Copycat Recipes & Restaurant Favorites

Blue Fox's trick is to butterfly the shrimp and give them a quick soak in milk before pan-frying them and stirring in the classic white wine, butter and parsley.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Trisha doesn't overcomplicate her mashed potatoes. Potatoes, milk, butter, and seasoning. Perfection doesn't have to be complex

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

One of the most popular dishes at Impastato's restaurant. Made fresh and to order, with wine simmered shrimp in a lemon-butter sauce.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Enjoy a homemade version of the classic creme brulee with a delicate mix of vanilla, cream, and caramelized sugar that adds a nice crunch.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

Made with Parmesan cheese, lobster meat, bread crumbs, green onion, lemon juice, butter

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

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Made with onions, Cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, hamburger patty, salt, pepper, granulated garlic, butter, Italian bread, mayonnaise

Method:   electric skillet/wok, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Copy the popular cheese fries from Outback Steakhouse with this simple recipe that starts with frozen french fries and ends with a sprinkling of bacon.

Method:   deep fryer, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Love the rich cheese toast at Sizzler? Make your own at home with three simple ingredients. Cheesy butter is spread on sliced bread and cooked on a griddle until gooey and...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

This Belgian batter makes use of folded-in, whipped egg whites for fluffy waffles that just beg to be topped with fresh berries and whipped cream.

Method:   waffle maker
Time:   under 30 minutes

Gatorade is a popular sports drink that can be purchased at most convenience stores. However, did you know that you can easily make your own Gatorade at home?


Time:   under 30 minutes

Asian noodle salads are hard to beat for a refreshing lunch. Cellophane noodles tossed in a sesame-chili dressing with shrimp and veggies make a healthy and...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

If you think sweet potatoes are just a side dish, think again; this Outback-inspired recipe turns them into a flavorful star of the meal.


Time:   30-60 minutes

Made with chili seasoning mix, chili powder, chili con carne seasoning, cumin, sugar, thyme, fresh sage, onions, chile peppers, red kidney beans

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Chili's removed this dessert from the menu quite a while ago but you can still make this decadent treat at home with this copycat version.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

Patties made from black beans, brown rice, and plenty of spices put the stereotype of bland, dry veggie burgers to rest.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with whipped cream or ice cream, egg whites, vinegar, vanilla extract, sugar, strawberries or raspberries

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

Colby, mozzarella, and bechamel sauce turn ordinary potatoes into an extravagant affair. No need to dine out for this delicious dish. This copycat can easily be made at...

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

No grill? No problem. This recipe can easily be made with a grill pan (or cast iron skillet) instead.

Method:   stovetop, outdoor grill
Time:   under 30 minutes

Fresh shrimp is stir fried with bean sprouts, water chestnuts, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots and served with crispy chow mein noodles.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, pecans

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

The American actress, Katharine Hepburn, was beautiful, intelligent, and a little bit eccentric. She was also known for her rich, chocolately brownies.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Let's get straight to the point: catfish really doesn't get better than this. With a few pantry staples and some hot oil, you can have a...

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   under 30 minutes

A bruschetta appetizer is the easiest way to be an A+ host for a dinner party. This Red Lobster copycat with shrimp, melty fontina, and white cheddar really makes the grade.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

One of the most popular foods at Fat Ronnie's Burger Bar in Oak Bluffs, MA can be made at home with this to-die-for onion rings recipe.

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   under 30 minutes

Recreate Olive Garden's signature Italian dressing at home with this simple recipe. Featuring mayonnaise, vinegar, and classic Italian herbs, this creamy, zesty dressing...


Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with cereal, vanilla extract, miniature marshmallows, chocolate bars, butter

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

These aren't just any ribs, they're Claim Jumper ribs, marinated in a concoction that's part backyard genius, part culinary wizardry.

Method:   outdoor grill
Time:   over 5 hours

Made with pecans, almonds, walnuts, vanilla wafers, butter, cream cheese, sugar, eggs

Method:   oven
Time:   over 5 hours

Made with olive oil, Spanish onion, garlic, celery, carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, pearl barley, chicken stock, chicken

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Aladdin Restaurant has some of the best baklava. The phyllo dough is light and flaky, and the filling is sweet and nutty. The honey syrup adds a touch of sweetness and keeps...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

Make gnocchi night a tradition. This Olive Garden copycat has a serious sauce with parmesan, white wine, and basil bringing full flavor to...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Applebee's no longer serves this fish sandwich but you can make it at home. The seared tilapia sandwich is made famous by its tango...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Made with paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, dried basil, file powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper


Time:   under 30 minutes

What's not to love about fried chicken covered in a sweet and tangy sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds?

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

The prettiest lemonade you'll ever see, thanks to the dazzling blend of Blue Curacao and sour mix. The Curacao is joined by vodka and triple sec, so this stunner packs...


Time:   under 30 minutes

Battered chicken breasts are quickly pan fried and finished in the oven; lemony sauce made with white wine and garlic poured over the chicken gives the dish its name.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Turkey, black beans, tomatoes, onions, and green chiles pack these bowls to the brim with spices to give it some kick.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Make some Jamaican yucca flatbreads, aka bammies, just like they do at the famous resorts. You only need a few ingredients for this golden-fried staple.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

La Maida House was a bed and breakfast in California run by former actress Megan Timothy. They were known for their delicious vegetarian meals and amazing gardens.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

If you can't go to Disneyland, bring Disneyland to you. This copy cat recipe is made with a graham cracker crust, fresh lemon in the filling, and a fluffy meringue.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours

The chicken madras at Bombay Palace is a dish not to be missed. But if you can't make it to the restaurant, we think you'll love this copycat version.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

These crispy, crunchy chicken fingers aren't on the menu anymore at Chili's but you can still make them at home!

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Try this copycat recipe for Horseradish Grill's foolproof cooking method and a buttermilk marinade for some authentic Southern-breaded chicken.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

Made with pastry, ground pork, ground veal, onion, poultry seasoning, dried thyme, ground cloves, red wine, beef stock or water, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours

Along with the garlic and onion, leeks help make up a super savory foundation that the rest of the creamy German-style potato soup is based on.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

The easiest, cheesiest dip you could imagine. Ground beef, tomatoes, with chiles and Velveeta cheese make up a meaty and substantial queso that's perfect on game day with a bowl...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

This copycat recipe from Olive Garden is the perfect dessert for fall gatherings. The gingersnap crust is topped with a creamy pumpkin filling, and finished with a...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   over 5 hours

This easy pickled cabbage slaw is perfect on a sandwich or served on the side.


Time:   1-2 hours

Enjoy a home-cooked version of Applebee's Bourbon Street steak. With a simple marinade of bourbon, honey, and steak sauce it's perfect for busy weeknights or weekend...

Method:   outdoor grill
Time:   2-5 hours

Red Lobster's smoked salmon canapes are an easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any party or gathering. They can be made ahead of time, making them a...


Time:   under 30 minutes