If you are going out to eat a lot and are trying to make the effort to quit that habit, then you might be wondering if you can recreate your favorite takeout recipes at home.
Luckily for you, there are many recipes out there that can help you to do just that. From Burger King’s Whopper and Cheesecake Factory’s red velvet cheesecake, to delicious Chick Fil A’s mac and cheese.
If you are feeling hungry and are looking to make some tasty food that reminds you of your favorite place to eat out, then you have come to the right place.
In this article we take a look at 37 copycat recipes to recreate at home. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go!
1. White Castle Mini Burgers
If you are an avid goer to White Castle, then you will know all too well about their mini burgers.
There is something about them that makes them so moreish. Plus, they look really cute.
You do not need a lot to make these, and they will look great at a party.
2. McDonald’s Big Mac
There is nothing more iconic than a McDonald’s Big Mac. Are we right or are we right? If you are feeling super hungry, then there is no better time than now to make this beauty.
The tangy and familiar sauce to the juicy and delicious patty – it is all here. Prepare to be wowed. This will be one of your go-to recipes.
3. Red Lobster Crispy Brussel Sprouts
Even those who do not like brussel sprouts enjoy the crispy versions at Red Lobster. With their soy and ginger glaze, they mean serious business.
They come with fried onions too for that extra flavor, but they also add some delicious crunch too.
Overall it is sweet and crunchy and makes the perfect side dish. Plus, they only take 40 minutes to cook and need minimal ingredients.
4. Olive Garden Breadsticks
If breadsticks from Olive Garden is something you crave, then look no further. These chewy yet fluffy creations can be made at home.
Serve them alongside soup or pasta, or even as a snack. Whatever suits you!
5. Panda Express Chicken Chow Mein
This chicken chow mein will go down well with friends or family, so much so that they might even think it is real Panda Express.
You do not need to have dabbled in making Chinese food before, it is a lot simpler to create than you might think. Plus, it tastes super delicious.
6. Popeye’s Chicken Sandwich
Instead of waiting in line to get your Popeye’s chicken sandwich, why not make your own at home?
The chicken itself is marinated with buttermilk and then coated in some batter. This is then put in the deep fryer to make it crispy.
You will be making this one again, and again, and again…
7. Waffle House Waffles
There is no doubt that the Waffle House sells the best waffles from miles around. However, instead of paying gas to get to your local Waffle House, why not make your own?
They are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Have fun adding your own toppings too!
8. Wendy’s Frosty’s
If Wendy’s is your usual fast food go-to and you are feeling like something sweet, then you are going to love this copycat recipe for their delicious frosty’s.
It only needs 4 ingredients making this very simple to do. This recipe even helps you to get the similar texture that the frosty’s is known for.
Prepare to be wowed.
9. A1 Steak Sauce
There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that you crave A1’s steak sauce every once in a while. Yeah, us too. It is so delicious but there is only one problem: it is quite expensive.
While this is a downside, the upside is that you can make your own at home. All you need is some basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
10. Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
If you have kids who absolutely hate broccoli with a passion, then you need to create this dish for them.
Not only are you likely to be craving this wonderful delight, but your children will eat broccoli without even thinking about it.
You have two options: serve it in a hollowed out bread bowl for a rustic look, or keep it in a regular bowl. Either way, it tastes scrumptious.
11. Hooters Hot Wings
If you are a big fan of Hooters’ famous hot wings, then you are going to love this recipe. Fortunately, it is actually a very simple recipe that needs ingredients you may already have.
They also only take half an hour to make, and this recipe will create up to 6 servings. A bottle of beer and football is optional!
12. Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
Full of delicious potatoes, kale, bacon, and sausage, this soup is not only heart warming but absolutely delicious.
While the ingredients list makes this one sound quite intimidating to make, it actually really is not difficult at all. It only takes around 5 minutes to actually prep and 40 minutes to cook.
Put it alongside warm soft rolls for the ultimate meal.
13. Cracker Barrel Mac And Cheese
Who does not love mac and cheese? We’ll say it again: who does not love Cracker Barrel mac and cheese?
It is very comforting and delicious. The chewy pasta is completely covered in cheese, along with bread crumbs for crunchiness.
14. Wendy’s Chili
Surprisingly the homemade version of Wendy’s chili is even better than the one at Wendy’s itself. Go figure.
Even so, it is a warming dish full of beef, beans, vegetables, spices and tomatoes. Yummy!
15. Taco Bell Quesadilla
If the quesadilla is your go-to at Taco Bell, then you need to try this recipe. It is full of melted cheese, tortilla bread and shredded chicken.
And then there is the sauce. It is spicy and scrumptious.
16. PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wrap
If it is Chinese food you are after, then PF Chang’s chicken lettuce wrap is an affordable and quick way to pander to those cravings.
It is low in carbs too, making this a healthier fast food option. You also may want to pair it with a few other dishes as well to create a Chinese meal on a budget.
17. Dunkin Donuts Chocolate Glazed Donuts
Can we just take a minute to appreciate the perfect round and delicious shapes that are Dunkin Donuts?
If you are looking for a party treat – or just a treat for yourself – then these are it. A little fiddly but well worth it.
18. KFC Potato Wedges
Remember when KFC used to sell their delicious fried potato wedges? While they pulled them from the menu a few years ago, you can still enjoy them.
Making them at home is more simple than you might think. Plus, they taste very similar meaning you will have that empty wedge shaped hole filled within minutes.
All you need is seasonings, potatoes, salt, an egg, oil and milk. There really is not much to them.
19. Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
We are really not surprised you are craving this dish on a Sunday morning. The creamy and delicious hash browns within a casserole make the perfect start to the day.
If you thought making a copy was not possible, then think again! In fact, this version of it is so much better.
How can that be, you say? Well, give it a go and see.
20. Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad
The oriental chicken salad at Applebees is certainly a go-to for many. It is full of grilled chicken, Romaine lettuce, noodles that are on the crunchier side, and carrots – among other things.
As a salad, it is not difficult to make, however you will need to take care when preparing the dish as you will want to get it just right.
21. Burger King Whopper
For the majority of us, our favorite item on the menu at Burger King is the Whopper. It includes beef, lettuce, tomatoes and what is called the Whopper sauce.
The Whopper sauce is essentially just mayo, but other things included are pickle, ketchup, and the sesame seed bun which is super soft.
It is a great one to eat with the kids!
22. Starbucks Pink Drink
Not only does this drink always look cute, but it is seasonal too. If you want to make it all year round, then you can!
The recipe contains strawberries, herbal tea and coconut milk. It is super sweet and perfect for children too.
23. Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a little old school, but also very tasty. Who can resist it off Cracker Barrel’s menu? Not us!
It includes cheddar cheese, beef and onions. But the special part? The Ritz crackers.
24. Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
If you are craving some of Red Lobster’s famous cheddar bay biscuits, then this recipe is for you. They are so cheesy and buttery, and you will find that the garlic tastes just as it should.
This recipe is wonderfully similar to the original and only takes a quick 25 minutes to make. Pretty amazing, huh?
25. Olive Garden Alfredo
Olive Garden makes a deliciously cheesy and creamy alfredo. It is full of all the naughty things like heavy cream, parmesan and all sorts of cheeses. That is why it is so tasty, right?
Fortunately you can make this delight right at home. It is very cozy and suits a cold fall evening.
26. Papa John’s Garlic Sauce
What is a pizza without Papa John’s garlic sauce? This version is very creamy and full of garlic flavor, perfect for sipping those pizza crusts into.
The good news is, you only need two ingredients to achieve the desired effect of thick, creamy and tasty dipping sauce.
The actual process only takes a few minutes, however you will need to let it rest for around 20 minutes.
27. McDonald’s Filet ‘O Fish Sandwich With Tartar Sauce
While a burger is usually a good go-to when it comes to McDonald’s, their filet ‘o fish sandwich is sometimes hard to beat, especially with that tasty tartar sauce.
The great thing about this recipe is in the details, from the soft bun all the way to the scrumptious tartar sauce.
While a pan seared fish is always going to be healthier, it is okay to indulge once in a while.
28. IKEA Swedish Meatballs
Put your hands up if you go to IKEA just for the food?
IKEA released their own recipe for these addictive Swedish meatballs. The gravy is wonderful alongside peas and mashed potatoes.
This will become a Friday night staple.
29. IHOP Buttermilk Pancakes
If you are craving IHOP buttermilk pancakes then you are going to want to have a go at this recipe.
They are super thick and fluffy, and will suit a lazy late morning breakfast – otherwise known as brunch.
30. Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists
There is not a lot of time that goes by when we do not crave Taco Bell’s cinnamon twists. They are light, sugary, sweet and full of cinnamon – what is not to like?
If you need a cinnamon twist hit in your life, then you can make it at home. While not healthy, they do make a nice indulgent treat.
31. Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
If you need a rice side dish, then Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice will be the one. The basmati rice is covered with a squeeze of lime.
Along with the cilantro, the dish is fresh, zesty and tasty.
32. Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup
If you always find that you are wanting a bigger portion of Chick-Fil-A’s chicken tortilla soup, then you are going to love this easy to follow recipe.
Not only does it taste as it should (you might not be able to taste the difference), but you can double or triple the size of the recipe to suit your needs.
While it would be great to create a big portion for yourself, you can also make it as a one pot for the whole family.
33. Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
In order to get this recipe spot on you will need pilaf rice. All together the rice will be seasoned to perfection alongside a buttery and fluffy edge.
There are no downsides to this delicious recipe, as all you need is half an hour of your time and one pot to put all the ingredients into.
34. Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings
If it is a hearty dish you are looking for, then this Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings delight will have you covered.
Instead of heading over there, you could also create your own version of the dish. It will give you that comfort but without having to head on out.
So, stay in those pajamas because you are eating in tonight!
35. Olive Garden Pasta E Fagiolo
As soon as the colder weather hits, you will be wanting to make Olive Garden’s pasta with beans combination. The sausages and herbs really make this dish.
It is truly delicious and very comforting. Also, unlike the original it may come across as a little homemade, but we think you might like that – we certainly do!
36. Cheesecake Factory Red Velvet Cheesecake
Whether you are looking to create something special for your partner this Valentine’s Day, or you just love the cheesecakes at the Cheesecake Factory, then you are going to want to try this recipe.
Inside the cake layers is delicious cheesecake. In fact, just like the Cheesecake Factory, there are two layers of both cake and cheesecake within this recipe.
It is really delicious and worth baking!
37. Chick-Fil-A Frosted Coffee
We thought we would round this list off with a Chick-Fil-A Frosted coffee. It contains a bitter dark coffee alongside vanilla flavored ice cream. This makes it both creamy and intense with its flavors.
If you are looking for a tasty coffee treat to indulge on, then this is the recipe for you. It is really easy to make and will be something that you will want to whip up again.
Can I Use a Convection Oven to Make Copycat Recipes?
Yes, you can use a convection oven to make copycat recipes! With even, consistent heat distribution, convection ovens ensure your dishes turn out perfectly. Whether it’s replicating your favorite restaurant meal or baking scrumptious treats, delve into the world of convection oven recipes to try and unleash your inner culinary maestro.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have seen all 37 copycat recipes, have you decided which one you are making tonight? There is no doubt that you may be creating quite a few on this list.
So, as Friday rolls round, create your favorite copycat recipe, stick on Netflix, and enjoy the night with your family or friends.
If you enjoyed this article then you will be happy to know that our website is full of them. We have everything from making green tea cocktails to what meals go with buckwheat. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
It is never appropriate to ask a restaurant for recipes. There is no doubt that they will decline you.
While somewhere like McDonald’s will have strict recipe rules, a restaurant that produces fine dining may be looser with their recipes.
They create dishes in a different way, and often rely on both taste and instinct.
The majority of places available to eat out do not publish their recipes for people to buy. Some places however may release their own cookbook.
When this happens you will get to recreate a selection of their favorite and most popular recipes.
There are no copyright restrictions when it comes to recipes due to the fact they contain a list of ingredients. The U.S. Copyright Office also states this.
So to put it simply, no, you cannot be sued for copying a recipe from a restaurant.
Cooking is great for your mental, physical, and emotional health. What’s the worst that could happen? Find a recipe that you like the sound of and cook it along with me. You might even unlock a new passion!
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