I love taking popular dishes from my favorite restaurants and turning them into the real deal right at home!

I’m talking Panda Express, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and all the other well-known restaurants that we all know and love. 

You can easily make some of your favorite recipes at home, so be sure to check out the list below! 

Copycat Recipes

There are some things I can not seem to get enough of… I mean, I used to eat at Red Lobster just for the biscuits!!

By now, you all know of my love affair with Olive Garden, but there are so many more copycat recipes from restaurants and fast food joints to choose from. 

I’ve built up quite a collection over the years so I can chow down on my restaurant favorites any time, any day, without ever leaving the house — and so can you!!

That’s why I’m sharing our list of the best ever copycat restaurant recipes, from appetizers and soups to entrees and even desserts.

Is there something missing from our list? A recipe you just have to have? Let us know in the comments and maybe you’ll see it in the future!

Click on the BOLD recipe title, and it will open each one in a new tab. Click on the center of the image to Pin it to Pinterest.

Best Copycat Recipe for Appetizers

While these certainly make excellent starters for parties and dinner guests, they’re also great for snacking or a light meal too!

Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip combines simple, fresh ingredients for mouthwatering flavor and one tasty appetizer. This copycat recipe will have you hooked the first time you make it. 

Our copycat version of Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella tastes even better than the original! Fresh, creamy mozzarella is coated in crispy, garlicky breadcrumbs for maximum crunch and flavor. Pair with all of your favorite dipping sauces!

Cheesecake Factory Avocado Egg Rolls are one of our favorite copycat restaurant recipes! Serve them with Chipotle Ranch Dipping Sauce, and your guests will be begging for more! 

Make Outback’s Bloomin’ Onion at home by frying large sweet onions in a flavorful batter. It’s like crispy onion rings that you can share — don’t forget the sauce! Plus, this copycat recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes.

Soup & Salad

Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a hearty side, these copycat recipes for soup and salad are just the thing!

Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting cheesy blend of tender veggies and spices for the perfect, velvety bite. One of the best copycat recipes for colder weather!

This homemade version of Olive Garden Minestrone is loaded with plenty of veggies, plus tender beans and pasta, to fill you right up! It’s ready in just 30 minutes and makes enough for leftovers too.

Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad is the ultimate flex dish! Include chicken to make it a meal, or enjoy it as a fresh, sweet, and nutty side without the meat. 

What’s better than Outback Baked Potato Soup? A bowl of our homemade version, of course! Enjoy this one pot copycat recipe for soup made with simple, fresh ingredients.

Fast Food Favorites

Skip that mile-long drive-thru line and whip up your favorite order at home with our best copycat recipes. They’re sure to satisfy your late-night cravings!

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is one of the most popular menu items, but it sometimes disappears without warning! Now, you can make it at home whenever you want — and this recipe makes 4 servings. I’ll add some refried beans and extra cheese on mine, but that’s up to you! 

It’s so easy to recreate Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese at home, that it’s one of our favorite copycat recipes! Enjoy a bowl on its own or as a warm side for your homemade chicken sandwich!

This homemade Whataburger Patty Melt features two cheesy burger patties topped with caramelized onions and signature sauce, stacked onto crunchy Texas Toast. Add a side of zesty fries and a bottle of cherry cola! This just might be the best burger recipe to make at home! 

Wendy’s Chili was one of our very first copycat restaurant recipes, and it has stood the test of time! Packed with beef and beans, plus green chiles for some heat, you can make it on the stove in just 30 minutes.

Best Copycat Recipes for Dinner

Finally, the main event!! Whether you’re looking for savory proteins or an all-in-one meal, these are the copycat recipes from restaurants that we get asked for the most!

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Bang Bang Shrimp is quick and easy to make and absolutely bursting with flavor. With this recipe at your fingertips, you can enjoy bang bang shrimp whenever the cravings strike — and in your slippers! — at a fraction of the price.

Chipotle’s Famous Barbacoa is the Mexican barbecue of my dreams. Seared beef is slow-cooked in a spectacular spicy adobo sauce, creating the most tender Mexican shredded beef. Even better, you can make it in the crockpot!

Nothing says comfort food like Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. One of our heartiest copycat recipes, this meatloaf is made with crackers and the best glaze you’ve ever had! Serve over creamy mashed potatoes with your favorite veggies.

Chili’s Monterey Chicken is one of the best copycat recipes for the whole family, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes! This skillet dinner will save you time on busy nights, and it’s kid-approved too.

Side Dishes

Often overlooked, restaurant side dishes can make or break the whole meal! These are the ones we come back to again and again, whether it’s a weeknight meal or a holiday feast.

Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice is so versatile — enjoy as a side, add it to burritos, or use it to make a bowl! Enjoy fluffy, flavorful rice in just 30 minutes.

Soft, buttery, and simply addicting, you’ll want to make these Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls as often as you can! This easy recipe makes 4 dozen rolls so no one needs to fight over the last one.

Everyone’s got their go-to recipe for Thanksgiving, but Boston Market Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole always steals the show! Creamy sweet potatoes are topped with marshmallows and brown sugar streusel for the ultimate in decadent side dishes. 

Dessert Copycat Restaurant Recipes

We’re usually way too stuffed to even look at the dessert menu, so copycat recipes let us enjoy some sweets when we have the room.

Cheesecake Factory Key Lime Cheesecake is tart and tangy with a tender graham cracker crust. The fluffy whipped topping really sets this baked cheesecake recipe over the top! In my opinion, this is the best way to make cheesecake at home! 

Why share a slice when you can make a whole pan? Olive Garden Chocolate Brownie Lasagna is the ultimate dessert for the chocoholics in your life, featuring layers of brownie, cream cheese frosting, and even more chocolate on top.

Make Cake Batter Ice Cream just like Cold Stone with this easy 5-minute recipe. Each bite is so sweet and creamy — all you have to do is wait for it to freeze! I’ll make this during the holiday months a lot and add Christmas sprinkles for some festive fun! 

Dole Whip is an iconic Disney dessert, and this homemade version is sweet, creamy, and made with real ingredients. Enjoy this frozen pineapple treat for the perfect touch of magic on a hot summer day.

Breakfast 

You didn’t think we’d miss the most important meal of the day, did you? Whether you want something sweet, savory, or easy to grab on the way out the door… we’ve got you covered!

Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls feature ribbons of thick cinnamon-sugar filling and a cream cheese frosting that you’re sure to remember long after the cinnamon roll is gone. It’s one of our top copycat recipes for the holidays!

One thing you can always count on — no matter the season — is the Starbucks Blueberry Muffin! Make a dozen to enjoy at home, featuring that signature crunchy, sweet layer that makes every bite extra scrumptious.

Denny’s Moons Over My Hammy is the ultimate diner breakfast sandwich, and now you can make it at home! With layers of juicy ham, fluffy eggs, and plenty of gooey cheese on toasted bread, it’s a clear winner for breakfast or brunch!

Sauce & Dressing Copycat Recipes from Restaurants

One of the best budget hacks is to order your favorite takeout dressing or sauce and make the dish itself at home. Now, you don’t even have to do that! Make your favorites from start to finish without ever leaving the kitchen.

Creamy Olive Garden Alfredo is always a winner on pasta and veggies, but you can use it for so much more! Try it as a dip for appetizers or mix it into casseroles. This recipe makes plenty, and you can freeze it for later too!

There never seems to be enough Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Sauce, so why not make a big batch yourself? With just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes of your time, you can enjoy it with all your takeout favorites or as a party dip!

Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce tastes just like the real thing, and you can add as much as you want to your burger! Tangy and creamy, this special sauce is also tasty with fries, veggie sticks, or as a dressing for pasta salad.

Panera Green Goddess Dressing packs a punch of herb flavor into a light, creamy topping

The fun part about making these copycat dishes from some of the most popular restaurants is that you can make them any time of the year!

That means that even if you’re the biggest fans of the dish on their menu, you can whip up that same dish right at home. This includes favorites from chain restaurants, famous brands, and more! 

🍔 Copycat Creations Vol 1
Craving your favorite restaurant meals at home? This exclusive ebook has the boldest, most requested copycat recipes — from fast food faves to sit-down classics.

👉 Buy your copy now and start cooking the meals you love!

Get the Ebook

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
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Originally published July 2014, updated and republished March 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Best Ever Restaurant Copycat Recipes to Make at Home appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Two cheesy burger patties are topped with caramelized onions and signature sauce, served on crunchy Texas toast. Wow your friends with this copycat recipe.

Another copycat fast food recipe coming your way! This time, I’ve mastered the Whataburger patty melt, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

I don’t have to tell you that the biggest reason why people rave about this sandwich is their creamy pepper sauce.

Well, I’ve copied it perfectly! And the best part about making it at home? You can use as much as you want!

This copycat Whataburger patty melt recipe proves that you can get that classic patty melt flavor, just like you’d pay big bucks for!

Everyone will think that it came right off the Whataburger menu, but that’s your secret to keep. 

This just might be one of my all time favorites in terms of copycat recipes – and I have a feeling you’ll agree.

The juicy beef patties paired with the gooey cheese make this more than just a good burger. It’s one of those delicious recipes that will hold a special place in your heart – and you get to make this tasty sandwich at home! That’s a win!!! 

Find out how to make this copycat patty melt sandwich following the simple steps on the printable recipe card below.

Pair with some of your favorite classic sides to round out thee meal! 

Whataburger Patty Melt

While this recipe is a true copy of the original and includes two patties, it’s just as delicious with just one!

Don’t be shy about adjusting the patties and amount of cheese, onions, and sauce to make your sandwich exactly the way you like it.

Did I catch you in a burgers mood? I have so many recipes listed on my site, from bacon cheeseburgers to veggie burgers! Check them out and let me know what you think.

And plenty more copycat restaurant burgers like classic Big Mac and even a White Castle burger copycat!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Skip the lean blends. A higher fat percentage in your ground beef (I used an 80/20 ratio) gets you the best flavor without having to season the meat, and it’s closest to the original!
  
• Add some salt. Speed up the time needed to caramelize the onions by sprinkling them with salt.
  
  It helps the veggie “sweat” and really helps them get that golden brown color! Avoid burnt onions by stirring regularly and keeping the temperature at medium low.
  
• Want more sauce? This recipe makes about ½ cup, enough for 6 sandwiches. Feel free to double the amounts for extra to spread — or for dipping fries!
  
• Toast the bread first. These should go in before the patties to keep the meat warm and warm the cheese to ooey gooey perfection.
  
  Of course, if you have a large enough skillet, you can toast the bread and cook the meat at the same time! This would be ideal.

Whataburger Patty Melt FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
Facebook| X | Pinterest| Instagram

Other Copycat Recipes

🍔 Copycat Creations Vol 1
Craving your favorite restaurant meals at home? This exclusive ebook has the boldest, most requested copycat recipes — from fast food faves to sit-down classics.

👉 Buy your copy now and start cooking the meals you love!

Get the Ebook

Print

Whataburger Patty Melt Copycat Recipe

Whataburger Patty Melt is beyond delicious, from the juicy beef to the zesty sauce. Make this outstanding patty melt recipe at home!!

Course Main

Cuisine American

Method Stovetop

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 4 sandwiches

Calories 1058cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

• medium saucepan
• large skillet
• cutting board
• kitchen knives
• whisk
• mixing bowls

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons salted butter divided
• 1 large yellow onion sliced
• 20 ounces lean ground beef patties 4 patties, 5 ounces each
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices Texas toast
• 4 tablespoons butter softened
• 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 slices cheddar cheese

Creamy Pepper Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Instructions

• Melt butter in a heavy bottomed saucepan.

  Add sliced onions and sprinkle with salt. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, for 30-45 minutes, or until onions are caramelized and golden brown.
• Meanwhile, cook beef patties in a skillet over medium high heat – cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side (or to desired doneness).

  When you flip the patty, add slices of cheese to cover the top of the patty – they will melt while the other side is cooking.
• In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients for the creamy pepper sauce. Set aside
• Spread both sides of the texas toast liberally with butter.
• For each patty melt – add texas toast to the pan to toast one side. Flip the toast over and while the other side is browning, add two beef patties (each topped with melted cheese). Mound the top patty with caramelized onions.
• Toast the second piece of bread on both sides. Liberally spread creamy pepper sauce on one side of the toasted bread and place it, sauce side down, on the patty melt.
• Place bun top onto patties and serve.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

We used a fattier ground beef (80%lean 20%fat) for these patty melts – the fat in this meat has more flavor, does not require any add-ins, and is great for a true fast food copycat.

We made these with double patties; single patty melts are also delicious. Estimate a quarter pound of meat per patty – adjust toast and cheese for however many patty melts you wish to make.

The sauce recipe makes about 1/2 cup of sauce – this should be enough to make at least 6 patty melts.

We sprinkle salt over the onions to make them sweat a bit and draw out the moisture – caramelizing them a little faster to a nice deep golden brown. Caramelizing onions still takes a bit of time – keep them over medium low heat and stir regularly so they do not burn.

If you have a large, square skillet, you will have the maximum amount of room to cook the beef patties and toast the bread at the same time. If not, toast the bread first and set aside. Then, cook your beef patties so that they stay warm and the cheese stays melty when you build the patty melt.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 1058cal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 91g | Saturated Fat: 39g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 1032mg | Sugar: 5g | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 377mg | Iron: 9mg

Originally published February 2022, updated and republished January 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Whataburger Patty Melt Copycat Recipe appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.