30 Easy Restaurant Copycat Recipes
Updated: May 23, 2023
Conquer your cravings in a flash with these easy copycat recipes. By dining at home you'll save some extra time—and cash!
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Inspired by: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
I tasted a similar soup at Olive Garden and wanted to see if I could re-create it myself at home. Here’s the delicious result! It’s wonderful on a cool evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California
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Inspired by: Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
My biscuits won the prize for best quick bread at my county fair. One of the judges liked them so much, she asked for the recipe! These buttery, savory biscuits go with just about anything. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, OhioHere’s more on how to make Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuits.
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Inspired by: Noodles and Company Penne Rosa
I reworked this recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My friends and family had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California
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Inspired by: KFC The Original Recipe
If you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, MontanaFor more, check out these copycat chicken recipes.
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Inspired by: Chipotle Guacamole and Chips
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Inspired by: Culver's Butterburger
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter. My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, OhioThis year we’ve been making our favorite menu items at home—and now you can, too! Take a look at our collection of the best copycat recipes of 2022.
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Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen Roasted Artichoke and Spinach Pizza
When I have garlic oil in my pantry, I swap it for regular olive oil. The garlic adds a little something without being overpowering. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
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Inspired by: Panda Express Orange Chicken
We enjoy these tangy nuggets so many ways—over noodles or rice, in sandwiches, even on top of lettuce and cabbage. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, OregonWhip up one of these copycat Chinese takeout recipes for dinner tonight.
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Inspired by: Olive Garden Breadsticks
I love to experiment in the kitchen with simple ingredients like refrigerated biscuits. The results are usually a big hit—these super fast breadsticks are an example. —Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee. Hungry for more? Check out our favorite Domino’s cheesy bread recipe.
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Inspired by: Orange Julius Original
I love to treat overnight guests to this creamy orange frappe. Just blitz a few basic ingredients in your blender and enjoy. —Joyce Mummau, Mount Airy, Maryland
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Inspired by: McCalister's Deli Harvest Chicken Salad
These sandwiches are easy to pull together when you need something fun and taste-worthy in a flash. I make them often for occasions like brunches, church youth meetings and impromptu family gatherings. —Cheryl Sigler, Louisville, Ohio
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Inspired by: Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
I let my young son pick out seed packets and he chose kale, which grew like crazy. This hearty soup helped make good use of it and rivals the Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana. —Michelle Babbie, Malone, New York
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Inspired by: Taco Bell Grilled Breakfast Burrito
Zap one of these frozen burritos in the microwave and you'll stave off hunger all morning. This recipe is my family’s favorite combo, but I sometimes use breakfast sausage instead of bacon. —Audra Niederman, Aberdeen, South Dakota
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Inspired by: Starbucks Caffe Mocha
When I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
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Inspired by: McDonald's Chicken McNuggets
My 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
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Inspired by: Panera Bread Mac and Cheese
My mac and cheese is simple and has lots of flavor from the cheeses and ground chipotle chile. I use conchiglie pasta because its shape allows more melted cheese to pool inside. Yum! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
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Inspired by: SONIC Corn Dogs
One of the best parts of the many fairs and festivals in Indiana is the corn dogs! My family loves corn dogs, so I fix them fairly often at home. —Sally Denney, Warsaw, Indiana
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Inspired by: Panera Bread Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
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Inspired by: Red Robin Burnin' Love Burger
On a whim, we mixed homemade jalapeno jam into ground beef patties, then topped the burgers with caramelized onions and tangy Gorgonzola cheese. Fabulous! —Becky Mollenkamp, St. Louis, Missouri
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Inspired by: McDonald's Shamrock Shake
Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
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Inspired by: Qdoba Chips and Queso
Years ago, my husband invented this gooey cheese dip. I may be biased, but I have to say it's excellent. If you like heat, rev it up with finely chopped jalapenos. —Patricia Leinheiser, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Inspired by: Waffle House Regular Waffle
These melt-in-your-mouth waffles are so tender that you can skip butter and syrup, but why would you want to? —James Schend, Dairy Freed
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Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Chicken n' Dumplins
Using precooked chicken and ready-made biscuits, this hearty dish is comfort food made simple. It's the perfect way to warm up on chilly nights. —Lakeya Astwood, Schenectady, New York
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Inspired by: KFC Cole Slaw
For Friday dinners, my mother made coleslaw to go with our fish. It’s still a family tradition, and the tangy dressing even works on a tossed salad. —Cynthia McDowell, Banning, California
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Inspired by: Charley's Philly Steaks Philly Cheese Steak
This cheesesteak, an iconic sandwich in Philly, is a bestseller at Pat's King of Steaks restaurant. Patrons praise its thinly cut beef and crusty Italian rolls. —Frank Olivieri, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Inspired by: Dairy Queen S'mores Blizzard Treat
When cabin fever hits, we whip up a beverage that tastes like s’mores. Oven-toasted marshmallows and a blender make it happen. —Sarah McKenna, Centennial, Colorado
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Inspired by: PF Chang's Lettuce Wraps
This recipe is as tasty as the lettuce wraps found in national restaurants, but it’s healthier! — Linda Rowley, Richardson, Texas. If you’re looking for more healthy recipes, then you must check out our collection of healthy copycat recipes.
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Inspired by: IHOP Blueberry Pancakes
My dad makes blueberry pancakes for us every Saturday without fail. The combination of oats, cornmeal and buttermilk in the batter gives the pancakes heartiness we can't resist. —Gabrielle Short, Pleasant Hill, Iowa
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Inspired by: Culver's Wisconsin Cheese Curds
These beer-battered cheese curds are the ultimate in delicious comfort food. Some folks like to serve them with ranch dressing, ketchup or barbecue sauce for dipping. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
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Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Spicy Cashew Chicken
There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it’s easy to prepare. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California. Looking for more copycat recipes from The Cheesecake Factory? Try our favorite cheeseburger egg rolls.
Originally Published: November 01, 2021
