Conquer your cravings in a flash with these easy copycat recipes. By dining at home you'll save some extra time—and cash!
29 Easy Restaurant Copycat Recipes
Updated on Apr. 25, 2024
Inspired by: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
I tasted a similar soup at Olive Garden and wanted to see if I could re-create it myself at home. Here’s the delicious result! It’s wonderful on a cool evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California
1/29
2/29
Inspired by: Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My biscuits won the prize for best quick bread at my county fair. One of the judges liked them so much, she asked for the recipe! These buttery, savory biscuits go with just about anything. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 81 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Here’s more on how to make Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuits.
3/29
Inspired by: Noodles and Company Penne Rosa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I reworked this recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My friends and family had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 335 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
4/29
Inspired by: KFC The Original Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 543 calories, 33g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
For more, check out these copycat chicken recipes.
5/29
Inspired by: Chipotle Guacamole and Chips
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
6/29
Inspired by: Culver's Butterburger
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter.
My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 400 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
This year we’ve been making our favorite menu items at home—and now you can, too! Take a look at our collection of the best copycat recipes of 2022.
7/29
Inspired by: Panda Express Orange Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy these tangy nuggets so many ways—over noodles or rice, in sandwiches, even on top of lettuce and cabbage. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 450 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1294mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
Whip up one of these copycat Chinese takeout recipes for dinner tonight.
8/29
Inspired by: Olive Garden Breadsticks
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 breadsticks
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to experiment in the kitchen with simple ingredients like refrigerated biscuits. The results are usually a big hit—these super fast breadsticks are an example. —Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee. Hungry for more? Check out our favorite Domino’s cheesy bread recipe.
Nutrition Facts:
1 breadstick: 142 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
9/29
Inspired by: Orange Julius Original
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings (about 1 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to treat overnight guests to this creamy orange frappe. Just blitz a few basic ingredients in your blender and enjoy. —Joyce Mummau, Mount Airy, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 115 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
10/29
Inspired by: McCalister's Deli Harvest Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These sandwiches are easy to pull together when you need something fun and taste-worthy in a flash. I make them often for occasions like brunches, church youth meetings and impromptu family gatherings. —Cheryl Sigler, Louisville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 537 calories, 35g fat (11g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
11/29
Inspired by: Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I let my young son pick out seed packets and he chose kale, which grew like crazy. This hearty soup helped make good use of it and rivals the Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana. —Michelle Babbie, Malone, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 504 calories, 38g fat (20g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 881mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
12/29
Inspired by: Taco Bell Grilled Breakfast Burrito
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 burritos
From the Recipe Creator:
Zap one of these frozen burritos in the microwave and you'll stave off hunger all morning. This recipe is my family’s favorite combo, but I sometimes use breakfast sausage instead of bacon. —Audra Niederman, Aberdeen, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 376 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 251mg cholesterol, 726mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
13/29
Inspired by: Starbucks Caffe Mocha
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 116 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 milk.
14/29
Inspired by: McDonald's Chicken McNuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
6 nuggets (calculated without marinara): 191 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
15/29
Inspired by: Panera Bread Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mac and cheese is simple and has lots of flavor from the cheeses and ground chipotle chile. I use conchiglie pasta because its shape allows more melted cheese to pool inside. Yum! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 650 calories, 35g fat (22g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
16/29
Homemade Corn Dogs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare corn dogs at home just like you'd get at the fair. Both kids and grown-ups will love this hearty corn dog batter. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 corn dog: 316 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
17/29
Inspired by: Panera Bread Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 110 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
18/29
Inspired by: Red Robin Burnin' Love Burger
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On a whim, we mixed homemade jalapeno jam into ground beef patties, then topped the burgers with caramelized onions and tangy Gorgonzola cheese. Fabulous! —Becky Mollenkamp, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 460 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 669mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
19/29
Inspired by: McDonald's Shamrock Shake
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 363 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
20/29
Inspired by: Qdoba Chips and Queso
Total Time
20 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, my husband invented this gooey cheese dip. I may be biased, but I have to say it's excellent. If you like heat, rev it up with finely chopped jalapenos. —Patricia Leinheiser, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 103 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
21/29
Inspired by: Waffle House Regular Waffle
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 waffles
From the Recipe Creator:
These melt-in-your-mouth waffles are so tender that you can skip butter and syrup, but why would you want to? —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 waffles: 312 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
22/29
Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Chicken n' Dumplins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Using precooked chicken and ready-made biscuits, this hearty dish is comfort food made simple. It's the perfect way to warm up on chilly nights. —Lakeya Astwood, Schenectady, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 420 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 1443mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
23/29
Inspired by: KFC Cole Slaw
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For Friday dinners, my mother made coleslaw to go with our fish. It’s still a family tradition, and the tangy dressing even works on a tossed salad. —Cynthia McDowell, Banning, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 203 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 147mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
24/29
Inspired by: Charley's Philly Steaks Philly Cheese Steak
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesesteak, an iconic sandwich in Philly, is a bestseller at Pat's King of Steaks restaurant. Patrons praise its thinly cut beef and crusty Italian rolls. —Frank Olivieri, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich (calculated without optional ingredeints or cheese): 714 calories, 49g fat (12g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
25/29
Inspired by: Dairy Queen S'mores Blizzard Treat
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When cabin fever hits, we whip up a beverage that tastes like s’mores. Oven-toasted marshmallows and a blender make it happen. —Sarah McKenna, Centennial, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without chocolate syrup): 327 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
26/29
Inspired by: PF Chang's Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is as tasty as the lettuce wraps found in national restaurants, but it’s healthier! — Linda Rowley, Richardson, Texas. If you’re looking for more healthy recipes, then you must check out our collection of healthy copycat recipes.
Nutrition Facts:
3 lettuce wraps: 259 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
27/29
Inspired by: IHOP Blueberry Pancakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
My dad makes blueberry pancakes for us every Saturday without fail. The combination of oats, cornmeal and buttermilk in the batter gives the pancakes heartiness we can't resist. —Gabrielle Short, Pleasant Hill, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3 pancakes: 332 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 746mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
28/29
Inspired by: Culver's Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 257 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
29/29
Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Spicy Cashew Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it’s easy to prepare. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California. Looking for more copycat recipes from The Cheesecake Factory? Try our favorite cheeseburger egg rolls.
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture: 349 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 starch.
