120 Restaurant Copycat Recipes That Are Better Than the Real Thing
Updated: Apr. 18, 2023You're craving your favorite restaurant meal, but not the drive, the wait or the bill. Here's how to make it yourself!
Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup Copycat
This copycat version of Panera Bread’s broccoli cheddar soup will warm you up from the inside out. Serve it in bread bowls to make it even more comforting. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
While you’re here, find out more about why Panera Bread has one of the best fast food hot chocolates.
Wendy’s Chili Copycat
Work with (mostly) pantry staples to make a copycat version of Wendy’s chili. This hearty recipe will save you a trip to the drive-thru! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
We bet you didn’t know these facts about the Wendy’s Frosty.
Chick-fil-A Sauce Copycat
Thanks to this copycat Chick-fil-A sauce recipe, you won’t have to ask for extra sauces to take home with you next time you visit the restaurant. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Check out why Chick-fil-A’s been named America’s favorite restaurant.
Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat
Orange chicken is one of the best items to get at Panda Express. Try making it at home with fried rice and honey walnut shrimp! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Here are some Panda Express facts you didn’t know about America’s biggest Chinese chain.
TGI Fridays Loaded Potato Skins Copycat
Wondering how to make potato skins taste great? I top my restaurant-worthy loaded potato skins with cheese, bacon and a dollop of sour cream. Have them at lunch, snack time or cocktail hour. —Trish Perrin, Keizer, OR
Learn more about the best restaurant deals at your favorite chains.
KFC Fried Chicken Copycat
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, MT
Here’s what makes KFC’s chicken so crispy. Oh, and don’t forget about the best ways to reheat your fried chicken leftovers, too.
McDonald’s Egg McMuffin Copycat
Missed breakfast at McDonald’s? Don’t fret—this copycat McDonald’s Egg McMuffin recipe has you covered. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Here’s why McDonald’s almost didn’t add the Egg McMuffin to its menu.
Chipotle Barbacoa Copycat
My husband adores this barbacoa, which is beef roast simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat it once a week if I would make it that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime. —Aundrea McCormick, Denver
Next, learn these Chipotle secrets employees won’t tell you.
Starbucks Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf Copycat
Skip the line and bake Starbucks pumpkin bread in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe may be even better than the original! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Have you ever noticed this hidden detail in the Starbucks logo?
Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno Copycat
After having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own version of it—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this when I’m making it and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California
Here are some of Olive Garden’s other best recipes.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets Recipe
I developed this recipe specifically to copycat Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. The first time I made them I knew I had a winner because the whole family fought over who got the last one! For a dipping sauce, combine equal parts barbecue sauce and Dijon mustard, then stir in honey to taste. —Jeni Pittard, Statham, GA
California Pizza Kitchen Thai Chicken Pizza Copycat
Contributor Gigi Miller, from Stoughton, Wisconsin, provided a fabulous recipe for sweet and saucy chicken thighs that she serves with rice. We took it a step further, and used the chicken and sauce to make this restaurant-inspired Thai pizza. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Panera Bread Bread Bowls Copycat
Bread bowls make every dish at Panera that much better. Learn how to make them at home, so you can fill them with all your favorite homemade soups and pasta dishes, or another Panera copycat recipe like tomato soup. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
The Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napolitana Copycat
This is the ultimate meat lover’s sauce and is my copycat version of The Cheesecake Factory’s pasta. Rich and hearty, with tremendous flavors, this pasta Napolitana will disappear quickly. I always make extra sauce, as it freezes very well. —John Pittman, Northampton, PA
Starbucks Very Berry Coffee Cake Copycat
This tasty, wholesome coffee cake is loaded with fresh berries. It’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth. —Heather O’Neill, Troy, OH
Wendy’s Frosty Copycat
A Wendy’s frosty isn’t a shake or even soft serve—it’s got a unique texture we all know and love. This copycat recipe is just like the real thing! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Panera Bread Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Copycat
Years ago, I fell hard for a lemony Greek soup at Panera Bread. It was just a special back then, but I re-created it at home so we could eat it whenever a craving hit! —Kristin Cherry, Bothell, WA
Chipotle Guacamole Copycat
No need to pay extra for guac anymore—rely on this copycat Chipotle guacamole recipe to satisfy your cravings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Noodles & Company Wisconsin Mac ‘n’ Cheese Copycat
I like to serve this mac ‘n’ cheese with a salad and crusty bread. It’s a satisfying meal that feels upscale, but will fit just about any budget. And because the Gorgonzola is so mild in this dish, even the kiddos will go for it. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, AZ
Butterbeer Copycat
Whether you enjoy it hot, cold or even frozen, this copycat butterbeer recipe will whisk you straight to Hogsmeade. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chipotle Rice Copycat
Learn how to make the signature dish at home. Put it in your own bowls or burritos, or another copycat Chipotle recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Copycat
Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you’ll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, PA
Dunkin’ Iced Coffee with Mocha Flavor Swirl Copycat
When my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, MN
Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Copycat
Stopping at Cinnabon is one of the best parts of going to the mall. Recreate the smell of Cinnabon (and of course, the cinnamon rolls!) by making this copycat recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Country Kitchen Farm Skillet Copycat
I added a little color and flavor to this country scrambled eggs recipe by adding some green pepper, onion and red potatoes. —Joyce Platfoot, Wapakoneta, OH
Sonic Corn Dog Copycat
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, IN
Red Lobster New England Clam Chowder Copycat
I ran across this recipe in one of my antique cookbooks. It’s a timeless classic I like to prepare for friends and family throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. —Betty Ann Morgan, Upper Marlboro, MD
McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese Copycat
Go on a burger road trip in your own backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-high with your favorite toppings. For instance, peanut butter and bacon make them southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes, a northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, NY
Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe
The secret to a perfect copycat Krispy Kreme doughnut? The frying oil. Try our recipe and you’ll see! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
PF Chang’s House-Made Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat
These egg rolls are low in fat, but the crispiness from baking will fool you into thinking they were fried! —Barbara Lierman, Lyons, NE
Chili’s Chicken Fajitas Copycat
This chicken fajitas recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The marinated chicken in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. The fajitas go together in a snap and always get raves! —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, KY
Rock Bottom Carrot Cake Copycat
A pleasingly moist cake, this treat is the one I requested that my mom make each year for my birthday. It’s dotted with sweet carrots and a hint of cinnamon. The fluffy buttery frosting is scrumptious with chopped walnuts stirred in. One piece of this carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is never enough—it’s better than all the other carrot cakes I’ve tried! —Kim Orr, West Grove, PA
Popeyes Biscuits Copycat
The recipe for these four-ingredient homemade buttermilk biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, NC
The Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread Copycat
The brown bread at The Cheesecake Factory is just as exciting as the cheesecake. You won’t be able to tell the difference between this copycat recipe and the real thing! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Portillo’s Chili Cheese Dog Copycat
These deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions and tailgates. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, OR
McCalister’s Deli Spud Olé Copycat
This is a stuffed potato with a tasty twist. Teenagers like the flavor that comes from the green chiles and cheese. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Boston Market Mac ‘n’ Cheese Copycat
Our stovetop macaroni and cheese is extra special, thanks to the buttery crumb topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Maggiano’s Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes Copycat
Ready-to-go crabmeat makes these delicate patties easier than other crab cake recipes. You can also form the crab mixture into four thick patties instead of eight crab cakes. —Charlene Spelock, Apollo, PA
Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Scampi Copycat
This shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to company, but it’s easy to prepare. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp. Serve it over pasta and wait for the compliments. —Lori Packer, Omaha, NE
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Buffalo Wild Wings Bourbon Honey Mustard Wings Copycat
For a change from spicy Buffalo sauce, try these sweet and sticky wings. There’s a good chance they’ll become your new favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, NY
Panda Express Chicken Pot Sticker Copycat
Chicken and mushrooms make up the filling in these pot stickers, a traditional Chinese dumpling. Greasing the steamer rack makes it easier to remove them once they’re steamed. —Jacquelynne Stine, Las Vegas
California Pizza Kitchen The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza Copycat
So fast and so easy with refrigerated pizza crust, these saucy, smoky pizzas make quick fans with their rustic, hot-off-the-grill flavor. They’re perfect for impromptu cookouts and summer dinners on the patio. —Alicia Trevithick, Temecula, CA
Rock Bottom Bacon Jalapeño Poppers Copycat
There’s no faster way to get a party started than with these bacon jalapeño poppers. Make them ahead and bake just before serving. Even those who are intolerant of hot peppers will love them. —Dawn Onuffer, Crestview, FL
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Copycat
Each sip of this spiced-just-right beverage from our very own baristas tastes like a piece of pumpkin pie! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Starbucks Bacon and Gruyere Egg Bites Copycat
You can substitute Gruyere cheese for the Swiss and ham for the bacon, or add in small-cut veggies to these copycat Starbucks egg bites. I also like to bake these in small Mason jars for fun single-portion presentations. Serve with avocado slices and fresh fruit for a healthy breakfast. —Maria Morelli, West Kelowna, British Columbia
PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Copycat
This recipe is as tasty as the lettuce wraps found in national restaurants, but it’s healthier! —Linda Rowley, Richardson, TX
Chipotle Corn Salsa Copycat
Chipotle corn salsa is a go-to topping for bowls and burritos alike. Make it at home so you can enjoy it however you like—even by the spoonful! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Hard Rock Cafe Hickory-Smoked Ribs Copycat
When my family thinks of summer grilling, it’s ribs all the way. Our Asian-inspired recipe is a welcome change from the usual barbecue-sauce versions. —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, FL
Bakers Square French Silk Pie Copycat
Chocolate makes the world go round! We have a family that loves chocolate pies, and this version with a splash of brandy is smooth as silk and oh so special. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, RI
The Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Copycat
Shrimp scampi is a delicious dish to turn to when the huge menu at the Cheesecake Factory becomes too overwhelming. When serving, put the lightly breaded shrimp around the mound of angel hair pasta to plate it just like the restaurant does. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Popeyes Macaroni & Cheese Copycat
My sons always say I’m the best mom in the world when I make this creamy mac ‘n’ cheese perfection. Does it get any better than that? —Heidi Fleek, Hamburg, PA
Country Kitchen Chicken & Waffles Copycat
My first experience with this dish sent my taste buds into orbit. I first made this chicken and waffles recipe into appetizers, but we all love them as a main course too. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, MO
Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Copycat
We love the breadsticks we get hot from the oven at our local pizza parlor. Now I can serve that same wonderful goodness at home. —Heather Bates, Athens, ME
Hard Rock Cafe Original Legendary Burger Copycat
Every family has a burger of choice, and this is ours. It’s stacked tall with bacon and crunchy onion rings. —Paula Homer, Nampa, ID
Sonic Chili Cheese Tots Copycat
Playing with food is loads of fun when you have Tater Tots and taco toppings. Let kids build their own for smiles all around. —Eleanor Mielke, Mitchell, SD
Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwich Copycat
I have fond memories of my mother in the kitchen preparing her amazing beef dip sandwiches. They always made our house smell like an Old World Italian restaurant. And as good as the aroma was, somehow the taste was even better! Set out a jar of giardiniera for spooning on top. —Kira Vosk, Milwaukee
The Cheesecake Factory Chicken Madeira Copycat
Skip the wait time and make this bestselling Cheesecake Factory menu item at home. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chipotle Carnitas Copycat
We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They’re so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I’m reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, CT
Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat
I love their crunchy, citrusy salad so much that once I made my husband drive an hour to the nearest Applebee’s restaurant just so I could eat it! It was time to come up with my own version. I’m completely happy with the results—and my husband is too! Find more of my recipes at my blog, mandysrecipeboxblog.com. —Mandy Bird, Holbrook, ID
Red Robin Chili Chili Cheese Fries Copycat
The delicious chili goes together in minutes and then cooks while you run errands. The only way to make it even better is to pour it over crisp french fries and sprinkle with cheese. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, TX
California Pizza Kitchen Roasted Artichoke & Spinach Pizza Copycat
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, OR
Chili’s Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie Copycat
Bake up the ultimate shareable cookie. For variety, replace the chocolate chips with an equal quantity of M&M’s or chocolate chunks. Or go super fancy by mixing the chocolate chips and pecans into the dough, then gently folding in 1-1/2 cups fresh raspberries. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
