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Fast Food Restaurants

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.



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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.



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Enter a word or two in the box to find recipes within the fast food restaurant section. You can search the title, ingredients, or entire recipe by selecting the appropriate option.

Recipes  /   fast food restaurants
recipe for cinnabon cinnamon roll

Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll

Cinnabon made the cinnamon roll popular again and this recipe is a dead ringer for the ones you get at the mall.

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for dairy queen onion rings

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

recipe for popeye's cajun fried turkey

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


recipe for almost kentucky fried chicken

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

recipe for panda express orange chicken

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

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recipe for arby's apple turnovers

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

recipe for kfc gravy

KFC Gravy

Copy the famous gravy served at Kentucky Fried Chicken with this easy-to-follow home version.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for caribou coffee's hot apple blast

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


recipe for kfc honey barbecue wings

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

recipe for popeye's red beans and rice

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

recipe for taco bell green sauce

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


recipe for dunkin donuts coffee coolatta

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

recipe for arby's sauce

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

recipe for kfc potato wedges

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


recipe for popeye's biscuits

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

recipe for a&w chili dog sauce

A&W Chili Dog Sauce

Made with water, ground beef, salt, onion, chili powder, ketchup

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for cinnabon's mochalatta chill

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


recipe for a&w hot dog sauce

A&W Hot Dog Sauce

Made with chili powder, ring bologna, onion, green bell pepper, tomato juice, ketchup, red pepper

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for kfc chicken secret spices

KFC Chicken Secret Spices

Get that same fried chicken flavor as KFC with this copycat recipe for their secret spices.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for a & w onion rings

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


recipe for kfc rotisserie style chicken

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

recipe for a&w clone cream soda

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

recipe for kfc cole slaw (but better!)

KFC Cole Slaw (But Better!)

Made with vegetable oil, vinegar, sugar, cabbage, green bell pepper, onion, carrot, salad dressing


Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for pizza hut insider pizza

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

recipe for kfc buttermilk biscuits

KFC Buttermilk Biscuits

Made with buttermilk, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, lard

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for boston market dill potato wedges

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


recipe for domino's cinna sticks

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

recipe for boston market sweet potato casserole

Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole

Made with pecans, brown sugar, sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, butter, flour

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for boston market rotisserie whole chicken

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


recipe for boston market macaroni and cheese

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

recipe for popeye's cajun rice

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

recipe for long john silver's deep fried fish and shrimp

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


recipe for kfc macaroni and cheese

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

recipe for starbucks coffee cake

Starbucks Coffee Cake

A great coffee cake is all about that crucial crumbly topping. This Starbucks copycat nails it, mixing chopped pecans into the brown sugar-cinnamon crumb.

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for starbuck's frozen coffee frappuccino

Starbuck's Frozen Coffee Frappuccino

Replicate Starbucks' iconic frozen coffee frappuccino at home. This simple recipe uses cold brewed coffee, low-fat milk, sugar, and ice, blended to a smooth, frosty...


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for church's honey biscuits

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

recipe for starbucks' caramel apple cider

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

recipe for jamba juice orange-a-peel

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


recipe for hardee's charcoal broiled burgers

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

recipe for golden wok's orange flavored chicken

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

recipe for colonel sanders pecan pie

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


recipe for boston market saucer sized chocolate chip cookies

Boston Market Saucer Sized Chocolate Chip Cookies

One of the best cookies ever! They are huge and full of chocolate chunks. If you love chocolate chip cookies, then you definitely need to try out these...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for qdoba mexican grill naked chicken burrito

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

recipe for jack in the box egg nog milk shake

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


recipe for taco bell lime sauce

Taco Bell Lime Sauce

This copycat Taco Bell lime sauce blends lime juice and fresh cilantro with a creamy base, perfect for enhancing various dishes quickly.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for boston market tortellini salad

Boston Market Tortellini Salad

Made with salt, seasoned salt, dry Caesar Dressing mix, water, cheese tortellini, Caesar dressing, mayonnaise, red bell pepper, white wine vinegar

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for pizza hut dessert pizza

Pizza Hut Dessert Pizza

Made with active dry yeast, pie filling, flour, brown sugar, quick-cooking oats, butter or margarine, cinnamon

Method:   oven
Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for burger king big king

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

recipe for sonic's no. 1 burger

Sonic's No. 1 Burger

Made with tomato, lettuce, white onion, ground beef, plain white hamburger bun, butter-flavored spray or melted butter, salt, black pepper, mayonnaise, dill pickle

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for taco bell's grilled chicken burritos

Taco Bell's Grilled Chicken Burritos

Made with soy sauce, salt, brown sugar, onion powder, liquid smoke, black pepper, chili powder, boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, rice

Method:   stovetop, outdoor grill
Time:   over 5 hours





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