Best Ever Restaurant Copycat Recipes

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Cravings for your favorite restaurant dishes can just about drive you mad. But with our list of Copycat Recipes at your fingertips, you can enjoy your restaurant favorites in the comfort of your home for a fraction of the cost.

titled: Best Ever Restaurant Copycat Recipes


 

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!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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!

closeup of olive garden spinach artichoke dip copycat

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. 

fried mozzarella stick with gooey cheese

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!

avocado egg rolls dipped in sauce

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!

closeup of blooming onion on a plate

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 broccoli cheddar soup in bread bowl

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!

homemade minestrone soup in a dutch oven

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.

apple pecan salad closeup

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.

full bowl of outback baked potato soup recipe

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.

forkful of chick fil a mac and cheese

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!

Whataburger sandwich and french fries

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!

wendys chili in bowl

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!

cheesecake factory bang bang shrimp on fork

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.

chipotles barbacoa copycat recipe closeup

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!

cracker barrel meatloaf on plate with mashed potatoes and veggies

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.

bowl of chipotle cilantro lime rice

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.

copycat texas roadhouse rolls stacked on plate

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.

sweet potato casserole boston market copycat in casserole dish

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.

slice of lime dessert on white plate

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!

slice of chocolate brownie lasagna on a white plate

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.

cold stone cake batter ice cream in a blue bowl

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!

dole whip in a glass

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!

copycat cinnabon rolls, close up

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!

closeup of starbucks blueberry muffin on a plate

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.

close up shot of dennys breakfast sandwich.

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.

olive garden copycat alfredo sauce close up

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.

pouring green goddess salad dressing over fresh salad and grilled chicken

Panera Green Goddess Dressing packs a punch of herb flavor into a light, creamy topping for salads, chicken, and more. Make this copycat recipe at home in just a few minutes!

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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


Best Ever Restaurant Copycat Recipes - PIN

Originally published July 2014, updated and republished April 2024

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 Simple Kitchen cookbook affiliate linked banner

93 Comments

    1. I worked for KFC, their coleslaw cabbage mix is delivered in a bag and then there is a gallon carton of whitetish chemical that is poured into the cabbage mixture and then stirred together. But if someone is clever enough they can get the taste right.
      I did find this copycat recipe:

      Ingredients
      Nutrition
      Servings 24
      Units US

      4 1⁄2 teaspoons tarragon vinegar
      6 1⁄2 tablespoons vegetable oil
      3⁄4 cup chopped onion
      2 1⁄2 cups Miracle Whip
      1 cup sugar
      2 carrots
      2 heads cabbage

      Directions

      Mix oil, onions and sugar.
      Add tarragon vinegar.
      Fold in Miracle Whip.
      Pour over grated carrots and cabbage.
      Fold in well.
      Refrigerate in an air-tight covered dish.
      Best if made the night before serving.
      The tarragon is the secret seasoning.
      Compare with the real KFC coleslaw.

    2. Ingredients
      Nutrition
      Servings 24
      Units US

      4 1⁄2 teaspoons tarragon vinegar
      6 1⁄2 tablespoons vegetable oil
      3⁄4 cup chopped onion
      2 1⁄2 cups Miracle Whip
      1 cup sugar
      2 carrots
      2 heads cabbage

      Directions

      Mix oil, onions and sugar.
      Add tarragon vinegar.
      Fold in Miracle Whip.
      Pour over grated carrots and cabbage.
      Fold in well.
      Refrigerate in an air-tight covered dish.
      Best if made the night before serving.
      The tarragon is the secret seasoning.
      Compare with the real KFC coleslaw.

    3. Back in the day; I had a cousin that was a mgr. at KFC and they made it from scratch back then. This is a smaller scale recipe of it. 2c mayo,1 c white vinegar,1c sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 med onion grated, 2 carrots grated, 2 med heads cabbage chopped sprinkle salt over mixed veggies let sit for 30 min. mix other ingredients together pour over cabbage mixture and mix well. Cover and refridge over night

    4. KFC Gravy Recipe
      Embed 2 m 5 m 6 Servings
      KFC Gravy Recipe
      Rate This Recipe
      3.2 / 5.01 2 3 4 5

      Rating: 3.2 / 5.0 (69 Votes)
      Ingredients
      2 cubes beef bouillon
      1/2 cup water
      3 tablespoons butter
      5 tablespoons all-purpose flour, or gluten free all purpose flour
      1 14.5 ounce can chicken broth
      salt and pepper, optional
      Directions

      Report this ad

      Begin by heating up 1/2 cup water and two bouillon cubes in the microwave for about 2 minutes; stir them to dissolve into the hot water.
      In a medium saucepan, on medium heat, whisk together the dissolved cubes, butter, flour, and chicken broth.
      Continue whisking up until it gets to a low boil to be sure that you get all the lumps out.
      Add additional salt and or pepper to your taste.

  1. OMGosh!
    How wonderful of you to share! I am in LOVE with the Texas Roadhouse rolls! They all are keepers! Thank You!

    1. Crispy Fried Chicken KFC

      Ingredients:
      • 1 (2 to 3 lbs) cut-up chicken
      • 1 quart water
      • 3 Tbsp salt (for soaking)
      • 1 cup milk
      • 1 egg, beaten
      • 2 cups flour
      • 1 tsp Accent® (MSG)
      • 1 Tbsp salt
      • 1 tsp black pepper
      • Soybean oil (no substitutions) for frying
      Preparation:
      NOTE: KFC uses pressure cookers to fry chicken, which is risky to do at home. If you are using a deep fryer, fry a few pieces at a time for about 20 minutes, covered, turning occasionally. Likewise, if pan frying, cook, covered, turning occasionally for about 30 minutes. As always with chicken, check the middle of a large piece to check for doneness. Allow to drain on paper towels when cooking is completed.
      Allow chicken to soak in salted water for 30 minutes.
      Mix egg and milk in a bowl. Mix flour, Accent®, salt and pepper in another bowl. Preheat deep fryer to 350° F, or place 3/4 inch oil in a skillet over medium heat.
      Dry chicken with paper towels. Dredge in flour mixture. Dip into milk-egg mixture, then back into flour mixture. Do this one piece at a time making sure that there is total coverage over entire surface of chicken in each step.
      Servings:
      4

    2. I saw one time, that the 11 herbs and spices was a powdered salad dressing mix. Like good seasons italian, or maybe ranch. Never figured out which one.

    1. Ruby Tuesday Queso Dip Menu Description: "Smooth and spicy cheese dip. Served with unlimited crisp tortilla chips."
      1 tablespoon vegetable oil
      1/4 cup minced red Fresno or red jalapeno pepper (about 3 peppers)
      2 tablespoons minced white onion
      2 tablespoons chopped canned mild green chili
      2/3 cup whole milk
      1/2 cup sour cream
      12 slices American cheese
      1/4 cup La Victoria medium taco sauce
      1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
      1/2 teaspoon chili powder
      1/4 teaspoon salt
      1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
      Serve with Tortilla chips
      1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add red pepper, onion, and canned chile and saute for 5 minutes. Be sure to remove the seeds from the red peppers before you minced them.
      2. Stir in the milk and sour cream. Add American cheese and stir until the cheese is melted.
      3. Add the remaining ingredients, reduce heat to medium/low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring often, until thicker. If the mixture begins to bubble reduce heat.
      4. Spoon Queso dip into a serving bowl and serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
      Makes 2 1/2 cups.

    1. Do you have a recipe for Cracker Barrel's brussel's sprouts and kale salad with maple vinaigrette dressing ?

  2. I would LOVE the recipe for the Red Pepper Slaw from Sweet Tomatoes. Have looked for years; some pepper slaws come close but aren't the same. Thanks!!

    1. Bennigan's Ultimate Baked Potato Soup…

      3 pounds all-purpose potatoes, scrubbed and pierced in several places
      1 tablespoon stick butter or margarine
      1 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
      2 tablespoons minced garlic
      1 can (14 1/2 ounce) chicken broth
      3 cups milk
      1 teaspoons salt
      1/4 teaspoons pepper
      TOPPINGS: shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon & chopped scallions
      Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bake potatoes 1 hour or until tender when pierced. Peel when cool enough to handle. Melt butter in a 4 to 6 quart pot over medium low heat. Stir in onions and garlic, cover and cook 10 minutes until soft, but not brown. Add 2/3 of the potatoes and mash with a potato masher. Add broth, milk, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Season to taste before serving. Cut remaining potatoes in small cubes. Add to soup and stir gently to reheat. Sprinkle each serving with toppings.

  3. No No No, on the KFC recipe, yes, it taste good, but it is so bad for you, maybe the slaw is ok, maybe, but the chicken, well maybe if you want a good cleaning out….it's time to ban this place….

    1. I think we can make our own decisions on where and what to eat…we have to have free choice in something since the government (cough*Obama) has already taken some choices from us and wants to take more…it's time to fight for our rights!!! Parents need to control their kids and adults and YAs need go control themselves too we shouldn't gave to have food taken away from us because the government wants to make Americans healthy!!

    2. I don't think anyone has the right to tell use what is and isn't bad for us! Hell they have recalls on spinach and lettuce all the time so there you have it. I'll eat what I want deep fat fryer or not! Breaded or not!

    3. This is AWESOME! I completely agree with ALL the RESPONSES to the Anonymous who wrote the initial comment (June 21st 2015). Well said, and AMEN to that! Let us be adults, responsible parents, and make our OWN decisions!!!

    1. I have a book of recipes that is nothing but restaurant recipes. That are suspose to be as close to the restaurant recipe without having the recipe.

  4. These are wonderful. Thank you so much. Just found your site through Pinterest and have made the Cranberry Apple crockpot Oatmeal recipe today. It was delicious!

    1. If you would like an awesome lobster bisque recipe, check the back label on the Better Than Bouillon brand lobster flavor. You can add lobster, crab or even the fake stuff. It is perfect, especially made with heavy cream rather than milk, which is an option.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *