli.
Pasta Sauce: This can be any pasta sauce you like. My go-to is Rao’s Marinara.
Directions
Cook the ravioli according to the package directions and drain. Return it to the pot and add the pasta sauce. Stir gently until warmed through. If you want to be extra fancy, grate some parmesan on top.
Sides
Homemade Salad Dressing
Homemade dressing is always better than shelf-stable dressing, and it’s so easy. Toss it with your favorite lettuce, and you’ve got a salad.
Ingredients
Vinegar: This can be any vinegar you have. I typically use red or white wine vinegar.
Mustard: This can be any mustard you have. I typically use dijon mustard.
Oil: This can be any cooking oil you have. I always use olive oil.
Directions
Add a splash of vinegar to a bowl. Stir in a small spoonful of mustard. Slowly whisk in about 3 times as much oil as the vinegar you started with. For extra credit, add a pinch of salt and pepper.
Beverages
Iced Latte or Macchiato By Knitrition
I make a latte or macchiato every single morning. The only difference between the two is the order of operations.
Dessert
Single Serving Chocolate Sauce By Knitrition
You know what’s lovely? Topping a scoop of ice cream with fresh, warm ganache. And you can make a single serving all for yourself.
Final Thoughts
Cooking doesn’t have to be precise to be satisfying. These no-recipe recipes prove that good food can be simple, flexible, and fast. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, let these ideas inspire more intuitive, joyful meals – no measuring cups required.
