24 Copycat Recipes for Your Favorite Restaurant Appetizers

Inspired by: Red Robin Fried Pickle Nickels

Like deep-fried pickles? You'll love this unfried version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then baked until crispy. Dip them with ranch dressing for an appetizer you won't soon forget.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Inspired by: Buffalo Wild Wings Ultimate Nachos

I modified a nachos recipe I found, and my family loves it! It is now a regular at all of our parties or any time we're craving nachos. —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan

Inspired by: Rock Bottom Ball Park Pretzels

My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado

Inspired by: Red Lobster Fried Oysters

I love nothing more than a cold beer and a shucked oyster, so when my partners and I opened Saw’s Juke Joint in Birmingham, Alabama, we wanted to add them to the menu. We love making them, we love serving them and our guests love eating them. —Taylor Hicks, Las Vegas, Nevada

Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen Spinach Artichoke Dip

Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience—I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and cleanup are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Inspired by: Maggiano’s Little Italy Bruschetta Bar Tour

You won't believe the compliments you'll receive when you greet guests with these warm appetizers. Every crispy bite offers the savory tastes of feta cheese, tomatoes, basil and garlic. They're terrific for holiday parties or most any gathering. —Stacey Rinehart, Eugene, Oregon

Inspired by: Benihana Spicy Edamame

Edamame (pronounced eh-duh-MAH-may) are young soybeans in their pods. In our Test Kitchen, we boiled and seasoned them with salt, ginger, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Inspired by: BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Crisp Potato Skins Platter

It's easy to love these delicious appetizers. They're nice to serve outside when you invite friends over for a grilled meal. They remind me of the potato skins I have had in restaurants—only better! —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland

Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Fried Macaroni and Cheese

I created this deep fried mac and cheese recipe for my husband. He describes this recipe as unbelievably delicious because of the crispy deep-fried coating on the outside and the creamy richness on the inside. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida

Inspired by: Noodles & Company Korean BBQ Meatballs

Inspired by: Applebee’s Chicken Quesadilla

Leftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. The chicken quesadilla recipe has an impressive look and taste yet requires little preparation. —Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado

Inspired by: Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

I got the basic recipe for these fritters from a friend, then I tweaked it for my family's tastes. It's one of our very favorite things in the summer. We love them right after they've been fried, when they're still hot and crispy. —Pam Halter, Bridgeton, New Jersey

Inspired by: Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms

Heat-and-serve convenience foods are forbidden in the House of Loreto Kitchen, and residents appreciate the "real" food we serve. Everyone reaches for seconds of these tasty morsels. —Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio

Inspired by: Carrabba’s Italian Grill Zucchini Fritte

I coat zucchini strips with a mixture of panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and spices. Then I bake them until they're crispy and golden brown. Delicious! —Matthew Hass, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

Inspired by: On the Border Guacamole Live!®

Nothing is better than freshly made guacamole when you're eating something spicy. It is easy to whip together in a matter of minutes and quickly tames anything that's too hot. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Inspired by: Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp®

I created this recipe for a Cinco de Mayo party, and it was a hit! It’s so easy, yet has a serious wow factor. The creamy dipping sauce mellows out the shrimp’s heat perfectly. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina

Inspired by: Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Cheddar’s Cheese Fries

I came up with this recipe after my daughter had cheese fries at a restaurant and couldn't stop talking about them. She loves that I can fix them so quickly at home. Plus, the frozen fry packets can be refrigerated and reheated. —Melissa Tatum, Greensboro, North Carolina

Inspired by: Bar Louie Loaded Tots

This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can't find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are wonderful, too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin

Inspired by: Romano’s Macaroni Grill Crispy Brussels Sprouts

I always loved Brussels sprouts growing up, so I decided as an adult to bring them home to our family table. I've been making them ever since.—Brenda Washnock, Negaunee, Michigan

Inspired by: Chili’s Crispy Cheddar Bites

These beer-battered cheese curds are the ultimate in delicious comfort food. Some folks like to serve them with ranch dressing, ketchup or barbecue sauce for dipping. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

Inspired by: Bennigan’s Cheeseburger Pub Bites™

Inspired by: Outback Steakhouse Bloomin' Onion®

This baked blooming onion recipe is brushed with melted butter and mustard, then sprinkled with bread crumbs and seasonings. It's a lighter version of the classic, which is battered and deep-fried. It's an impressive-looking appetizer, and the dip can be used for veggies and crackers too. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Inspired by: T.G.I Friday’s Mozzarella Sticks

You won’t believe something this easy could taste so fantastic! Crunchy outside with gooey cheese inside, these mozzarella sticks are a treat all ages will love. Kids could help wrap them, too. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin