Copycat Recipes & Restaurant Favorites

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

Not quite chili and not quite beans and rice, this black bean stew is in a category of its own. Call it what you will, it all works great together.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

A colorful combination of black-eyed peas, diced onions, and peppers meets a zesty dressing in this easy refrigerated salad copycat recipe.


Time:   over 5 hours

This marinated chicken is simple, versatile, and yummy. Italian dressing is the key to keeping the ingredient list short and sweet and close copy of Cracker...

Method:   outdoor grill, stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

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

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Made with barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, orange juice concentrate, garlic, brown sugar, thyme, smoke flavoring

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

Eva Longoria has been cooking since she was a little girl and loves whipping up dishes like this. This chunky guacamole is fresh and bright with just the right amount of...


Time:   under 30 minutes

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

Skip the packaged mixes, they are overpriced! Make your frosting mix so your kids will always have it on hand when they feel like baking in their Easy-Bake Oven.


Time:   under 30 minutes

The white Russian cocktail gained popularity in the late 1990s from the movie, The Big Lebowski. It's a rich and creamy drink made with Kahlua, vodka, and cream.


Time:   under 30 minutes

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

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

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

The chardonnay mushrooms at Applebee's are the perfect way to add a little elegance to your meal. Serve with grilled steak (they are also delicious with pork chops).

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Enhance your seafood dishes with your own homemade Old Bay seasoning blend. This carefully curated blend of herbs and spices will add a new dimension of flavor to your...


Time:   under 30 minutes

Start your day off in style with this delicious breakfast copycat recipe from Red Lobster.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

This chowder that incorporates rockfish and crab is one of the popular menu items at O'Leary's. Don't forget the ham garnish, as it adds a hint...

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

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

If you ever wondered how a few simple ingredients could come together to create something so tasty, look no further. This recipe combines juicy sausage with crisp...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

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

Made with just a few simple ingredients, this rice dish is bursting with flavor. The cilantro and lime give the rice a fresh taste, while the basmati rice provides a...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

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

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

Here's an easy grab for seafood lovers: Lobster De Jonghe, featuring buttery lobster meat and crispy bread crumbs right from the oven.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

Pate a choux, also known as choux pastry, is a pastry dough used in both sweet and savory applications. It's the dough used in profiteroles and cream puffs.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 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

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

Made with milk, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, peanut butter, cake mix, peanut butter cup candies, miniature peanut butter cup candies, chocolate frosting...

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

If you are cutting calories then this copycat recipe from Strings Restaurant is a good choice of Alfredo sauce. It uses non-fat milk, arrowroot starch, and non-fat...

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

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 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

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

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

In between filming Marvel movies, Scarlett Johansson enjoys cooking and one of her famous go-to recipes this tasty banana bread. It's simple to make and...

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

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

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

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

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

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

This Costco chicken bake features a blend of chicken, cheese, and bacon, all rolled in fresh pizza dough for an easy family meal.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

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

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

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

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

Method:   oven
Time:   over 5 hours

Tastes just like a cheeseburger! This copycat recipe from Dave And Buster's restaurant is made with a fresh pizza crust, topped with cheeseburger-like toppings.

Method:   oven
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

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

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

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

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

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

Pasta salad: the unsung hero of family gatherings and potlucks. This Ruby Tuesday favorite mixes macaroni, ham, and cheese for a restaurant-version of your favorite salad.


Time:   2-5 hours