17 Make-Ahead Restaurant Copycat Recipes
Updated: Jan. 14, 2022
Instead of picking up takeout, pull one of these make-ahead restaurant copycat recipes from your fridge or freezer. We'll show you how to make soups, casseroles, desserts and more.
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Inspired by: Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwich
With only a few ingredients, this roast beef is a snap to throw together. And after cooking all day, the meat is wonderfully tender. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah
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Inspired by: Taco Bell’s Grilled Breakfast Burrito
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
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Inspired by: Olive Garden’s Lasagna Classico
This is an old standby when time's limited and guests are expected for dinner. It's a combination of several easy lasagna recipes I have tried over the years. —Mary Grimm, Williamsburg, Iowa
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Inspired by: Rock Bottom’s Bacon Jalapeno Poppers
There’s no faster way to get a party started than with these bacon jalapeno poppers. Make them ahead and bake just before serving. Even the those who are intolerant of hot peppers will love them. —Dawn Onuffer, Crestview, Florida
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Inspired By: The Cheesecake Factory's Coffee & Cream Chocolate Supreme Cheesecake
For an easy, make-ahead dessert that's elegant and luscious, try this recipe. The perfect blend of mocha and chocolate is in each cool, refreshing slice. —Aelita Kivirist, Glenview, Illinois
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Inspired by: Golden Corral’s Chicken Potpie
Learning how to make chicken potpie from scratch is 100% worth it. This chicken potpie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust packed with chicken, vegetables and a creamy sauce.
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Inspired by: Starbucks’ Blueberry Muffin
My Aunt Betty is quite a baker, but I look forward to these mouthwatering blueberry muffin recipe the most. She gives me enough so that I can freeze and enjoy them for weeks. —Sheila Raleigh, Kechi, Kansas
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Inspired by: Carrabba’s Italian Grill’s Sausage & Lentil Soup
Lentils are an inexpensive but nutritious power food, and these days, a hot, filling and flavorful family meal at a great price is a real comfort. My husband just loves this soup and it freezes well. —Donna Scarano, East Hanover, New Jersey
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Inspired by: IHOP’s Harvest Grain ‘N Nut Pancakes
My kids love homemade banana bread, so why not make it in pancake form? These freeze well for a special breakfast any day. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa
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Inspired By: Boston Market’s Mashed Potatoes
Easy, creamy and decadent, these baked mashed potatoes are just as easy to make as they are to devour.
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Inspired by: Texas Roadhouse’s Roadhouse Pulled Pork Sandwich
Enjoy tender, juicy pulled pork with this easy slow-cooker recipe. Perfect for sandwiches or tacos, this dish combines tangy, sweet and spicy flavors for a mouthwatering meal.
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Inspired by: Burger King’s French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are the perfect kid-friendly, make-ahead breakfast. Simply prep the sticks and freeze them, then pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
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Inspired by: Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
I'm always looking for new ways to combine fun flavors, and what goes together better than beer and pretzels? Not much that I can think of. That’s why I put them together into one delicious recipe. —Alyssa Wilhite, Whitehouse, Texas
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Inspired by: Taco Bell’s Beefy 5-Layer Burrito
I love burritos, but the frozen ones are high in salt and chemicals. So I created these. They're wonderful to have on hand for quick dinners or late-night snacks—I've even had them for breakfast! —Laura Winemiller, Delta, Pennsylvania
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Inspired by: Rock Bottom’s Bacon Chicken Mac ‘N Cheese
Prep once and feed the family twice with this comforting, hearty macaroni and cheese with chicken. Pro tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for another time.
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Inspired By: Cracker Barrel’s Biscuits n’ Gravy
Biscuits and gravy are usually prepared separately but served together. I created a way to bake them all at once in this scrumptious casserole. —Nancy Mcinnis, Olympia, Washington
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Inspired By: Olive Garden’s Tiramisu
This variation of the popular Italian dessert is so easy to assemble. It's convenient, too, since you can make it the day before your dinner party or potluck. —Linda Finn, Louisville, MississippiOriginally Published: August 14, 2018
