Hard to pick a more classic fair food than a good old corndog on a stick. A cornmeal batter with honey, flour, and egg turns some ordinary hot dogs into nostalgia-inducing treats.
Method: deep fryer
Time: under 30 minutes
Fast Food Restaurants
The term "fast food" hit the dining scene in the 1950's when inexpensive restaurants opened that only sold a few limited specialty items, typically that were pre-cooked or pre-packaged. Hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, pizzas and shakes were the front-runners in this new dining concept. Most of the original "fast food outlets" were drive-ins, where you parked your car at a stall and ordered without ever having to leave your vehicle.
jump to the recipes
the evolution of fast food restaurants
Initially they had waitresses that came and took your order but technology quickly evolved to where you ordered from a speaker on a box that displayed the menu. Eventually, for many restaurants this evolved into the "drive through", where instead of sitting and eating in your car where you ordered, you would drive up to a window to order your food and then left once you got it. Some restaurants, like Sonic, still have the drive up stalls for you to order and eat at.
eat-in fast food restaurants
Most fast food restaurants now also have indoor service where you order at a counter and then sit at tables to eat your food (or, you can get the food to go). The most common items at these restaurants are still burgers (Burger King), fries (McDonald's), and pizza (Pizza Hut, Dominos, Godfathers), but more items have become popular as well. Both fried chicken (KFC) and Mexican-style foods (Taco Bell, Chipotle) are wildly popular.
mall food courts
Fast food has also become a popular fixture at shopping malls. The food courts are typically lined with nothing but fast food counters including such popular places as Auntie Anne's (famous for pretzels), Cinnabon with their amazing cinnamon rolls, and Panda Express with quick Asian-style food.
State Fair Corn Dogs
A&W Burgers
Copycat versions of the entire family of A&W burgers like the Papa Burger, Mama Burger, and Teen Burger (plus onion rings and chili dogs!)
Method: microwave, indoor grill, oven, outdoor grill
Time: 30-60 minutes
Taco Bell Bell Burgers
Taco Bell created the "Bell Burger" in the mid-1960s to compete with the popular hamburger fast food chains.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Popeye's Fried Chicken
Love Popeye's fried chicken?
Making Popeye's fried chicken at home is a great way to get the same delicious taste without having to leave the comfort of your own kitchen.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
Make the famous Cinnabon rolls using a bread machine and this recipe.
Method: oven, bread machine
Time: 2-5 hours
Get our daily recipe newsletter!
Every day we send out a featured recipe and our editor's favorite picks. Don't miss out!
Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito
Copy the famous burrito from Taco Bell. Check out the reviews from others on how to dress it up even more!
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Caribou Coffee's Hot Apple Blast
Thought hot apple cider was good already? It may be, but throwing in caramel and cinnamon syrups a la Caribou makes it simply fabulous.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Arby's Apple Turnovers
A homemade version of the popular apple turnovers from the Arby's fast food chain. Made with puff pastry sheets, apples, sugar, and cinnamon and drizzled with a sugar glaze.
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Popeye's Cajun Fried Turkey
Fried turkey is one way to make a statement on Thanksgiving. It's just about the best way to get that ultra-crispy skin and moist interior that you're looking for.
Method: deep fryer, stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
KFC Honey Barbecue Wings
These KFC copycat wings are as good as the real thing. Honey BBQ is always a winner, and you can switch up the BBQ sauce to your liking.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
KFC Potato Salad
KFC's potato salad is a delicious, creamy side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. The salad is made with diced potatoes, mayonnaise, pickle relish, and a variety of spices.
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
A & W Onion Rings
The secret to A&W's famous crispy onion rings is in the batter. This copycat version uses tempura mix to give the onion rings a light, crisp coating like you get at the iconic...
Method: deep fryer
Time: under 30 minutes
Dairy Queen Onion Rings
Recreate the classic Dairy Queen onion rings in your own kitchen. Enjoy the sweet crunch of battered Vidalia onions, deep-fried to golden perfection.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Panda Express Orange Chicken
Make your favorite Panda Express recipe at home with this easy copycat recipe for orange chicken.
Method: deep fryer, stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Almost Kentucky Fried Chicken
No need for 11 herbs and spices with this easy-to-copy version of KFC's sought after secret recipe.
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Dunkin Donuts Coffee Coolatta
Man, when did Dunkin get so good at making these coffee drinks? This copycat Coolatta uses a bit of almond extract with chilled coffee to blend up a refreshing pick-me-up.
Time: under 30 minutes
Taco Bell Green Sauce
Taco Bell no longer serves their Verde Sauce (green sauce) but you can still make this beloved condiment at home.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
KFC Gravy
Copy the famous gravy served at Kentucky Fried Chicken with this easy-to-follow home version.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
A&W Clone Cream Soda
When is the last time you had a classic cream soda? This homemade batch made with vanilla, sugar and club soda is a great beverage on its own or makes a fabulous float with vanilla...
Time: 1-2 hours
A&W Chili Dog Sauce
Made with water, ground beef, salt, onion, chili powder, ketchup
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
A&W Coney Island Sauce
Nothing more tragic than a naked hot dog. To really do it right, a healthy ladle of sweet, savory Coney sauce with beef and tomatoes is what you need.
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
KFC Chicken Secret Spices
Get that same fried chicken flavor as KFC with this copycat recipe for their secret spices.
Time: under 30 minutes
Boston Market Dill Potato Wedges
Make these famous Boston Market potato wedges in your own kitchen. You won't know you're not sitting in the restaurant.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Pizza Hut Insider Pizza
Unveil the secret of the double-decker delight with this Pizza Hut Insider Pizza recipe. It's a cheesy, crusty marvel that's part engineering feat, part culinary genius.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Jamba Juice Orange-A-Peel
Fresh-squeezed juice is the way to go for orange smoothies. This healthy Jamba Juice copycat is equal parts citrusy and creamy thanks to plenty of vanilla frozen yogurt.
Time: under 30 minutes
Arby's Sauce
Copy the famous sauce that made Arby's popular. Use it on sandwiches or for dipping French fries.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
A&W Hot Dog Sauce
This copycat A&W hot dog sauce features a blend of ring bologna, onion, and green bell pepper simmered with tomato juice and ketchup for a savory condiment.
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
KFC Rotisserie Style Chicken
KFC may be known for fried chicken (it is in their name, after all) but don't knock their rotisserie until you try it. Or try the copycat, at least.
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
KFC Buttermilk Biscuits
Made with buttermilk, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, lard
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Boston Market Rotisserie Whole Chicken
This copycat recipe tastes just like the rotisserie chicken from Boston Market, but it's a fraction of the price. Serve this chicken with some roasted potatoes...
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Popeye's Biscuits
The secret to Popeye's tender biscuits? That's right, sour cream and lemon-lime soda. That plus a few more ingredients is all you need to whip up this copycat recipe.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Popeye's Red Beans and Rice
Popeye's red beans and rice is a New Orleans classic. The dish is simple but flavorful, and can be easily made at home. All you need are red beans, some bell pepper, onion...
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole
Made with pecans, brown sugar, sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, butter, flour
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Boston Market Macaroni And Cheese
Cheesy? Check. Creamy? Check. Just like Boston Market's famous mac and cheese? Make this copycat recipe and let the kudos roll in.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Golden Wok's Orange Flavored Chicken
Make your favorite Chinese restaurant orange chicken, at home! Tender pieces of fried chicken are coated in a sweet and sour orange sauce. Serve with rice.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Church's Honey Biscuits
Made with honey, flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, shortening, cream of tartar, whole milk, butter
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: under 30 minutes
KFC Cole Slaw (But Better!)
Made with vegetable oil, vinegar, sugar, cabbage, green bell pepper, onion, carrot, salad dressing
Time: 1-2 hours
Boston Market Cucumber Salad
Enjoy a refreshing clones of Boston Market's cucumber salad, blending crisp cucumbers, zesty red onions, and juicy tomatoes in a tangy olive oil and vinegar dressing.
Time: over 5 hours
Long John Silver's Deep Fried Fish and Shrimp
Made with fish or shrimp, Bisquick, pancake mix, club soda
Method: deep fryer
Time: under 30 minutes
Cinnabon's Mochalatta Chill
Coffee, cream, and chocolate make a sweet caffeinated treat. Throw it in a blender if you want a thicker texture.
Time: under 30 minutes
Jack in the Box Egg Nog Milk Shake
Blend the nostalgia of a classic milkshake with the holiday allure of eggnog, and you've got yourself the ultimate indulgent sipper.
Time: under 30 minutes
Domino's Cinna Sticks
Domino's offers a sweet treat of oven baked breadsticks sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar that are served with a sweet vanilla dipping sauce. Copy it at home with this oh-so-easy...
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Popeye's Cajun Rice
A deliciously simply one pot Cajun creation. Thanks to the ground beef it's super satisfying, while Creole seasoning along with diced peppers and onions give it that comfort food...
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
KFC Macaroni And Cheese
If you're craving comfort food, you can't go wrong with KFC-style macaroni and cheese. This recipe brings the creamy goodness right to your kitchen.
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
KFC Potato Wedges
These wonderful wedges are just like they make 'em at KFC, but better since you'll have them super fresh. A blend of herbs and spices gives them a tasty, spicy coating and brings out...
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Starbucks' Caramel Apple Cider
Make your own version of the popular drink from Starbucks made with apple juice, cinnamon syrup, whipped cream, and caramel syrup.
Time: under 30 minutes
Colonel Sanders Pecan Pie
This pecan pie recipe, inspired by Colonel Sanders, brings together familiar ingredients in a way that's both simple and effective. It's a classic holiday dessert.
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Qdoba Mexican Grill Naked Chicken Burrito
Made with black or pinto beans, grilled chicken, cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, avocados, jalapeno
Time: under 30 minutes
Burger King Big King
Made with mayonnaise, French salad dressing, pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, hamburger buns, burgers, American cheese, lettuce, white onion
Method: outdoor grill
Time: under 30 minutes
Hardee's Charcoal Broiled Burgers
Ever wondered how to achieve that signature burger flavor at home? These Hardee's-inspired burgers bring that delicious grilled taste to your kitchen with a handful of...
Method: outdoor grill
Time: under 30 minutes
Make your mornings a little less hectic with these overnight breakfast recipes. Prep the night before and enjoy a warm, comforting meal in the morning.
Not to be confused with evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is very sweet (and very sticky) and used primarily in desserts.
The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.