29 Easy Restaurant Copycat Recipes

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

Get Our Recipe for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Inspired by: Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

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

Here’s more on how to make Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuits.

Inspired by: Noodles and Company Penne Rosa

Tangy tomatoes are tempered with white wine and smooth cream for a lovely pink blush sauce that will elevate humble pasta with its elegant color and flavor.

Inspired by: KFC The Original Recipe

This crispy fried chicken recipe uses a batter instead of a flour coating. That helps the flour adhere to the chicken so it won’t fall off after cooking!

For more, check out these copycat chicken recipes.

Inspired by: Chipotle Guacamole and Chips

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

Inspired by: Culver's Butterburger

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

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.

Inspired by: Panda Express Orange Chicken

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

Whip up one of these copycat Chinese takeout recipes for dinner tonight.

Inspired by: Olive Garden Breadsticks

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.

Inspired by: Orange Julius Original

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

Inspired by: McCalister's Deli Harvest Chicken Salad

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

Inspired by: Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana

You can make a copycat Zuppa Toscana that's even better than the Olive Garden recipe. And it's ready in 30 minutes!

Inspired by: Taco Bell Grilled Breakfast Burrito

Egg burritos are a total fusion between Mexican and American cooking styles. This recipe isn't quite as stuffed as a traditional burrito, so it's lighter on the stomach.

Inspired by: Starbucks Caffe Mocha

When I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana

Inspired by: McDonald's Chicken McNuggets

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

Inspired by: Panera Bread Mac and Cheese

Here's a recipe for white cheddar mac and cheese that's better than any box. The secret: a dash of garlic powder and chipotle powder for a savory kick.

Inspired by: SONIC Corn Dogs

One of the best parts of the many fairs and festivals in Indiana is the corn dogs! My family loves corn dogs, so I fix them fairly often at home. —Sally Denney, Warsaw, Indiana

Inspired by: Panera Bread Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

Sweet, tangy and bursting with the fresh flavors of summer, this easy strawberry poppy seed salad is a gorgeous, versatile side dish to serve the second warm weather arrives.

Inspired by: Red Robin Burnin' Love Burger

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

Inspired by: McDonald's Shamrock Shake

Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California

Inspired by: Qdoba Chips and Queso

This chile con queso recipe has a seriously cheesy vibe and packs the perfect level of heat. Serve it as an appetizer dip, or drizzle it over chips to make a knockout plate of nachos.

Inspired by: Waffle House Regular Waffle

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

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Chicken n' Dumplins

If there's anything better than chicken and dumplings, it's quick and easy chicken and dumplings. This recipe fits the bill, coming together in just 30 minutes.

Inspired by: KFC Cole Slaw

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

Inspired by: Charley's Philly Steaks Philly Cheese Steak

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

Inspired by: Dairy Queen S'mores Blizzard Treat

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

Inspired by: PF Chang's Lettuce Wraps

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.

Inspired by: IHOP Blueberry Pancakes

The blueberries in our blueberry pancakes aren’t the only star of the show: cornmeal, oats, buttermilk and nutmeg give these pancakes an extra oomph of complex flavor and a hearty-yet-fluffy tenderness.

Inspired by: Culver's Wisconsin Cheese Curds

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: The Cheesecake Factory Spicy Cashew Chicken

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.