From fast food favorites to casual restaurant staples, these secret recipes are sure to satisfy all your cravings.
29 Copycat Signature Recipes From Your Favorite Restaurants
Updated on May 03, 2024
1/29
Inspired by: KFC Original Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 543 calories, 33g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
2/29
Inspired by: Olive Garden Breadsticks
Total Time
50 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender breadsticks fill the kitchen with a tempting aroma when they are baking, and they’re wonderful served warm. My family tells me I can’t make them too often. —Gaylene Anderson, Sandy, Utah
(Here’s how to make copycat Olive Garden breadsticks, step by step.)
Nutrition Facts:
1 breadstick: 86 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
3/29
Inspired by: McDonald's Shamrock Shake
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 363 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
4/29
Inspired by: Panda Express Orange Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy these tangy nuggets so many ways—over noodles or rice, in sandwiches, even on top of lettuce and cabbage. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 450 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1294mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
5/29
Inspired by: In-N-Out Burger Spread
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy remoulade recipe is the perfect way to add some Louisiana spice to your favorite sandwiches, crab cakes and burgers. —Lauren Knoelke, Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 97 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 213mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
6/29
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Lemon Pound Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
3 mini loaves (6 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon loaf cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 175 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
7/29
Inspired by: Ikea Cafe Swedish Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 meatballs with 1-3/4 cups noodles and about 1/3 cup gravy: 834 calories, 33g fat (14g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1711mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein.
Inspired by: Little Caesar’s Pretzel Crust
In our house, we love pizza and pretzel bread! When Little Caesar’s came out with their pretzel crust pizza, we fell in love but also knew it was unrealistic to be buying it all the time. The next best thing was to make it ourselves, and it came out even better than the restaurant’s version! This thick-crusted copycat pizza is bound to blow your socks off! Hope you enjoy! —Mary Lou Timpson, Centennial Park, Arizona
8/29
9/29
Inspired by: Culver's ButterBurger
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter.
My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 400 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
10/29
Inspired by: Wendy's Chili
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
"This flavorful chili is still thick and hearty even though it makes a small batch," confirms Norma Grogg of St. Louis, Missouri. "I serve it with a salad of grapefruit and avocado slices."
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 339 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 948mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 17g fiber), 24g protein.
11/29
Inspired by: McDonald's Chicken McNuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 214 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
12/29
Inspired by: Noodles & Company Wisconsin Mac & Cheese
Total Time
55 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious dish is the ultimate comfort food. A blend of five cheeses, it makes a beautiful entree or a special side. I served it at our Thanksgiving dinner, and it received rave reviews. —Connie L McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 585 calories, 33g fat (20g saturated fat), 161mg cholesterol, 550mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
13/29
Inspired by: Portillo's Chocolate Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 685 calories, 29g fat (18g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 102g carbohydrate (81g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
14/29
Inspired by: Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Total Time
30 min
Servings
15 biscuits
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's our crack at the never-ending biscuits from Red Lobster. Made from scratch with lighter ingredients, they're just as cheesy and buttery as the original. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 106 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
15/29
Inspired by: Long John Silver's Hush Puppies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A fish dinner isn’t complete without a side of hush puppies, and my mom is well-known for this recipe. It's the best! —Mary McGuire, Graham, NC
Nutrition Facts:
1 hush puppy: 55 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
16/29
Inspired by: Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I let my young son pick out seed packets and he chose kale, which grew like crazy. This hearty soup helped make good use of it and rivals the Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana. —Michelle Babbie, Malone, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 504 calories, 38g fat (20g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 881mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
17/29
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can't wait for fall to arrive so my favorite coffee shops will bring back pumpkin lattes. The rest of the year, I have to make my own version. With the right amount of spice, it tastes just like the popular version found at gourmet coffee shops.—Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 234 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
18/29
The Best Buttermilk Waffle Recipe .Updated by AQA
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 waffles (4 inch)
From the Recipe Creator:
You won't get any complaints from family or friends when you stack up these golden waffles for breakfast! —Kim Branges, Grand Canyon, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 waffles: 223 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
19/29
Inspired by: In-N-Out Cheeseburger
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Go on a burger road trip in your own backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-high with your favorite toppings. For instance, peanut butter and bacon make them southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes,
a northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York. Looking for more copycat recipes? Try our favorite Popeye’s Mardi Gras mustard.
a northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York. Looking for more copycat recipes? Try our favorite Popeye’s Mardi Gras mustard.
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger (calculated without toppings): 429 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 796mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
20/29
Inspired by: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love this cheesy dish. It is proof that soup doesn't need to be made in big batches to be good. —Cheryl McRae, West Valley, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 494 calories, 37g fat (24g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1145mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
Don’t forget to take a look at our collection of the best copycat recipes of 2022.
21/29
Inspired by: Cinnabon Classic Roll
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to try different fun fillings in these soft rolls, and each one is packed with cinnamon flavor. They are definitely worth the overnight wait. —Chris O'Connell, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 278 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
22/29
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Filled with chicken, mushrooms, water chestnuts and carrots, these lettuce wraps are both healthy and yummy. The gingerroot, rice wine vinegar and teriyaki sauce give them delicious Asian flair. —Kendra Doss, Smithville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 wraps: 230 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 278mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
23/29
Inspired by: Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I tasted a similar soup at Olive Garden and wanted to see if I could re-create it myself at home. Here's the delicious result! It's wonderful on a chilly evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 482 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
24/29
Custard Ice Cream
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This ice cream is technically a custard since it contains eggs. After lots of testing (and tasting), I've found that eggs are the key to making a smooth and creamy treat that rivals what you can get at a premium ice cream shop. -Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 310 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
25/29
Inspired by: Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
24 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this recipe to copycat Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. I knew I had a winner the first time I made them because the whole family fought over who got the last one! For a dipping sauce, combine barbecue sauce and Dijon mustard, then stir in honey to add some sweetness. —Jeni Pittard, Statham, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 307 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
26/29
Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love both red velvet cake and cheesecake. So why not combine them into one stunning red velvet cheesecake recipe? It's best when served chilled, right out of the fridge. —Melissa Gaines, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 896 calories, 66g fat (28g saturated fat), 166mg cholesterol, 676mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
27/29
Inspired by: Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Butter
Total Time
5 min
Servings
about 1-1/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a simple yet special spread for breakfast bread and muffins. —Sue Seymour, Valatie, New York. Looking for more? Check out this Texas Roadhouse butter recipe.
Nutrition Facts:
1 tablespoon: 107 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
28/29
Inspired by: Auntie Anne's Original Soft Pretzel
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 pretzels
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 pretzel: 193 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
29/29
Inspired by: Smashburger Classic Smash
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Now is not the time to cut the calories or skimp on the salt. Go for ground chuck that is at least 80/20. If you can find a blend with ground brisket or short rib, all the better. The best burger comes with being liberal with the kosher salt—it's beef's best friend, trust me. — James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 339 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 760mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
