101 Restaurant Copycat Recipes That Are Better Than the Real Thing

Take the time, energy and expense out of going to a restaurant with these amazing copycat recipes. Keep reading for KFC fried chicken, a McDonald’s hamburger, french fries and strawberry shake, Olive Garden soup and more copycat restaurant recipes.

Inspired by: Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This creamy, cheesy broccoli soup tastes just like the one served at Panera Bread! My family requests it all the time. You can even make your own homemade bread bowls with the recipe on my blog, Yammie's Noshery. —Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan

Next, check out these delicious copycat Chinese takeout recipes.

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

Hungry for more? Try these other copycat chicken recipes.

Inspired by: TGI Fridays Loaded Potato Skins

Wondering how to make potato skins taste great? I top my restaurant-worthy loaded potato skins with cheese, bacon and a dollop of sour cream. Have them at lunch, snack time or cocktail hour. —Trish Perrin, Keizer, Oregon

This year we’ve been making our favorite menu items at home—and now you can, too! These are the best copycat recipes of 2021.

Inspired by: KFC The Original Recipe

If you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. 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

Inspired by: Chipotle Barbacoa

My husband adores this barbacoa, which is beef roast simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat it one a week if I would make it that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime. —Aundrea McCormick, Denver, Colorado

Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf

Skip the line and bake Starbucks pumpkin bread in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe may be even better than the original! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Inspired by: Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

After having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own version of it—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this when I’m making it and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California

Also check out these copycat Olive Garden soups, salad and breadsticks.

Inspired by: McDonald's Big Mac

I was planning to grill burgers, and then it dawned on me: How about a cheeseburger salad? The original recipe doesn't call for a tomato, but it's awesome here. —Pam Jefferies, Cantrall, Illinois

Inspired by: Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets

I developed this recipe specifically to copycat Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. The first time I made them I knew I had a winner because the whole family fought over who got the last one! For a dipping sauce, combine equal parts barbecue sauce and Dijon mustard, then stir in honey to taste. —Jeni Pittard, Statham, Georgia

Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen Thai Chicken Pizza

Contributor Gigi Miller, from Stoughton, Wisconsin, provided a fabulous recipe for sweet and saucy chicken thighs that she serves with rice. We took it a step further, and used the chicken and sauce to make this restaurant-inspired Thai pizza. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Inspired by: Panera Bread Bread Bowls

Impress all your friends by serving cream soups or dips with this bread bowl recipes. It’s one of the most popular recipes on my blog, yammiesnoshery.com. —Rachel Heidenreich, Marshall, Michigan

Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana

This is the ultimate meat lovers sauce and is my copycat version of The Cheesecake Factory’s pasta. Rich and hearty, with tremendous flavors, this pasta Napolitana will disappear quickly. I always make extra sauce, as it freezes very well. —John Pittman, Northampton, Pennsylvania

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 chilly evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California

Inspired by: Starbucks Very Berry Coffee Cake

This tasty, wholesome coffee cake is loaded with fresh berries. It's perfect for those with a sweet tooth. —Heather O'Neill, Troy, Ohio

Inspired by: Applebee's Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These creamy garlic mashed potatoes are so good, you can serve them plain—no butter or gravy is needed. This is one of our favorite red potato recipes. —Valerie Mitchell, Olathe, Kansas

Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake

I love both red velvet cake and cheesecake. So why not combine them into one stunning red velvet cheesecake recipe? It's best when served chilled, right out of the fridge. —Melissa Gaines, Knoxville, Tennessee

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: Panera Bread Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Years ago, I fell hard for a lemony Greek soup at Panera Bread. It was just a special back then, but I re-created it at home so we could eat it whenever a craving hit! —Kristin Cherry, Bothell, Washington

Inspired by: Noodles & Company Wisconsin Mac & Cheese

I like to serve this mac & cheese with a salad and crusty bread. It's a satisfying meal that feels upscale, but will fit just about any budget. And because the Gorgonzola is so mild in this dish, even the kiddos will go for it. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, Arizona

Inspired by: Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Here's a convenient spin on a classic Italian favorite. Spaghetti sauce and canned broth form the flavorful base. —Cindy Garland, Limestone, Tennessee

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: Chipotle Cilantro-Lime Rice

My family's favorite Mexican restaurant serves a similar rice as a side dish. I threw this together one night when I was making fajitas, and everyone loved it! It's such an easy side dish and pairs well with kabobs on the grill, too. —Robin Baskette, Lexington, Kentucky

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

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken

Here's a lightened-up take on the classic southern comfort-food dish: chicken and gravy. This recipe has been a hit at our house since the first time we tried it! —Ruth Helmuth, Abbeville, South Carolina

Inspired by: Portillo's Chocolate Cake

Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania

Inspired by: Dunkin' Iced Coffee with Mocha Flavor Swirl

When my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota

Inspired by: Country Kitchen Farm Skillet

I added a little color and flavor to this country scrambled eggs recipe by adding some green pepper, onion and red potatoes. —Joyce Platfoot, Wapakoneta, Ohio

Inspired by: Wendy's Chili

This hearty slow cooker chili can cook for up to 10 hours on low in the slow cooker. It's so good to come home to its wonderful aroma after a long day away. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana

Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake

This easy cheesecake recipe has been a family favorite for almost 20 years. It's fluffy, delicate and absolutely delicious. I've shared it at many gatherings over the years and have even started baking it for our friends instead of Christmas cookies. —Esther Wappner, Mansfield, Ohio

Inspired by: Country Kitchen Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

I live in apple country, and making a delicious apple crisp is one way to use the fruit. This treat doesn’t take a lot of time to assemble. —Gertrude Bartnick, Portage, Wisconsin

Inspired by: SONIC Corn Dog

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: Red Lobster New England Clam Chowder

I ran across this recipe in one of my antique cookbooks. It's a timeless classic I like to prepare for friends and family throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. —Betty Ann Morgan, Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Inspired by: McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese

Go on a burger road trip in your own backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-high with your favorite toppings. For instance, peanut butter and bacon make them southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes, a northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York

Inspired by: Boston Market Meat Loaf

Mom made the best meatloaf, and now I do, too. When I first met my husband, he didn't care for homemade meatloaf, but this won him over. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Roast Beef

Everyone loves slices of this fork-tender roast beef with its savory gravy. The well-seasoned roast is Mom's specialty. People always ask about the secret ingredients. Now you have the delicious recipe for our favorite meat dish! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania

Inspired by: PF Chang's House-Made Chicken Egg Rolls

These egg rolls are low in fat but the crispiness from baking will fool you into thinking they were fried! —Barbara Lierman, Lyons, Nebraska

Inspired by: Chili's Chicken Fajitas

This chicken fajitas recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The marinated chicken in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. The fajitas go together in a snap and always get raves! —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky

Inspired by: Rock Bottom Carrot Cake

A pleasingly moist cake, this treat is the one I requested that my mom make each year for my birthday. It's dotted with sweet carrots and a hint of cinnamon. The fluffy buttery frosting is scrumptious with chopped walnuts stirred in. One piece of this carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is never enough—it's better than all the other carrot cakes I've tried! —Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania

Inspired by: Popeyes Biscuits

The recipe for these four-ingredient homemade buttermilk biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina

Inspired by: Red Robin Chili Chili Cheeseburger

Big, bold chili and french-fried onions are a fun alternative to the classic burger fixings of ketchup and mustard. The patties are easy to assemble, making this a great weeknight sandwich. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona

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: Applebee's Maple Butter Blondie

Ever since I tried the maple blondie at Applebee's, I've been determined to figure out the recipe. I tried several variations until I came up with this one, and it's become one of our family favorites. —Pat Parker, Chester, South Carolina

Inspired by: Portillo's Chili Cheese Dog

These deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions and tailgates. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon

Inspired by: McCalister's Deli Spud Olé

This is a stuffed potato with a tasty twist. Teenagers like the flavor the green chiles and cheese add.

Inspired by: Boston Market Mac & Cheese

Our stovetop macaroni and cheese is extra special, thanks to the buttery crumb topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Inspired by: Maggiano's Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes

Ready-to-go crabmeat makes these delicate patties easier than other crab cake recipes. You can also form the crab mixture into four thick patties instead of eight crab cakes. —Charlene Spelock, Apollo, Pennsylvania

Inspired by: Culver's Vanilla Custard

I think my most memorable summertime dessert for get-togethers has always been homemade ice cream. This recipe is so rich and creamy and is the perfect splurge on a hot summer afternoon. —Martha Self, Montgomery, Texas

Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake

I said I’d take dessert to a holiday party so I tried this recipe. I’m sure you’ll agree it tastes as luscious as it looks! —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Inspired by: Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to company, but it’s easy to prepare. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp. Serve it over pasta and wait for the compliments. —Lori Packer, Omaha, Nebraska

Inspired by: Texas Roadhouse Fried Catfish

Mississippi is the nation's largest producer of farm-raised catfish. My family loves this dish, and asks for it often. One reason I like it is it's so simple to prepare. —Mrs. W.D. Baker, Starkville, Mississippi

Inspired by: Noodles & Company Pesto Cavatappi

Prepared sauce accents this warm chicken pesto pasta. Keep pesto in the freezer for the next time you have leftover chicken. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Inspired by: Buffalo Wild Wings Bourbon Honey Mustard Wings

For a change from spicy Buffalo sauce, try these sweet and sticky wings. There's a good chance they'll become your new favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York

Inspired by: Noodles & Company Penne Rosa

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

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: Panda Express Chicken Potsticker

Chicken and mushrooms make up the filling in these pot stickers, a traditional Chinese dumpling. Greasing the steamer rack makes it easier to remove them once they're steamed. —Jacquelynne Stine, Las Vegas, Nevada

Inspired by: Hard Rock Café Cheesecake made with Oreo® Cookie Pieces

I used to think cheesecake sounded intimidating, but since I started making them I can’t stop! This simple but special cookie-topped version will make your family feel fussed over. —Rose Yoder, Middlebury, Indiana

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

Inspired by: McDonald's McRib

Perfect for a weekday dinner or cozy weekend meal, this recipe makes fall-off-the-bone tender meat with delicious flavor. —Margaret Luchsinger, Jupiter, Florida

Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza

So fast and so easy with refrigerated pizza crust, these saucy, smoky pizzas make quick fans with their rustic, hot-off-the-grill flavor. They're perfect for impromptu cookouts and summer dinners on the patio. —Alicia Trevithick, Temecula, California

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Chicken n’ Dumplins

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

Inspired by: Culver's Butterburger “The Original”

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

Inspired by: Rock Bottom 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

Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

Each sip of this spiced-just-right beverage from our very own baristas tastes like a piece of pumpkin pie! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Inspired by: Starbucks Egg Bites

You can substitute Gruyere cheese for the Swiss and ham for the bacon, or add in small-cut veggies to these copycat Starbucks egg bites. I also like to bake these in small Mason jars for fun single-portion presentations. Serve with avocado slices and fresh fruit for a healthy breakfast. —Maria Morelli, West Kelowna, British Columbia

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

Inspired by: Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana

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 a restaurant version that we love. —Michelle Babbie, Malone, New York

Inspired by: Popeyes Seafood Po’ Boy

This twist on the traditional po'boy sandwich adds flavor and veggies while reducing fat and calories. For a smoked flavor, grill the shrimp. For a lower-carb option, serve the po'boy open-faced on a baguette half. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

If you’re feeling festive, scoop some vanilla ice cream over a bowl of these cinnamon spiced apples. They’re homey, aromatic and just plain heavenly. —Amie Powell, Knoxville, Tennessee

Inspired by: Applebee's Quesadilla Burger

This combo gives you a tender burger, crisp veggies and a crunchy shell, plus fajita flavor. Kids love it. —Antonio Smith, Canal Winchester, Ohio

Inspired by: Hard Rock Café Hickory-Smoked Ribs

When my family thinks of summer grilling, it's ribs all the way. Our Asian-inspired recipe is a welcome change from the usual barbecue-sauce versions. —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida

Inspired by: Einstein Bros. Bagels Asiago Bagel

Discover a cheesy alternative to the usual sweet bread brunch offerings. There's no need to stop by a bakery when you can make this asiago bagel recipe at home. —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska

Inspired by: Bakers Square French Silk Pie

Chocolate makes the world go round! We have a family that loves chocolate pies, and this version with a splash of brandy is smooth as silk and oh, so special. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island

Inspired by: IHOP Blueberry Pancakes

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

Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Lemon Pound Cake

My family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon loaf cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota

Inspired by: PF Chang's California Roll

This tastes as good as any restaurant or store-bought California roll. Plus, it's one of the easiest sushi recipes for when you're first learning

Inspired by: Popeyes Macaroni & Cheese

My sons always say I'm the best mom in the world when I make this creamy mac-and-cheese perfection. Does it get any better than that? —Heidi Fleek, Hamburg, Pennsylvania

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: Olive Garden Breadsticks

I love to experiment in the kitchen with simple ingredients like refrigerated biscuits. The results usually are a big hit, as was the case with these super fast breadsticks.
—Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee

(Here’s how to make copycat Olive Garden breadsticks, step by step.)

Inspired by: Country Kitchen Chicken & Waffle

My first experience with this dish sent my taste buds into orbit. I first made this chicken and waffles recipe into appetizers, but we all love them as a main course, too. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

Inspired by: Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon

When I'm dining out, crab rangoons are one of my go-to dishes. I decided to create a better-for-you version at home. —Emily Higgins, Wingdale, New York

Inspired by: Bakers Square Coconut Cream Pie

When I whip up a toasted coconut cream pie, my family goes wild and the pie vanishes. —Darlene Bartos, Shoreview, Minnesota

Inspired by: Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

We love the breadsticks we get hot from the oven at our local pizza parlor. Now I can serve that same wonderful goodness at home. —Heather Bates, Athens, Maine

Inspired by: Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha

You can easily indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink at home anytime. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this mocha treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Inspired by: Hard Rock Café Original Legendary® Burger

Every family has a burger of choice, and this is ours. It's stacked tall with bacon and crunchy onion rings. —Paula Homer, Nampa, Idaho

Inspired by: Maggiano’s Johnny’s Carbonara

I learned on my culinary internship in Tuscany that real Italian cuisine is simpler than you think! This carbonara is quick, simple and delicious, just the way they like it in Italy. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California

Inspired by: SONIC Chili Cheese Tots

Playing with food is loads of fun when you have Tater Tots and taco toppings. Let kids build their own for smiles all around. —Eleanor Mielke, Mitchell, South Dakota

Inspired by: Portillo's Italian Beef Sandwich

I have fond memories of my mother in the kitchen preparing her amazing beef dip sandwiches. They always made our house smell like an Old World Italian restaurant. And as good as the aroma was, somehow the taste was even better! Set out a jar of giardiniera for spooning on top. —Kira Vosk, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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: Maggiano's Shrimp Scampi

A touch more lemon helped me trim the calories in our favorite shrimp scampi recipe. For those who want to indulge, pass around the Parmesan. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

Inspired by: Rock Bottom Cajun Pasta

I’m originally from Louisiana, where my grandma spoke Cajun French as she taught me her spicy chicken spaghetti. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi

Inspired by: Chipotle Carnitas Tacos

We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They're so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I'm reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, Connecticut

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: Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad

I love their crunchy, citrusy salad so much that once I made my husband drive an hour to the nearest Applebee's restaurant just so I could eat it! It was time to come up with my own version. I'm completely happy with the results—and my husband is, too! Find more of my recipes at my blog, mandysrecipeboxblog.com. —Mandy Bird, Holbrook, Idaho

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 Pad Thai

This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia

Inspired by: Panera Bread Mac & Cheese

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

Inspired by: Red Robin Chili Chili Cheese Fries

The delicious chili goes together in minutes and then cooks while you run errands. The only way to make it even better is to pour it over crisp french fries and sprinkle with cheese. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

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, Food Editor, Taste of Home magazine, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen Roasted Artichoke + Spinach Pizza

When I'm making this pizza and I have garlic oil in my pantry, I swap it for regular oil. It adds a little something without overpowering the toppings. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

Inspired by: Texas Roadhouse Fried Pickles

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: Chili's Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie

Bake up the ultimate shareable cookie. For variety, replace the chocolate chips with an equal quantity of M&M's or chocolate chunks. Or go super fancy by mixing the chocolate chips and pecans into the dough, then gently folding in 1-1/2 cups fresh raspberries. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin