You Can Definitely Make These Yourself
Ever had a strong craving for your go-to restaurant dish but didn't want to spend the money? Or maybe you're stuck at home in your pajamas and don't want to go out. Regardless of the reason, you'll be happy to hear that many popular dishes can be pretty easy to make at home. Sometimes, you just need a nudge in the right direction! Here are 20 favorites that you should take a further look into so you can make copycat versions yourself.
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1. McDonald's Big Mac
The iconic Big Mac is a staple on the McDonald's menu, but did you know it's a lot easier to make at home than you might think? All you really need are those double all-beef patties cooked till nice and juicy, spread on special sauce which consists of mayo, sweet pickle relish, and a few other ingredients, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, all topped on a sesame seed bun, and voila! The key is in the layering.
2. Olive Garden's Fettuccine Alfredo
While Olive Garden might be known for their breadsticks, it's their fettuccine alfredo that we keep dreaming about. But instead of drooling, head to your kitchen instead because it's quite simple to make at home! Just cook your fettuccine noodles until they're al dente, then mix in sauce that's made simply from butter, cream, and parmesan cheese. For an extra flavor boost, don't forget the garlic.
3. Chipotle's Chicken Burrito Bowl
Everyone loves Chipotle for a quick and filling meal on the go, but turns out, you don't have to leave your house to enjoy it. For a healthier option where you get to pick out all the fillings, make your very own Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl from the comfort of your own kitchen. Grill some seasoned chicken before assembling a bowl loaded with rice, black beans, corn salsa, and fresh veggies. And of course, don't forget the guacamole and cheese!
4. Cheesecake Factory's Cheesecake
We know how impressive the range of cheesecakes offered at Cheesecake Factory is, but sometimes it can just feel downright overwhelming. If you want a classic cheesecake without the fuss, just make it at home! You can even buy a pre-made graham cracker crust to speed up the process. There are a wide variety of recipes to follow online, so find one that fits your comfort level and enjoy an entire cake for a much lower price.
5. Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
We know it's most popular during the fall, but let's be honest, pumpkin spice lattes are perfect all year round. And if your wallet is feeling a tad too light from all your Starbucks visits, consider making it yourself instead. Just start with your favorite coffee, add in some milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, and all the essential pumpkin pie spices to create an amazingly good replica.
6. KFC Original Recipe Chicken
When you're craving quick and easy fried chicken, KFC is a reliable go-to, but is it really the best? No! Level up your taste buds with fried chicken made at home that's 10x more seasoned than storebought. Combine the most delicious herbs and spices into the flour before coating to maximize on flavor, and then fry them until they're golden, crispy bits of perfection.
7. In-N-Out Animal Style Fries
While In-N-Out is known for their delicious burgers, their fries are often lacking in comparison. So instead of spending a few bucks on mediocre ones, it's time to take matters into your own hands. Even frozen fries, when thrown in an air fryer, can turn out super crispy! Top it with caramelized onions, tons of cheese, and a sauce made from mayo, ketchup, and relish, and you've got a super satisfying plate of animal style fries.
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8. Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Who can resist those cheesy, garlicky Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits? Perfect as a side for so many different meals, make them at home instead. For one, you can even buy packaged options where you just need to add in a few ingredients and bake yourself! They turn out fluffy and cheesy every single time.
9. Panera Bread's Broccoli Cheddar Soup
On a cozy night in, stay in your pajamas and skip the trek to Panera by making their beloved broccoli cheddar soup on your own. There are tons of recipes online to follow, but generally, you just need to sauté onions and garlic, then add broccoli and chicken broth. Next, blend it until smooth, stir in cheddar cheese, and finally, season with salt and pepper for a tasty hug in a bowl.
10. Domino's Pepperoni Pizza
We know Domino's pizza is delicious (especially the classic pepperoni), but let us convince you to make pizzas on your own. When you buy each of the ingredients separately, you get full control of how many toppings you want and how much to add. So if you're a barbecue chicken pizza lover, you don't have to worry about clashing with those marinara believers! It tastes just as good too.
11. P.F. Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps
P.F. Chang's chicken lettuce wraps are a must order every single time, but what if we told you it's easy to make at home? All you need is some ground chicken cooked thoroughly, mixed with onions, garlic, and diced celery and carrots. It's all smothered in a hoison-based sauce that's sweet and savory, and when scooped into crisp lettuce leaves, the combination leaves us speechless.
12. Outback Steakhouse's Bloomin' Onion
The Bloomin' Onion from Outback Steakhouse looks a lot more complicated to make than it actually is. All you need is one onion sliced to create petals, dip it in a beer batter, then deep fry to golden perfection. And when you have it at home, you have free control over what sauce to enjoy it with.
13. Buffalo Wild Wings Spicy Garlic Wings
Chicken wings are one of the most satisfying appetizers to devour, so skip the Buffalo Wild Wings visit to make your own version of their spicy garlic wings yourself. It's simple; just buy chicken wings ready for marinading, throw them in a spicy garlic sauce that's either storebought or homemade, and air fry or bake them until crispy and well cooked through. Don't forget the ranch or blue cheese for dipping!
14. Cracker Barrel's Hashbrown Casserole
Cracker Barrel's hashbrown casserole is pretty easy to whip up yourself at home. Just combined shredded hashbrowns with sour cream, cheese, and a creamy soup mix before throwing it in the oven for baking. Each ingredient is easy to find at the grocery store, making this comfort side a comforting one to make too.
15. Baskin-Robbins Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
If you've got an ice cream maker at home, replicating Baskin-Robbins' mint chocolate chip ice cream will be a breeze. Start off with your basic custard base before adding in mint extract and green food coloring so it really looks the part. Once churned, just fold in the chocolate chips and it's ready to go!
16. Taco Bell's Crunchwrap Supreme
Many influencers online have been raving about making the Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme at home, and you can too! It may seem like a complicated dish with all its layers, but just take it step by step. Season your ground beef, have some nacho cheese on hand, a tostada chell for the inside, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream. Assemble it in the shape of a hexagon before pan-frying it on the stove to crisp it up and lock it in place.
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17. Ruth's Chris Steak House's Sweet Potato Casserole
For something a bit fancier, challenge yourself by recreating Ruth's Chris Steak House's sweet potato casserole at home! Just mash up some boiled sweet potatoes with a handful of butter, sugar, and spices before topping it with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar mixture. Bake until it's golden and pat yourself on the back!
18. Five Guys' Cheeseburger
When you're craving a good burger, we know the Five Guys' cheeseburger likely comes to mind. But who says you can't make a delicious version yourself? For something a bit healthier and fresh, use ground beef to create patties and cook them to your liking. Layer your toasted buns with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauces to recreate (and improve!) this delicious dish.
19. IHOP's Buttermilk Pancakes
A beloved classic, there's nothing more comforting than heading over to IHOP for their fluffy buttermilk pancakes; that is, until you learned it's just as good when you make it yourself! Pancakes made at home have that extra touch of love and care that's simply unbeatable. The key is to use buttermilk for that signature tang and fluffiness!
20. Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana
For something hearty and warming on a cold night, copying Olive Garden's delicious zuppa toscana is a good route to go. Sauté Italian sausage with onions and garlic, then add chicken broth, sliced potatoes, and kale. Make sure you add in some cream at the end for that nice richness.
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21. Chick-fil-A's Chicken Sandwich
Known for their crispy yet juicy chicken sandwiches, Chick-fil-A is a popular go-to for many. And while fast food is convenient, making it at home offers a healthier alternative that is just as enjoyable. Marinate chicken breasts in pickle juice, coat in a seasoned flour mix, and fry until crispy before serving on a buttered bun with pickles and mayo. Simple yet so good.
22. The Cheesecake Factory's Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp
Tired of the same burgers and fries? Switch things up by making the Cheesecake Factory's bang bang chicken and shrimp recipe. This flavorful stir-fry has got a bit of everything — chicken, shrimp, vegetables, all sitting in a spicy Thai coconut curry sauce you can easily find on the internet. Serve it over rice and you've got yourself a super filling meal.
23. Starbucks' Iced Caramel Macchiato
Let's be honest for a moment. Those Starbucks drinks every day really start adding up! If you're looking to save some money, making your Iced Caramel Macchiatos at home is a good place to start. You can buy everything you need at the grocery store, just layer espresso, vanilla syrup, milk, and ice, then top with caramel drizzle.
24. Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad
Looking for a recipe that feels a bit lighter and more fresh? Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad will certainly do the trick! This refreshing meal combines crispy chicken, fresh salad greens, almonds, and a sweet and tangy dressing (which you can swap out at home if you prefer something else!). It’s a crunchy, savory, and sweet combination that’s totally addictive.
25. Carrabba's Italian Grill Chicken Bryan
A sophisticated yet simple meal you can always count on is Carrabba's Italian Grill Chicken Bryan. This flavorful dish is made with grilled chicken breasts topped with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a basil lemon butter sauce. Just grab the main ingredients and it's pretty straightforward to make your own copycat version!
26. Panda Express Orange Chicken
Everyone loves Panda Express' orange chicken. Many say it's the best option available there! But with so many recipes for the sauce online, all you need to do is fry bite-sized chicken pieces until golden and crispy to complete the dish. Serve with white rice for the ultimate experience!
28. Denny's Grand Slam Breakfast
Breakfast can be a difficult meal to cook for because who wants to get busy first thing in the morning? And while Denny's Grand Slam breakfast provides you with a bit of everything with tons of convenience, it tastes so much better when it's homemade. Whip up your best pancakes, bacon, eggs, and sausages and prepare for a tasty yet hefty start to your day.
29. Maggiano's Little Italy Spaghetti and Meatballs
Maggiano's Little Italy spaghetti and meatballs sure is delicious, but cooking up your own version at home tastes just as good. This pasta dish is a classic, one that moms made for you when you were younger, and an easy recipe to fall back to during busy days. As long as your noodles are cooked to al dente, you can make the tomato sauce to fit your preferences.
30. Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream
To finish off with an indulgent sweet treat no one can resist, make a version of Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream by blending a creamy chocolate ice cream base with chunks of gooey brownies. It's rich, decadent, and so so delicious.
