52 Copycat Recipes That Let You Skip Delivery (2024)

01 of 52

Copycat Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

Why make the trip to Chipotle when you can easily recreate their amazing chicken burrito bowl at home? With marinated grilled chicken, black beans, rice, Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa, it's a delicious way to enjoy all your favorite Tex-Mex tastes in one dinner bowl.

02 of 52

Copycat KFC Fried Chicken

Don't tell the Colonel, but we've figured out how to replicate KFC's world-famous fried chicken. There are two secrets to making their delicious, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside chicken at home— our essential seasoning mix of 11 herbs and spices, and using a pressure fryer (or a Dutch oven) to cook the chicken pieces quickly.

03 of 52

Copycat Applebee's Honey Barbecue Riblets

When you have time to plan ahead for a tailgating or cookout crowd,use your grill to rustle up these saucy grilled riblets. Our copycat recipe for Applebee's famous barbecue ribs involves a long steaming time, but it's mostly hands-off cooking, and the result is tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs with tons of great barbecue flavor.

04 of 52

Copycat McDonald's Shamrock Shake

You don't have to wait for March to roll around to enjoy McDonald's beloved Shamrock Shake. With only five ingredients, it's a cinch to whir up the minty green milkshake at home at any time of year. Get kids involved in measuring out the ingredients, adding them to the blender, and topping off the shake with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.

05 of 52

Air Fryer Bloomin' Onion

Bloomin' Onions are a fun snack, appetizer, or side that everyone loves. Crunchy layers of sweet onion pull apart for a quick dip in a spicy sauce that gets its zesty flavor from a bit of horseradish. This air fryer version makes cooking a breeze, but prep can get messy so make sure you have bowls and utensils ready before you begin.

06 of 52

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

If you've dined at Red Lobster, you have likely enjoyed the scrumptious Cheddar Bay biscuits offered as a complimentary welcome at the restaurant chain. Now you can replicate these fluffy, cheesy treats at home for all your seafood dinners. Our winning one-bowl recipe requires no rolling or cutting, and bakes in just 15 minutes.

07 of 52

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

On rainy days, or when you are fighting a cold, nothing satisfies quite like a piping bowl of Olive Garden's creamy chicken and potato gnocchi soup. We use store-bought gnocchi for this rich and thick soup that could be easily mistaken for the original. It all cooks up in one pot, for an easy family meal, with minimal prep and clean-up.

08 of 52

Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese

Plenty of us would go out of our way for a taste of Panera's creamy macaroni and cheese— but there's no need. With fewer than 10 ingredients, and just 30 minutes, you can recreate the comforting, cheesy casserole in your own kitchen. It makes a delicious, budget-friendly family meal that also reheats nicely, even after freezing.

09 of 52

Copycat California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza

With tangy barbecue sauce, shredded chicken, melting cheese, and a hint of fresh cilantro, our copycat BBQ chicken pizza has unbeatable flavor. Use convenient store-bought ingredients, including pre-made pizza dough, rotisserie chicken, and bottled barbecue sauce, to assemble a restaurant-style pizza.

10 of 52

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

The Cracker Barrel restaurant chain is famous for its homey, comfort food mains, and this meatloaf is no exception. We've cracked the code on how they make it so darn delicious and moist, so you can duplicate it for your family meals. It will please even people who think they don't like meatloaf, and makes great day-after sandwiches, too.

11 of 52

Copycat Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino

Skip the trip to Starbucks, and whip up a sweet and frothy caramel frappuccino at home for a fraction of the cost. We show you how to replicate the iced coffeehouse smoothie everybody loves, so you can show off your barista skills when summer guests drop by your porch or backyard.

12 of 52

Copycat Popeye's Chicken Sandwich

If you have ever lined up to get your hands on a warm and crispy Popeye's chicken sandwich, we've got good news for you. You can now enjoy this famous menu item without the wait. Our copycat chicken sandwich serves up the same buttermilk-marinated chicken, and spicy, crunchy coating, that made the store-bought sandwich a cultural icon.

13 of 52

Copycat Popeyes Strawberry Biscuits

Popeyes strawberry biscuits are a limited menu item, but with this recipe you can make them anytime the craving strikes. Chunky strawberry jam is folded into buttermilk biscuit dough for pockets of strawberry flavor without too much sweetness.

14 of 52

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Avocado Egg Rolls

Of all the crave-worthy items on the Cheesecake Factory menu, their avocado egg rolls stuffed with ripe avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, and cilantro are a stand-out. They also are pretty easy to make at home, and make a great finger food for parties.

15 of 52

Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

When you're in the mood for something sweet, doughy, and decadent, you can't go wrong with our copycat Cinnabon cinnamon rolls. You don't need many ingredients, or a long rising time, to recreate the world's most beloved iced cinnamon rolls at home. Bake and freeze them ahead for an indulgent breakfast treat.

16 of 52

Copycat Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade

On a hot summer day, nothing beats a cold glass of lemonade — unless it's this iced blender drink with a hint of vanilla, inspired by the frozen smoothie from Chick-fil-A. Part lemonade, part ice cream, and thoroughly delicious, it makes a great summer refresher for kids and adults alike.

17 of 52

Copycat Olive Garden Capellini Pomodoro

Go one better than the original with our elevated version of the angel hair pasta with tomato and basil sauce you know from Olive Garden. It's full of tomatoes, and fresh green basil leaves, and cooks in 30 minutes for an excellent weeknight meal.

18 of 52

Copycat Starbucks Instant Pot Egg Bites

If your morning routine typically includes an on-the-go breakfast of Starbucks sous vide egg bites, save money with this easy recipe. Our savory, mini egg bundles with cheese and bacon are a cinch to make using the Instant Pot's special egg bite mold, for a quick breakfast or snack.

19 of 52

Copycat Chipotle Carnitas

Tender, savory pork carnitas just like those from Chipotle's are a fantastic game day dish or family meal idea. Slow-cooking a budget-friendly pork shoulder roast with just a few basic seasonings yields tons of tender, flavorful meat that you can add to burrito bowls, pile into taco shells, or layer atop salads, pizzas, and grilled cheese.

20 of 52

Copycat Everything Bagel Ice Cream

If you tried without success to get your hands on a pint of everything bagel flavored ice cream from Jeni's Splendid, which became an internet sensation, try this easy, no-churn copycat version. All you need is your freezer, a loaf pan, and a little time to whip up this creamy, tangy frozen treat with the unusual, bagel-topping streusel that made it famous.

21 of 52

Copycat Applebee's Quesadilla Burgers

Looking for a change from regular burgers? Try our fully loaded quesadilla burgers, inspired by those from Applebee's restaurant chain. Each seasoned, all-beef burger patty nestles in-between two fully-cooked cheese quesadillas, instead of the standard bun, for a satisfying, Tex-Mex-style dinner. Top with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for serving.

22 of 52

Copycat Orange Julius Smoothie

You don't have to trek to the mall for a creamy and refreshing orange Julius. Just pull out your blender and whizz up this frothy, cold, and sweet copycat smoothie. It has a delicious tropical flavor from frozen banana, and needs only 4 ingredients, for a yummy drink with way fewer calories than the original.

23 of 52

Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole

Craving a Cracker Barrel-style breakfast, but don't feel like changing out of pajamas? Cook up this delicious hash brown potato casserole that is always a crowd-pleaser. Oven-baked salty, creamy potatoes with perfectly crispy edges are a delicious accompaniment for eggs, ham, and bacon at weekend brunch.

24 of 52

Copycat Outback Alice Springs Chicken

You don't need to make your way to an Outback Steakhouse to enjoy the chain's famous Alice Springs Chicken. We use just a few simple ingredients, including cheese, bacon, fresh mushrooms, and prepared honey-mustard, to create an ultra-flavorful, weeknight chicken dinner that will please even picky eaters.

25 of 52

Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists

If you're obsessed with the light and airy cinnamon twists from Taco Bell, this 15-minute recipe is sure to become a favorite. It starts with store-bought duros, a pasta-like wheat product that puffs up nice and crispy when deep-fried. Some cinnamon and sugar is all that's needed to turn them into a familiar-tasting treat.

26 of 52

Copycat Olive Garden Instant Pot Pasta e fa*gioli

Pasta e fa*gioli is a rib-sticking Italian stew with pasta and beans that always hits the spot on colder days. This recipe with ground beef, two kinds of beans, and ditalini pasta tastes a whole lot like the popular Olive Garden menu item, but takes far less time to cook in the Instant Pot. It's tasty, filling, and easy on the budget, too.

27 of 52

Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie

Do you find yourself hankering for the crispy, hand-held apple pies from the old days of McDonald's? Even though these copycat mini apple pies are baked instead of fried, they are sure to satisfy your nostalgic craving, right down to the golden-brown crust. The unbaked pies also freeze well, for baking straight from frozen.

28 of 52

Copycat On the Border Mexican Rice

A staple of Mexican restaurants, Mexican rice (also called Spanish rice) is a versatile side dish that adds flair to South-of-the-border-style entrees. We love to stuff it into burritos, make it the base of Tex-Mex rice bowls, and plate it alongside baked chicken and beans. You can also toss it with cubed leftover chicken, pork, or beef, for an inexpensive one-bowl dinner.

29 of 52

Copycat Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino

Do you have fond memories of the magical unicorn frappuccino from Starbucks that became a sold-out success? Delight kids and young-at-heart adults alike with this vibrantly-colored, Instagram-ready, homemade iced beverage that includes blue raspberry drink powder mix, mango sorbet, frozen mango cubes, whipped cream, and some strategic food coloring.

30 of 52

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread

You may go to Outback Steakhouse for the steak, but the dark bread served before the food arrives is always a highlight of the meal. Luckily, you can now make it at home, with our recipe that yields two large loaves, and freezes beautifully.

31 of 52

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Margherita

Inspired by a signature Olive Garden entree, this chicken Margherita is an easy and delicious one-pan family meal. It's bursting with flavor and freshness from cherry tomatoes, garlicky pesto, and melty mozzarella cheese. Serve it over pasta for a complete and filling supper.

32 of 52

Vegan Copycat McDonald's Oreo Ice Cream Flurry

Do you long for a McDonald's Oreo flurry, but need to avoid dairy? This ingenious frozen treat is the answer to your hopes and dreams. Our copycat Oreo ice cream flurry combines already-vegan Oreos (yep, they're vegan!) with dairy-free ice cream, and a little optional soy milk, for a frozen dessert you'll cheer for.

33 of 52

Copycat Chipotle Guacamole

If you always order extras of Chipotle's guacamole, this perfectly creamy, zesty avocado dip is made for you. Whip it up it in less than 10 minutes flat, with ripe avocados, just-squeezed lime juice, fresh cilantro, salt, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and optional garlic. It's an essential topping for tacos and burritos, and an excellent party dip with tortilla chips.

34 of 52

Copycat Milk Bar Crack Pie

If you have watched Master Chef on TV, or visited the Milk Bar dessert boutique in New York City, you know that chef Christina Tosi has invented some of the most crave-worthy modern desserts around. We share her recipe for the legendary fan-favorite crack pie from Milk Bar, which includes an oatmeal cookie crust, and a gooey, sweet, buttery filling you will dream about.

35 of 52

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

Calling all pumpkin spice lovers! Our replica Starbucks pumpkin spice latte uses real pumpkin puree (because you've gotta), blending it with brewed espresso, milk, vanilla, and cozy baking spices, to create the warm and toasty fall coffee drink we all love. Top it with whipped cream for a wonderful afternoon treat.

36 of 52

Copycat Steak 'n Shake Frisco Melt

Instead of lining up for a Frisco melt from Steak 'n Shake, use our recipe for the popular cheeseburger served on Texas toast. The key to its signature taste is the sweet and tangy Frisco sauce, which is a breeze to duplicate in your kitchen, and may become your go-to dip for snacks.

37 of 52

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Red Velvet Cheesecake

Vibrant, creamy, and oh-so-good, the red velvet cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory is like nothing you ever tasted. Happily, it's also easy to bake up at home in about an hour. Tangy cream cheese, sour cream, cocoa powder, and vanilla in the batter give this decadent cheesecake its essential flavor.

38 of 52

Copycat McDonald's Special Sauce

Transform everyday burgers into Big Mac taste-alikes with our not-so-secret recipe for McDonald's special sauce. It's a breeze to mix together with 10 basic ingredients you may already have in your pantry and fridge, and is a tasty topping for all-beef burger patties, chicken tenders, and hot dogs.

39 of 52

Copycat McDonald's McRib Sandwich

If you love the McRib sandwich from McDonald's, why not try making it at home? Our version of the classic fast food sandwich is made with tender pulled pork ribs, chopped white onion, and a dill pickle,plus an insanely delicious, homemade barbecue sauce including ground coffee, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder.

40 of 52

Copycat Cronuts

Cronuts are the donut-croissant hybrid that shook the world. Invented by Chef Dominique Ansel in his New York City bakery, they inspired line-ups so long, they became the stuff of urban legend. Our taste-alike recipe has several steps, and takes some time, but it's a fun weekend project, and yields 12 sweet, crispy, buttery, delicious fried cronuts that everyone is sure to remember.

41 of 52

Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana

Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana (Italian for "Tuscan Soup") is a hearty soup that is filling enough for a one-bowl meal. We've duplicated the recipe so you can enjoy it anytime you want an easy weeknight dinner. It's loaded with hearty potatoes, sausage, and bacon, and even includes kale, so you can feel just a little bit virtuous eating it.

42 of 52

Homemade Hot Pockets

Kids love Hot Pockets, those panzerotto-like pouches of ooey, gooey pizza goodness. Now you can skip the frozen foods aisle and make your own, additive-free hot pockets to delight the picky eaters in your household. They're a cinch to prep for your freezer, with homemade or prepared pizza dough, and a savory pepperoni, tomato and cheese filling.

43 of 52

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Crunchwrap Supreme

Build an outrageous Taco Bell crunchwrap supreme, but make it family-sized thanks to this easy sheet pan meal. It has everything you love in the popular restaurant order, including seasoned fajita chicken, gooey cheese, jalapenos, peppers, tomatoes, and guacamole, layered inside a crunchy tostada shell.

44 of 52

Copycat Auntie Anne's Pretzels

Enjoy sweet and salty shopping mall-style pretzels without leaving home. Inspired by Auntie Anne's pretzels, these bready treats are easy to make, and cost less than the original. The simple yeasted dough needs just a single rise, and kids can have fun helping you to twist it into pretzel shapes. Enjoy the pretzels plain, or sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar.

45 of 52

Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

Chipotle's signature cilantro lime rice is a popular side dish that is easy to prepare at home. All you need are 30 minutes, and 7 ingredients, to cook it on the stove-top. The fresh and flavorful blend of cilantro and lime juice is a tasty filling for Tex-Mex burritos, and makes a great side dish for grilled chicken or barbacoa.

46 of 52

Copycat Chuy's Creamy Jalapeno Sauce

If you've visited the Chuy's Tex-Mex restaurant chain, you likely enjoyed a bowl of creamy jalapeño sauce with your meal. You need just a few minutes, and not too many ingredients, to mix up a nearly identical sauce at home. Serve it as a dipper for jalapeno poppers, chicken wings, tortilla chips, or quesadillas.

47 of 52

Homemade Dunkaroo Dip

If you’re a child of the 90s, then you fondly remember Dunkaroos. They’re delicious little graham cracker cookies that you dip in a creamy,rainbow-filled frosting. Make these as a fun party snack, for munching duringmovie night, or just when you're looking for a little nostalgia.

48 of 52

Copycat Shake and Bake Chicken Coating

Do you love the crispy texture and taste of the original Shake and Bake coating for chicken? Our easy, inexpensive recipe combines basic pantry ingredients to create a seasoned coating for chicken breasts and drumsticks that tastes even better than the packaged version. Keep it classic, or customize it to taste with other seeds, cereals, and spices.

49 of 52

Skinny Mint Cookies

Any time of year is Girl Scout cookie season when you can make them at home. Enjoy these cute, skinny thin mint cookies without waiting for a knock at your door. If you're looking for a greatno-bake activityto get your kids involved, this is a wonderful recipe to do so.

50 of 52

Copycat Moose Munch

For those obsessed with the premium Moose Munch popcorn from the Harry & David brand, now you don't have to trek to the store. Our addictive snacking mixture of caramel corn and toasted nuts drizzled in milk chocolate is a great movie-watching snack, or edible gift for holiday giving.

51 of 52

Lofthouse Cookies

Lofthouse cookies are the soft and delicioussugar cookieswith a sweet fluffy frosting you find in the bakery section of just about every supermarket. What makes Lofthouse cookies so special is the cake-like texture of the cookies topped with the whimsical light frosting.

52 of 52

Pizookie

There's something so sultry about a giant warm cookie topped with scoops of ice cream and fudge sauce. The Pizookie is a deep-dish skillet cookie made famous by BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse. Dig in with spoons or let it cool completely for easy slicing. Whether warm or cold, this treat is sure to be a hit.