27 McDonald’s Copycat Recipes So You Can Skip the Drive-Thru

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

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

Inspired By: McDonald's French Fries

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

Inspired By: Egg McMuffin

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

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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Inspired By: Sweet-and-Sour Sauce

The sauces of all sauces to go with a crispy McNugget, this sweet-and-sour sauce recipe tastes just like the franchise’s. If you like your sauces spicy, some crushed red pepper flakes give this sauce a little added kick. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Inspired By: Quarter Pounder with Cheese

This McDonald’s copycat recipe is a terrific taste of summer served with tall glasses of lemonade or cola. —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

Inspired By: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit

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

Inspired By: Honey Mustard Sauce

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

Inspire By: McChicken

After trying all the major fast-food chains’ chicken sandwiches, I decided to come up with my own McDonald’s copycat recipe. I know everyone says theirs is better than the original, but mine really is. —Ralph Jones, San Diego, California

Inspired By: McCafe Strawberry Shake

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.

Inspired By: Hotcakes

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

Inspired By: Chicken Selects

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

Inspired By: Tangy Barbecue Sauce

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

Inspired By: Iced Coffee

Skip those morning drive-thru stops with this McDonald’s copycat iced coffee recipe. Made with only four ingredients, your morning drink necessity can even been made ahead of time so it’s ready to go when you are. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Inspired By: Cinnamon Melts

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

Inspired By: McRib

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

Inspired By: Fruit & Maple Oatmeal

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

Inspired By: Filet-O-Fish

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

Inspired By: Tartar Sauce

You’ll never buy the jarred stuff again once you’ve tried this homemade tartar sauce recipe! —Michelle Stromko, Darlington, Maryland

Inspired By: Spicy Chicken McNuggets

We devour these spicy chicken nuggets at least once a week. If you want to tone down the heat, skip the chipotle pepper. —Cheryl Cook, Palmyra, Virginia

Inspired By: Sausage Burrito

This is a great kid-friendly recipe that takes only 20 minutes to prepare and cook. —Sharon Haswell, Cheshire, Massachusetts

Inspired By: Sweet BBQ Bacon Burger

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

Inspired By: Fruit 'N Yogurt Parfait

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

Inspired By: Fish McBites

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

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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