40 Copycat Restaurant Recipes
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No Waitlist, Just Dinner: 40+ DIY Copycat Restaurant Recipes to bring all of your favorite flavors home, without the inflated bill or hassle of take-out. We’ve found some of the best reverse-engineered restaurant recipes so you can recreate your favorite dishes at home.
40+ Copycat Recipes You’ll Want to Keep Top Secret
Here’s a fun way to bring the tasty flavors of your favorite restaurant dishes right into your own kitchen.
From mouthwatering fast-food classics to indulgent desserts and comforting meals from popular chains, these recipes let you enjoy the same great food without leaving the house, waiting in line or having to wrangle the kids to stay put at a sticky, uncomfortable table in the midst of a busy, noisy restaurant.
Your favorite restaurant dishes, no reservations required.
Below, you’ll see cinnamon buns, take-out stir fries, fast food nuggets, cult-favorite bread rolls, gourmet cookies, resturant-worthy sauces, mall-style pretzels, and more.
Get ready to duplicate and enjoy copycat recipes at home. With a few simple ingredients you can bring the restaurant experience to your kitchen any time you like.
Pin this Collection of 40+ Copycat Restaurant Recipes.
Tips For Copycat Recipes
- Gather the right ingredients: Authentic flavors often come from using the right ingredients, so don’t skip anything on the list, especially key seasonings or sauces.
- Prep ahead: Many copycat recipes come together more easily if you prep your ingredients ahead of time. Chop, measure, and have everything ready before you start cooking.
- Take your time: Restaurant dishes can take a little patience to get just right, so don’t rush through the process. Enjoy the cooking!
- Serve fresh: To get the best flavor and texture, try to serve the dish right after it’s made—just like you’d get it at a restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions on Copycat Recipes
How do I know if the copycat recipe tastes just like the original? The key is in the details! Follow the recipe closely, and if possible, taste test the dish as you go. You can even compare your homemade version to the restaurant dish to see if you’re on the right track.
Do copycat recipes actually save me money? Yes! One of the best things about copycat recipes is that they’re often much cheaper than dining out. You’ll spend less on ingredients for a homemade meal than on a restaurant meal, and you can make larger portions to last longer.
Can I freeze copycat recipes for later? Most copycat dishes can be frozen for later use, especially casseroles, soups, and sauces. Be sure to store leftovers in airtight containers to keep them fresh, and label them with dates to track freshness. (This set of freezer containers is a crazy bargain.)
40 Copycat Recipes
Copycat Cinnabun Homemade Cinnamon Buns (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
Copycat Cinnabun Homemade Cinnamon Buns are the perfect indulgent brunch recipe. Buttermilk cinnamon buns are the ultimate sweet rolls. These cinnamon buns are soft and chewy with crunchy, caramelized edges.
There’s a decent amount of cinnamon-sugar filling in each one, topped with a maple-vanilla cream cheese frosting that brings just the right amount of tartness to your cinnamon buns for the perfect balance of sweetness.
Copycat Chik-Fil-A Nuggets (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
The PERFECT Chickfila nugget copycat recipe – these tender, juicy nuggets will have your whole family fooled into thinking you hit the drive-thru. The nuggets are best enjoyed fresh and hot, but they can also be reheated in the oven.
The nuggets are brined in pickle juice for extra flavor and then coated in a crispy batter before being fried. The sauce is made with mayonnaise, honey, mustard, brown sugar, and lemon juice, mimicking the taste of Chick-fil-A’s signature sauce.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls From Sugar Spice and Glitter
A delicious homemade rolls recipe begging to be smothered in cinnamon honey butter, this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls Recipe is super simple to whip up at home and makes the perfect side dish for everything from special occasions to a low-key family night dinner.
The result is a dense yet fluffy dinner roll with a golden, chewy exterior and soft interior. And when topped with that luscious, sweet cinnamon honey butter, they are sheer perfection.
Copycat Big Mac Sauce (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
The perfect homemade condiment to slather on everything from burgers to sub-style sandwiches, this creamy and tangy Copycat Big Mac Sauce is super easy to make at home with everyday ingredients.
The sweet tang of the sauce is the perfect complement to a seasoned, meaty burger – the same way that a creamy onion dip makes eating salted chips so much more irresistible.
Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits From Sugar Spice and Glitter
Garlicky, buttery cheddar and herb biscuits that pair perfectly with everything from soups to pastas, and can even be used for breakfast sandwiches, these Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits (also called Cheddar Bay Biscuits) are super easy to make at home.
The result is a light, buttery, fluffy and tender biscuit that tastes just like the real thing! So despite what you may assume, these red lobster biscuits contain absolutely no bay seasoning!
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels – Better Than You Can Get at the Mall! (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
These cinnamon sugar pretzels are that perfect balance of savory and sweet with a chewy dough that you really have to rip into. While they are still delicious 3 days after baking, you need to enjoy at least one (or three) shortly after making.
These easy homemade soft pretzels with cinnamon sugar coating are better than anything you can buy at the mall and easy to make.
Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone From Sugar Spice and Glitter
Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup consists of a tomato-infused broth chock full of vegetables, beans and pasta. It’s a filling vegetarian soup that is a great source of vitamins, minerals and fibre.
It’s an excellent one-pot meal prep recipe to enjoy as an appetizer or hearty lunch all week long. Everything from the flavorful broth to the perfectly cooked pasta and the tender-crisp vegetables makes this recipe utterly satisfying.
Copycat Orange Chicken (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
A lip-smacking Homemade Orange Chicken recipe that is sweet, sour and savory – the perfect take-out fake-out. This homemade orange chicken is cheaper, easier and faster than ordering take-out.
This easy orange chicken recipe is sweet, sour and savoury – with just a subtle hint of spice, featuring a mouth-watering sauce that coats the crispy, tender chicken. For a bigger hit of spice, you can increase the red chile flakes or add sriracha sauce.
Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
A sweet, tangy and creamy copycat version of Chickfila’s house sauce. This 6-ingredient Chickfila sauce is the perfect spread for homemade chicken sandwiches or dip for homemade chicken nuggets.
The sauce is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Best Beef and Broccoli From Sugar Spice and Glitter
This Homemade Easy Beef & Broccoli is better than take-out! Crispy, tender strips of beef and pan-seared broccoli are coated in a homemade sweet and umami sauce with amazing flavor.
While beef and broccoli is traditional, you can swap out the broccoli for any crunchy vegetables – or even double the amount of veggies used for a filling meal without the need for side dishes. Carrots, snap peas, cauliflower, asparagus, bell peppers, cabbage, etc, all work in this recipe.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Potato Casserole From Sugar Spice and Glitter
Cracker Barrel Potato Casserole is easy and quick enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough for special occasions. No one is ever unhappy to find out that this delicious dish is on the menu!
This cheesy hashbrown potato casserole is so indulgent, delicious, creamy, cheesy and satisfying… yet it takes literally 5 minutes to prepare. You can use shredded or cubed hashbrowns to make this recipe.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples From Sugar Spice and Glitter
Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe made completely in a cast iron skillet. These apples make the perfect side dish or a light dessert and are perfect for satisfying your Cracker Barrel cravings!
These skillet fried apples are a treat all on their own, but they also make a great dessert topping or an indulgent addition to your favorite brunch recipes.
Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
The BEST recipe for homemade Chick-Fil-A Chicken sandwiches, plus a copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce. Pair it with your homemade french fries and you’ll reconsider ever getting in the drive-thru lane again.
This recipe is perfect for parties, tailgating, or just a special weeknight meal where you feel like indulging but don’t want to spend much to treat the family to take-out.
Big Mac Sliders (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
Big Mac Sliders may be mini but they are still big on flavor! A miniature version of the classic “two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun” that you can make at home.
Whether you serve them as an appetizer at a party or a main dish for a family meal, these Big Mac Sliders are a delicious twist on a classic that everyone is going to go crazy for!
Copycat KFC Chicken From Sugar Spice and Glitter
A simple and delicious chicken recipe when you feel like indulging, this Copycat KFC Chicken recipe uses the Colonel’s special blend of 11 herbs and spices to create a delicious flavor and uses a combination of flash frying and oven baking to achieve a crispy chicken skin.
This Copycat KFC Chicken recipe really is a perfect recipe for a party, potluck, or just a laid back family meal. Pair it with some homemade coleslaw for a slightly healthier take on a Family Pack!
Copycat Chuy’s Jalapeno Ranch Dip (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
A delicious chip dip that works great with veggies or spread on a burger. It’s perfect with nachos but also makes a great veggie dip and can be used as a spread on burgers or sandwiches.
A creamy, perfectly balanced Jalapeno Ranch dip perfect for dipping chips or veggies. This Jalapeno Ranch Dip is made with homemade ranch seasoning, fresh jalapenos and fresh parsley for a delicious appetizer or party recipe – everyone will be begging for the recipe!
Copycat Chinois Salad Recipe (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
Copycat Chinois Salad recipe stays true to its gourmet roots with a delicious homemade sesame ginger vinaigrette and a fresh, flavorful mix of fruit and veggies topped with crunchy sesame seeds and fried wonton ribbons.
The little bursts of sweetness from the juicy mandarin oranges really balances out this salad, but if you’re not a huge orange fan swap it out for some mango.
Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta From Sugar Spice and Glitter
Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta features tender fettuccine pasta coated in a silky and spicy Cajun-infused Alfredo sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving some restaurant-worthy pasta.
The result is a lip-smacking copycat Crockpot Cajun Chicken Recipe with a creamy, spicy, earthy and zesty white sauce coating tender, perfectly cooked fettuccine noodles. It takes less than 5 minutes to prep but everyone will be licking their plates clean.
Chickfila Coleslaw (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
This homemade coleslaw recipe is everything a good coleslaw recipe should be: tangy, slightly sweet, crunchy and creamy. It’s only 6 ingredients and takes less than 5 minutes to whip up.
Chick-fil-A coleslaw is perfect for anyone who loves a creamy, tangy, and refreshing side dish. It’s a classic Southern coleslaw recipe that’s made with shredded coleslaw mix, mustard, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
A sweet and savory chicken recipe that kids will love! This Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken with Rice is super simple and comes together in less than 20 minutes.
This Instant Pot pineapple chicken is sweet, tangy and has a gorgeous umami flavor. The juicy chicken and pineapple are coated in a luscious sauce that will make you seriously consider licking your plate.
Copycat Cheesecake Factory Bloody Mary Cocktail From Sugar Spice and Glitter
A delicious Copycat Cheesecake Factory recipe for a spicy Bloody Mary cocktail, the perfect tomato cocktail for brunch or a perfect way to start your day.
The cocktail is made with vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and celery salt. It is typically served with a celery stalk and a lemon wedge.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
A hearty soup recipe that is a complete meal by itself, this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delicious and 30-minute recipe the whole family will love. Creamy, hearty and packed with veggies, chicken and gnocchi – and better yet, it’s all made in one pot!
This hearty chicken gnocchi soup features soft, pillowy gnocchi, tender, perfectly cooked veggies and plenty of chicken simmered in a flavorful and creamy broth seasoned with Italian herbs.
Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter From Sugar Spice and Glitter
This luscious and sweet cinnamon sugar butter is such a treat, whether you’re serving it as a side with dinner, or adding to a brunch spread. It can even be served on top of roasted veggies. Just 4 ingredients and less than 5 minutes to whip up.
A delicious flavored butter perfect for spreading on homemade rolls, waffles, pancakes or banana bread, our Copycat Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter is delicious and an essential addition to any brunch menu.
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
A delicious Asian-inspired side dish that will leave everyone happily gobbling up their veggies, these Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts are an unexpected twist on roasted Brussels sprouts with a crispy-tender texture and a tantalizing sweet-salty-spicy flavor combination.
The outer leaves crisp up beautifully while the centers before melt-in-your-mouth tender. If you add the optional hot sauce, it will bring that spicy flavor profile in, too.
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach From Sugar Spice and Glitter
A delicious steakhouse-inspired vegetable recipe with amazing depth of flavor, a creamy, cheesy sauce and no canned soup! This Steakhouse Creamed Spinach recipe makes the perfect side dish for steak nights or special occasions.
Perfectly cooked spinach in a cheesy, creamy sauce that tastes incredibly indulgent but is actually lightened up. You’re going to have to taste it to believe it.
Creamy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Parmesan From Sugar Spice and Glitter
A lightened up version of the restaurant classic, this Creamy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Parmesan is ready to enjoy in less than 20 minutes.
This homemade version comes in at 420 calories, 15g of fat and 827mg of sodium per serving and still packs all of the flavor of the original, with succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp smothered in a creamy garlic and parmesan sauce over a generous helping of el dente pasta.
Avocado Ranch Dressing (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
A quick and easy avocado lime ranch dressing that can be used as a healthy vegetable dip, too! The avocado adds a rich, buttery flavor and texture, while the ranch adds zesty and savory seasonings and the lime adds a hit of acidity (that also helps prevent the avocado from browning).
This dip will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It’s perfect for lunch prepping and it’s great to have a healthy, homemade ranch dip ready to go for easy snacking.
Chocolate Almond Bread (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
This chocolate almond bread is not for dessert – it’s for eating with your meal! It’s not too sweet, but that salted caramel butter is out of this world!
Whether you’re making this Chocolate Almond Bread as a fun appetizer or a unique sandwich bread, you will not be disappointed, especially if you pair it with that phenomenal salted caramel butter.
Copycat Sonic Cherry Limeade (with Video) From In The Kid’s Kitchen
This Sonic Cherry Limeade recipe hits that perfect balance of sweet and tart and has that amazing sweet & sour cherry taste that is just so crazy delicious and sippable!
If you’ve never had cherry limeade, it’s quite similar to a strawberry lemonade in terms of that same fruity citrus punch taste, but obviously the cherry and limeade changes the flavor profile.
Swig Creamsicle Soda From In The Kid’s Kitchen
This 2-ingredient Copycat Swig Creamsicle Dirty Soda is a special treat for kids that tastes just like the classic frozen dessert! For this recipe, the simple addition of vanilla coffee creamer to orange soda makes the perfect Creamsicle-flavored drink.
It’s a great choice for hot summer days and perfect for parties or family movie nights, this 2-ingredient Creamsicle Dirty Soda is a fun concoction for kids to whip up!
Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken From In The Kid’s Kitchen
This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and a few pantry staples to recreate that iconic flavor. Just coat your chicken in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and bake to golden perfection.
Bake it to golden perfection, and you’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.
Crab Rangoon Dip with Wonton Chips From Sugar Spice and Glitter
Crab Rangoon is typically served as a crispy, fried dumpling with a wonton wrapper covering a cheesy crab filling. The wonton chips are dangerously good – crispy with just the right amount of fried flavor without feeling heavy.
This crab rangoon dip is the perfect blend of Asian flavors, triple cheese decadence, and savory, juicy crabmeat. It’s perfect for a family movie night or for a party – it makes SO MUCH DIP everyone will be satisfied (and you may even luck out with some leftovers).
Chocolate Stout Chicken Wings From Sugar Spice and Glitter
A delicious Guinness chicken wing recipe that has a chocolatey taste thanks to brown sugar, balsamic vinegar and stout. The perfect appetizer for game day, Valentine’s Day or St Patrick’s Day.
These chocolate chicken wings are a delicious and unique recipe that will delight your foodie guests. It’s a fun copycat Universal Studios recipe to get you excited for an upcoming trip – or just a delicious addition to a casual family night.
Homemade Snickers Recipe (with Video) From Sugar Spice and Glitter
This homemade Snickers starts with a layer of semi-sweet chocolate, then homemade nougat, salted peanuts, homemade caramel, and then topped with a final layer of chocolate.
A super simple and delicious recipe for Homemade Snickers! If you have a snickers fan in your life, this is the perfect homemade gift. An easy no-bake dessert.
Soft Pretzel Bites From Sugar Spice and Glitter
These bite-sized soft pretzels are perfect for dipping in a variety of sauces and dips and give you even more of that gorgeous, chewy crust.
Not to mention, pretzel bites are easier to serve to a crowd or exercise portion control than with full-sized pretzels. They are perfect for a family movie night, bringing to a potluck event or serving on game day!
Parmesan Steak n’ Shrimp Recipe From Sugar Spice and Glitter
Surf n’Turf is a classic for a special night, and this Parmesan Steak n’Shrimp is a fun twist with spicy, cajun-style shrimp, creamy Parmesan cheese sauce, and a simply seasoned, perfectly cooked steak.
This recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes, despite its impressive presentation and taste. A delicious and indulgent meal for a special occasion (or just because!).
Shrimp Cashew Stir Fry From Sugar Spice and Glitter
This Shrimp Cashew Noodle Stir Fry is a flavourful and healthy 15-minute meal loaded with protein and vegetables that lets you feel like a gourmet rockstar mom when you serve it up.
For the best flavor, you want to marinade the shrimp the morning or night before you plan to make this recipe – but if you don’t have time, it’s still delicious. This dish is healthier and better tasting than take-out – and it’s ready faster, too!
Healthy Vanilla Frappuccino From Sugar Spice and Glitter
Healthy Vanilla Frappuccino tastes just like the real thing but without all the sugar! So, making this healthier version at home is the perfect solution! It’s deliciously creamy with the perfect amount of vanilla and sweetness.
Add on some sprinkles, a sprinkling of fruit with a squirt of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup and a maraschino cherry. This vanilla frappuccino is a delicious, cool treat for hot summer days – the perfect creamy alternative to milkshakes or sugar-filled frappes.
Pickled Caesar Cocktail From Sugar Spice and Glitter
Caesar Cocktail is similar to a Bloody Mary cocktail only it adds a splash of clamato juice for a briny, umami taste. It’s a vodka-based tomato cocktail that is equally perfect for brunch or late-night appetizers!
The addition of pickle juice to a classic caesar is a fun complement to the unique flavor profile of a caesar cocktail. A satisfying, salty twist on a classic!
Copycat Lofthouse Cookies Recipe From I Heart Eating
The Copycat Lofthouse cookie recipe makes cookies that taste as good as the pink frosted Lofthouse sugar cookies. These soft sugar cookies topped with a luscious vanilla buttercream frosting for the ultimate thick frosted sugar cookie!
This copycat Lofthouse cookie recipe is a tastier version of the original. With the generous amount of vanilla and a hint of almond, the cookies have more flavor, and your family will love it!
Pin this Collection of 40+ Copycat Restaurant Recipes.
