You can make restaurant appetizers at home—with the right recipe!
27 Copycat Recipes for Restaurant Appetizers
Updated on Aug. 16, 2024
Is there anything better than restaurant appetizers? We think not! If you can’t get enough of P.F. Chang’s lettuce wraps or The Cheesecake Factory’s fried mac and cheese, then our copycat restaurant recipes are a must. Read on for the secret ingredients (and secret sauce) that make fast-casual starters so delicious.
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Red Robin Crispy Fried Pickles Copycat
Order up! This recipe for “pickle nickels” has all the crisp of Red Robin’s version, but baked in the oven instead of deep-fried. Dunk ’em in chili mayo for the perfect balance of spicy and sour.
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P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps Copycat
Replicate the beloved P.F. Chang’s lettuce wraps at home. To go all out on a from-scratch P.F. Chang’s dinner, pair this restaurant appetizer with copycat Mongolian beef or a classic stir-fry.
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Applebee's Spinach Artichoke Dip Copycat
This dip is easy to make—and it’s a home run at potlucks. Serve with our Test Kitchen’s fave tortilla chips for the perfect app.
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Buffalo Wild Wings Ultimate Nachos Copycat
Move over, chicken wings. Buffalo Wild Wings’ nachos deserve the spotlight. These queso baked nachos may just change your go-to Buffalo Wild Wings order. And when they’re this good, we’re not mad about it!
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The Cheesecake Factory Fried Macaroni and Cheese Copycat
This dish is easily the best thing on The Cheesecake Factory’s giant menu. You can copycat the appetizer with a mouth-watering combination of Velveeta, cheddar and Parmesan.
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Outback Steakhouse Bloomin' Onion Copycat
Prepare for a blooming onion recipe that will blow your taste buds away. This recipe calls for two large sweet onions, so you’ll have more than enough to feed a crowd.
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Texas Roadhouse Rolls Copycat
This recipe is an exact dupe for Texas Roadhouse’s fluffy dinner rolls. Serve them with irresistible honey cinnamon Texas Roadhouse butter and, of course, a steak.
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Panera Autumn Squash Soup Copycat
This seasonal Panera recipe is now available 365 days a year. Each bowl is loaded with butternut squash, carrots and pumpkin, so it’s the perfect starter for a warm and cozy fall dinner.
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Red Lobster Fried Oysters Copycat
Red Lobster doesn’t have its fried oysters on the menu anymore, but you can recreate this restaurant appetizer at home. Pick up fresh oysters at a fish market or check out our top picks for seafood delivery.
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Spinach Artichoke Dip
When bubbling-hot from the oven, spinach and artichoke dip will bring everyone running to the kitchen. It's the ultimate party dip.
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Rock Bottom Ball Park Pretzels Copycat
Grab your bread machine! The homemade version of Rock Bottom’s soft pretzels satisfy all the salt cravings.
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Benihana Spicy Edamame Copycat
This Benihana copycat gets its kick from crushed red pepper flakes, plus zesty flavor from garlic and ginger. Use a bag of frozen edamame and this starter will be ready in a flash.
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TGI Fridays Loaded Potato Skins Copycat
Potato lovers, gather ’round. This recipe for cheesy, bacon-topped potato skins that tastes incredible with a side of sour cream!
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Applebee’s Chicken Quesadilla Copycat
This Applebee’s-inspired quesadilla is ready in three simple steps. Slice into triangles and serve with sour cream and guacamole for a copycat dish that’s restaurant-worthy.
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Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Copycat
When making “rattlesnake bites,” test your fritters by frying just one. If it’s undercooked in the middle, add some water to the batter. This will make them thinner and easier to cook.
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Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms Copycat
Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks aren’t the only tasty appetizer the chain offers. Its stuffed mushrooms are more than worth a try. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on these copycat stuffed mushrooms for a winner at the dinner table.
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Zucchini Fries
For zucchini fries that crisp to perfection in the air fryer, we coat them with a cheesy, herby panko coating. Dunk in warm marinara sauce for a full-flavored bite.
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On the Border Guacamole Copycat
This homemade guac is the ideal starter for a Tex-Mex meal. This recipe calls for 1/4 cup of mayo which will help make it extra creamy and smooth.
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Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Cheese Fries Copycat
This has to be the most popular appetizer at Cheddar’s. For the most authentic flavor, top the cheese fries with bacon and serve with a side of ranch for dipping.
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Bar Louie Loaded Tots Copycat
This recipe combines two of our favorite restaurant appetizers—nachos and tater tots—to create total snack heaven. Our advice? Make sure to bake these tots until they’re super crispy. Try to use vine-ripened tomatoes, too.
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Romano’s Macaroni Grill Crispy Brussels Sprouts Copycat
These roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts are a total hit. Plus, they’re so good for you!
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Chili’s Crispy Cheddar Bites Copycat
These cheese curds are beer-battered and simply amazing. Use a deep-fryer (like Chili’s does) for a nice and crispy exterior.
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Applebee's Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat
This starter isn’t on the menu at Applebee’s anymore, but that doesn’t mean we can’t whip up wonton tacos in the kitchen! Marinate the chicken for this recipe up to 24 hours for a flavor you won’t forget.
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Wendy's Chili Copycat
A Wendy’s recipe in the comfort of your own home? Yes, please. This chili is full of celery, onions, green peppers and chili powder for an unforgettable kick.
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Sonic Onion Rings Copycat
You’ll never guess the secret ingredient for onion rings that taste like they’re fresh from Sonic. It’s vanilla ice cream! Yup, it’s true, vanilla ice cream is what helps give onion rings some signature Sonic flair.
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In-N-Out's Animal Style Fries Copycat
I mean, just looking at this recipe makes us want to drool. These cheese fries are covered with American cheese, grilled onions and In-N-Out’s famous sauce. We need one order of this comfort food, stat.
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Maggiano’s Little Italy Bruschetta Copycat
Is there a better restaurant appetizer than bruschetta? We happen to think not. Toasted bread topped with feta cheese, garlic, basil and tomato makes for an easy (and tasty) combo.
