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Copycat Recipes & Restaurant Favorites

What are copy cat recipes? These are secret recipes from restaurants (or developed by home cooks to taste similar) and homemade versions of packaged brand products you find in the grocery store. With these recipes you can prepare your favorite restaurant dishes and name brand foods in your own kitchen! CDKitchen features some of the most popular restaurant and copycat clones.



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copy cat recipe finder

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

Recipes  /   copycat recipes
recipe for a&w coney island sauce

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

recipe for almost heinz 57 sauce

Almost Heinz 57 Sauce

Use this sauce on anything from pork to beef to chicken. This copycat version of Heinz 57 is quick to make and easy to use.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 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 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 p.f. chang's lettuce wraps with chicken

P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps with Chicken

Love the lettuce wraps from PF Chang's? Make them at home anytime you want with this simple recipe that uses ground chicken, water chestnuts, green onions, and...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

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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 homemade cheez-whiz

Homemade Cheez-Whiz

Cheez-whiz is made from a processed cheese but this copycat version uses real cheddar cheese to get the same rich and creamy results.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for cherry sprite

Cherry Sprite

Like a Shirley Temple but with Sprite instead of ginger ale. Grenadine and maraschino cherry juice are all you need; a splash of vodka turns it into a super simple cocktail.


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for outback steakhouse rack of lamb cabernet sauce

Outback Steakhouse Rack of Lamb Cabernet Sauce

Can you say impressive? Rack of lamb is a showstopper no matter what, but the rich Cabernet sauce will really raise some eyebrows.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for aunt jemima's pancake mix

Aunt Jemima's Pancake Mix

Aunt Jemima's got the syrup down, so you'd better believe she can do pancakes too. A bit of lemon-lime soda in the mix is the key to her light and fluffy cakes. You already...


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for ben and jerry's orange cream dream ice cream

Ben and Jerry's Orange Cream Dream Ice Cream

This orange flavored ice cream is definitely dreamy, Ben and Jerry were spot-on with the name. Try a scoop or two in lemon-lime soda for a fruity version of...


Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for hidden valley ranch dressing

Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing

Hidden Valley sets the standard when it comes to ranch dressing. Now you can be the king (or queen) of salad dressings with this homemade copycat version. Let it sit...


Time:   over 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 emeril's essence (bayou blast)

Emeril's Essence (Bayou Blast)

Spice things up in your kitchen with this homemade Emeril's Essence blend. It's a simple yet bold way to keep your culinary flair fresh.


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for archway soft sugar cookies

Archway Soft Sugar Cookies

Recreate the classic Archway soft sugar cookies at home with this easy-to-follow copycat recipe. Made with simple ingredients and a hint of nutmeg, these cookies are...

Method:   oven
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for sara lee butter coffee cake

Sara Lee Butter Coffee Cake

Make your own copycat version of Sara Lee's famous butter coffee cake starting with a box of yellow cake mix.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

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

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 ben & jerry's coconut ice cream

Ben & Jerry's Coconut Ice Cream

A dozen recipes in one. Three different ice cream base options, with scrumptious variations like coconut rum or chocolate chip. Fire up the ice cream maker, things are...


Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for mr & mrs t bold & spicy bloody mary mix

Mr & Mrs T Bold & Spicy Bloody Mary Mix

Skip the bottled Bloody Mary mix next time and make your own. It has just the right balance of spices and is delicious enough to drink without the vodka too.


Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for california pizza kitchen's spinach artichoke dip

California Pizza Kitchen's Spinach Artichoke Dip

This isn't just any spinach artichoke dip; it's a California Pizza Kitchen classic, reimagined for your kitchen. Bold, cheesy, and unapologetically...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for albertson's french bread

Albertson's French Bread

Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this copycat French bread recipe brings the Albertson's bakery right into your kitchen.

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for rotel tomatoes

RoTel Tomatoes

Ro*tel tomatoes are used in a variety of recipes, particularly in Tex-Mex cooking. They are a spicy, canned diced tomato found in most grocery stores. It's simple to make your own...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for red lobster's creamy caesar dressing

Red Lobster's Creamy Caesar Dressing

Creamy Caesar is the way to go. Red Lobster's recipe with mayo, parmesan, and Italian dressing is perfect for a classic mix with romaine and croutons.


Time:   over 5 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 old spaghetti factory meatballs

Old Spaghetti Factory Meatballs

Make all the fancy food you want, there's something about classic spaghetti and meatballs that'll always have you coming back.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for emeril lagasse's baby bam spice seasoning mix

Emeril Lagasse's Baby Bam Spice Seasoning Mix

Made with celery salt, dried thyme, paprika, salt, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil


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 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 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 bob evans colonial dressing

Bob Evans Colonial Dressing

Bob Evans Colonial Dressing has a unique blend of ingredients that gives it a rich, zesty flavor. It's perfect for salads, pasta dishes, or as a dipping sauce.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for el torito's mexican caesar salad

El Torito's Mexican Caesar Salad

A bed of crisp romaine and crunchy fried tortillas is the perfect way to let the roasted chile, pepita, and cilantro salad dressing shine.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for stouffer's corn souffle

Stouffer's Corn Souffle

A copycat of the popular frozen corn souffle made by Stouffer's. It's made with eggs, creamed corn, sour cream, milk, and a hint of nutmeg.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for reese's peanut butter cups

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

A homemade version of the popular candy. A chocolate candy shell is made with chocolate chips and filled with sweetened peanut butter.

Method:   microwave
Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for classic catalina salad dressing

Classic Catalina Salad Dressing

Sweet and tangy Catalina dressing is perfect for zesty taco salads, and you can play around with the sugar to find your perfect level of sweetness.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for stove top-like stuffing mix

Stove Top-Like Stuffing Mix

Keep stuffing mix on hand cheaper than the boxed kind. Stuffing cubes are mixed with dried herbs and can be stored until you need it.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for king's hawaiian bread

King's Hawaiian Bread

If you love King's Hawaiian bread then you must try this copycat recipe!

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for ben & jerry's chocolate ice cream

Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Ice Cream

Ben & Jerry's has been making ice cream history since 1978. This recipe duplicates their rich and creamy chocolate ice cream.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

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 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 pappadeaux blackened oyster and shrimp fondeaux

Pappadeaux Blackened Oyster and Shrimp Fondeaux

This fantastic fondue goes way past the basic cheesy variety and jumps straight to a seafood-packed, creamy dip that turns crunchy garlic bread into...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 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 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 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 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 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





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