Bring America's most popular fast-food restaurant home, without the drive-thru, with these copycat McDonald's recipes.
25 McDonald’s Copycat Recipes So You Can Skip the Drive-Thru
Updated on Oct. 04, 2024
Inspired By: McDonald’s Cheeseburger
A favorite on McDonald’s dollar menu, these copycat burgers are a blend of ground beef and breadcrumbs. You can cook them on the stovetop on a grill pan or a standard skillet. I like to top these burgers with cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, ketchup and mustard. —Mike Goldman, Arden Hills, Minnesota
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Inspired By: McDonald’s Special Sauce
We cracked the code on one of McDonald’s best-kept secrets; the Big Mac sauce! Perfect for topping on burgers, or dipping your fries and nuggets in, this McDonald’s copycat recipe is one you’ll want to keep on hand. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Inspired By: Chicken McNuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 214 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Inspired By: McDonald's French Fries
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s a fact that McDonald’s fries are one of their best-selling items, so we’ve created an even tastier way to eat their fries! The addition of Parmesan and garlic is optional, but they make this side dish simply irresistible. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 199 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Inspired By: Egg McMuffin
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
On a busy morning, this McDonald’s copycat recipe save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Senior Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 334 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 219mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
Inspired By: Shamrock Shake
When this colorful dessert appears on the McDonald’s menu, you know St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. Make your own all year round with this McDonald’s copycat recipe. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont
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Best Hamburger
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grill these easy hamburgers and add your favorite toppings. Not into grilling? Make the patties on the stovetop, in the oven or even in the air fryer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 265 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
8/25
Inspired By: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I turned classic breakfast sandwiches into something heartier that you could even enjoy for dinner. We pile toppings like salsa and avocado—mayo and ketchup, too—on the homemade biscuits. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 430 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 198mg cholesterol, 1058mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
9/25
Inspired By: Honey Mustard Sauce
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
This fast, easy mustard with rice vinegar and honey has more flavor than any other honey mustard dressing I’ve ever tried. —Sharon Rehm, New Blaine, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 tablespoon: 28 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
10/25
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying all the major fast-food chains' chicken sandwiches, I decided to come up with my own version. I think this is better than the original. —Ralph Jones, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 543 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 778mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
11/25
Inspired By: McCafe Strawberry Shake
Total Time
5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cool off with a thick and rich treat that will remind you of a malt shoppe! Nothing can beat this McDonald’s copycat strawberry shake recipe. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 253 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
12/25
Inspired By: Hotcakes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this fluffy and easy pancake recipe among our old family favorites and adapted it to make a small amount. It’s quick and easy to prepare, but we still consider it a special treat. —Eugene Presley, Council, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 269 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 666mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
13/25
Inspired By: Chicken Selects
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I recently made this recipe of Mom's for my in-laws and they told me it was the "best fried chicken ever." Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. —Genny Monchamp, Redding, California
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 388 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
14/25
Inspired By: Tangy Barbecue Sauce
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You’ll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 68 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
15/25
Inspired By: Cinnamon Melts
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A slow cooker turns day-old cinnamon rolls into a comforting, old-fashioned dessert. It tastes wonderful topped with lemon or vanilla sauce or whipped cream. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 570 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 226mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
16/25
Inspired By: McRib
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Perfect for a weekday dinner or cozy weekend meal, this McDonald’s copycat recipe makes fall-off-the-bone tender meat with delicious flavor. —Margaret Luchsinger, Jupiter, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 405 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 713mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
17/25
Inspired By: Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I tasted muesli on a trip to Switzerland, and when I came home, I made it my way. Keep things interesting (and avoid midmorning munchies) by adding different fruits and nuts every day. —Maddie Kirk, Springfield, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup (calculated without fruit) : 249 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
18/25
Inspired By: Filet-O-Fish
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The seasoned breading of this hearty sandwich turns mild-flavored cod or halibut into a taste sensation, and the creamy sauce just keeps it going! —Mildred Caruso, Brighton, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 337 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 41g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 starch.
19/25
Inspired By: Tartar Sauce
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll never buy the jarred stuff again once you’ve tried this homemade tartar sauce recipe! —Michelle Stromko, Darlington, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 93 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
20/25
Inspired By: Spicy Chicken McNuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We devour these golden chicken nuggets at least once a week. If you want to tone down the heat, skip the chipotle pepper. —Cheryl Cook, Palmyra, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 371 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
21/25
Inspired By: Sausage Burrito
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a great kid-friendly recipe that takes only 20 minutes to prepare and cook. —Sharon Haswell, Cheshire, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 341 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 441mg cholesterol, 1053mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein.
22/25
Inspired By: Sweet BBQ Bacon Burger
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every family has a burger of choice, and this McDonald’s copycat recipe is ours. It’s stacked tall with bacon and crunchy onion rings. —Paula Homer, Nampa, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger (calculated without optional toppings): 768 calories, 39g fat (15g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 1275mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 42g protein.
23/25
Inspired By: Fruit 'N Yogurt Parfait
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The best time for this dessert is midsummer, when the blueberries are thick in our northern woods. Red raspberries can be added to the mixed berries, too, to brighten the patriotic colors. —Anne Theriault, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait (calculated without coconut): 172 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
24/25
Inspired By: Fish McBites
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love fried fish, but we're both trying to cut back on dietary fat. I came up with this oven-baked version. He likes it as much as deep-fried fish, so I know it's a winner. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
9 piece: 171 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
Inspired By: Eggnog Shake
Enjoy the flavors of Christmas all-year-round with this McDonald’s Eggnog Shake recipe. Simply add eggnog, vanilla ice cream, rum extract and nutmeg to a blender and blend it all together for that perfect milkshake. Don’t forget the cherry on top! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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