You’ll get to have your favorite restaurant dishes in the comfort of your home! They may not taste exactly like the original, but the flavors and textures are truly satisfying, regardless. If you think they’re complicated to make, think again. These recipes are surprisingly simple and beginner-friendly. They’re a lot cheaper than the originals, to boot! From Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks to Taco Bell’s hearty quesadilla to Portillo’s chocolate cake, these easy copycat recipes will make you feel like a pro.
1. Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
A visit to Red Lobster is not complete without ordering their famous biscuits. These bad boys are flaky and ultra-cheesy and buttery. The garlic flavor is spot on, too! This copycat recipe replicates the original wonderfully AND comes together in just 25 minutes. What more can you ask for?
2. Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
Say goodbye to boxed rice mixes and hello to Texas Roadhouse’s seasoned rice. This recipe makes a pretty close replica of the popular dish with very minimal effort. A classic steamed white rice is okay, but pilaf is so much better. It’s well-seasoned, buttery, and oh-so-fluffy! With this recipe, one pot and half an hour are all you’ll need.
3. Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli
Olive Garden’s pasta e fagioli is truly one for the books. The pasta and bean combo makes a hearty, warming, and soul-satisfying dish. If I’m being honest, I think this copycat version is much better. Call me old-fashioned, but to me, nothing beats homemade. From the al dente pasta to the meaty sausage to the flavorful herbs to the refreshing sauce, this dish hits all the right notes.
4. Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Hash browns turned into a rich and creamy casserole? That’s what I call the ultimate breakfast of champions. Cracker Barrel has really knocked it out of the park with their hash brown casserole, but I say this copycat is even better. The richness, the creaminess, and all that potato goodness… I can’t get enough of it!
5. Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac
If you’re feeling extra hungry, you’d better go for the iconic McDonald’s Big Mac. Wouldn’t it be epic, though, if you can make your very own Big Mac at home? Well, with this recipe, you sure can! From the juicy patties to the rich and tangy sauce to the sesame seed buns and vegetables, this copycat Mickey D’s classic is outrageously delicious.
6. Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings is such a hearty and cozy treat. But who says you need to get yours from Cracker and Barrel? This copycat version gives you the same level of comfort as the original. Plus, with this one, there’s no need to get out of your pajamas!
7. PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Craving Chinese? These lettuce wraps will bring PF Chang’s to shame. They’re quick, easy, and a lot more affordable! In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a low-carb dish that’s high in flavor. Ground chicken is made insanely packed with flavor with sweet hoisin sauce, umami-rich soy sauce, tart rice wine vinegar, spicy Sriracha, and more! Wrap that filling in lettuce and, oh boy, your taste buds will rejoice.
8. A1 Steak Sauce
When it comes to steak seasonings, A1 Steak Sauce tops the charts. The only caveat is, it’s expensive, especially when all you need is a tablespoon or two. Thankfully, this easy copycat recipe can replicate the same flavors by using basic pantry ingredients. With just a bit of mixing, your taste buds will be treated to a flavor-packed condiment that’s great not just with steaks, but with other meats as well.
9. Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
Zuppa Toscana is a scrumptious soup fully loaded with potatoes, sausage, bacon, and kale. It’s tasty, hearty, and is guaranteed to make your heart and soul sing. It sounds intimidating, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. Paired with warm and fluffy dinner rolls, Zuppa Toscana makes for an unforgettable meal.
10. Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Even the pickiest eaters won’t say no to Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup! Kids usually squirm at the sight of broccoli, but trust me, this soup will change their minds. Cheese really makes everything better. You can serve in a bread bowl for a rustic presentation, but it’s already impossible to resist even on its own.
11. Panera Bread French Onion Soup
Here’s another one of my favorites from Panera. They removed it from their menu for a time (what were they thinking?!), but they eventually brought it back! Hurray for me! Still, I find this homemade version more favorable. First of all, I don’t need to leave the house. Second of all, it’s just absolutely amazing. The onion soup itself is delicious, but the croutons and melted cheese on top are what make it phenomenal.
12. Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup
Can’t stop thinking about that drool-worthy chicken tortilla soup from Chick-fil-A? Make it right at home! The only thing I don’t like about Chick-fil-A’s soup is that one serving is rarely enough. That delectable soup is insanely delicious. Fortunately, this copycat recipe tastes just like the original and can be easily doubled or tripled. With this recipe, there’s always enough soup for everybody.
13. Olive Garden Breadsticks
I don’t know what they put in their breadsticks, but man, those sticks are addictive! Good thing you can make them at home. This copycat yields ridiculously soft, fluffy, and chewy breadsticks. That garlic butter topping is divine. Serve breadsticks with pasta or soup for a hearty meal or just enjoy them on their own, you can’t go wrong either way.
14. Wendy’s Chili
Wendy’s chili is great, but this homemade copycat is far superior. If you’re looking for a cozy treat to warm you on a chilly day, let it be this chili. Fresh ground beef, tomatoes, beans, vegetables, spices – this chili has all the goods.
15. Olive Garden Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is a huge hit at home, which is why I’ve bookmarked this recipe a long time ago. This Alfredo is ridiculously rich, creamy, and cheesy. How can it not be, when it’s packed with heavy cream, milk, parmesan, and romano cheese?
16. Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
I’m a sucker for meatloaf. I love it on its own or served with bread, rice, soup; you name it! Out of all the recipes out there, this one yields a unique and delicious flavor. It’s made with ground beef, onions, cheddar cheese – all that good stuff. What makes it extra special are rich and buttery Ritz crackers. It really makes all the difference. It’s topped with a sweet and savory glaze of ketchup and brown sugar, to boot. Aside from flavor, the glaze keeps the meatloaf tremendously moist.
17. Panda Express Chow Mein
I never thought I could make Chow Mein as good as Panda Express does, but this recipe is a game-changer. I’m no expert in cooking Chinese dishes, but I’m pretty proud of how this one turned out. I served it to a few friends and they couldn’t believe it was homemade. It was a huge hit!
18. Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese
While there’s no such thing as bad mac and cheese, there is a best one, and this is it! Cracker Barrel mac and cheese comfort food at its best. You can’t go wrong with firm and chewy pasta coated in an ultra-cheesy sauce. The crunchy breadcrumbs? A total game-changer! It makes the casual mac and cheese holiday-worthy.
19. Copycat Popeye’s Chicken Sandwich
No need to get in line at Popeye’s! Make this chicken sandwich at home to satisfy your Popeye’s craving. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk, coated in batter, and deep-fried into golden perfection. It’s slathered with a sweet, spicy, and creamy mayo dressing and placed between two brioche buns. Tell me that’s not to die for!
20. Cracker Barrel Biscuits
Why buy expensive buttermilk biscuits when you can make even better, more affordable ones at home? While Cracker Barrel does serve one of the best biscuits out there, keep in mind that biscuits aren’t hard to make. With this recipe, you get flaky and fluffy biscuits bursting with flavor. Best of all, you can devour them while you’re in your pajamas!
21. Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
Why settle for steamed white rice when you can make cilantro lime rice instead? Lime juice adds a hint of tanginess to basmati rice, while cilantro packs it with a refreshing herb flavor. Serve it with beef, pork, fish, or chicken for an extra special meal.
22. IKEA Swedish Meatballs
If you’re a huge fan of IKEA’s meatballs, good news! They recently released their secret recipe, and it’s spot on. Aside from the melt-in-your-mouth meatballs, what sets this dish apart is that luscious creamy gravy that can double as a pasta sauce. Ever wondered why the appliance store serves food in their establishments? That’s because they believe that no one should shop on an empty stomach. Makes sense!
23. Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Taco Bell has really nailed it with this Mexican pizza. It’s the ultimate fusion of cuisines! You’d think it’s sinful, but it’s not. One serving only has less than 400 calories! This healthy version uses a whole wheat tortilla for the crust, enchilada for the sauce, and refried beans, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, and shredded cheeses for the toppings. One bite will get you hooked.
24. Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ever had gnocchi? If not, you’re in for a treat. Gnocchi is an Italian pasta made with potatoes. These dumplings are so soft and pillowy, they melt in your mouth! That mild potato flavor is pretty good, too. Now, add chicken, carrots, spinach, celery, and a creamy broth into the equation and what do you get? A ridiculously rich and hearty soup you won’t soon forget.
25. Taco Bell Quesadilla
The quesadilla is one of my go-to orders at Taco Bell. Nothing beats the combo of shredded chicken, melted cheese, and tortilla bread! What takes it over the top, though, is the sauce. With its blend of mayo, jalapenos, sugar, and spices, it makes the already-superb quesadillas even more spectacular.
26. Junior’s Cheesecake
Junior’s cheesecake is the number one place to go to in New York for cheesecake. That’s a fact! But if you’re not a New Yorker, don’t worry, you can always rely on this recipe. Expect to not only get a rich and creamy cheesecake, but an airy sponge cake crust as well. If you’ve never had it before, prepare to be mind blown.
27. Waffle House Waffles
There’s no need to drive to Waffle House to get the best waffles that money can buy. This recipe is all you need! These waffles have a crispy exterior and a light and fluffy interior. It’s waffles at their finest! Best of all, these golden waffles are ready to be devoured in just 20 minutes.
28. Dunkin Donuts Chocolate Glazed Donuts
Dunkin is the home of ridiculously soft and pillowy donuts. I can eat Dunkin donuts all day! Their chocolate-glazed is one of the best variants, and I’m so happy to have found this copycat recipe. This is the real deal, folks! Admittedly, it’s not healthy, but hey, live a little! You totally deserve it.
29. Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, anyone? This copycat tastes just like the original! Can you think of a better combo than peanut butter and chocolate? I’ll wait. These homemade peanut butter cups have that lovely sweet and salty contrast we all know and love. The crunchy outer shell and creamy peanut butter center complement each other so well, too.
30. Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
As much as I love Cinnabon’s cinnamon rolls, I don’t appreciate how expensive they are. Thankfully, this copycat recipe tastes just as amazing! These cinnamon rolls are extra soft and chewy and smothered with that ridiculously rich cream cheese frosting. They’re super affordable, so feel free to attack that second piece! Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 2 No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
Share on social media: Let us improve this post!
