15 Better-Than-Original Copycat Recipes You Need to Try

Craving your favorite restaurant meals but want to skip the high prices or long waits? Copycat recipes are the perfect solution, letting you enjoy all the delicious flavors of popular dishes right in your own kitchen. With just a few easy steps, these recipes bring iconic tastes to life, often even better than the originals. From crispy chicken sandwiches to decadent pasta dishes, each recipe is simple to follow and packed with familiar flavors.

Arby’s Curly Fries

For crispy Arby’s-style curly fries, start by slicing 4 large potatoes into curly shapes using a spiralizer. In a bowl, mix 1 cup flour, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Dredge the potato curls in the seasoned flour mixture, then fry in hot oil at 375°F until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. These fries are perfectly seasoned with a satisfying crunch that tastes just like the restaurant version.

Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Sandwich

For a crispy Chick-fil-A-inspired chicken sandwich, marinate 4 chicken breasts in pickle juice and milk for an hour, then dredge in seasoned flour mixed with paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Fry in oil heated to 350°F until golden brown and cooked through, then drain on paper towels. Serve on toasted buns with a couple of dill pickles and optional mayonnaise or lettuce for extra flavor. This sandwich delivers juicy, tender chicken with a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist and perfect for recreating at home.

Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato

To make Starbucks’ Iced Caramel Macchiato, start by filling a glass with ice, then pour in 1 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup. Slowly add 1-2 shots of espresso over the milk to create that signature layered look. Drizzle caramel sauce on top for sweetness and extra flavor. Stir to combine if desired, or sip through a straw to enjoy the layers separately. This easy, refreshing drink is sweet, creamy, and perfect for a homemade coffee treat.

Panda Express Orange Chicken

For a tangy Panda Express Orange Chicken, start by coating bite-sized chicken pieces in a mixture of flour and cornstarch, then fry until crispy and golden. In a pan, mix ½ cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, cooking until thickened. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce, stirring to coat evenly, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. This homemade version is full of bright, citrusy flavor with the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

For irresistible Cheddar Bay Biscuits, combine 2 cups biscuit mix, ½ cup shredded cheddar, and ⅔ cup milk until dough forms. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, then bake at 450°F for 10-12 minutes until golden. Melt 2 tablespoons butter with a pinch of garlic powder and parsley, brushing it over the biscuits as they come out of the oven. These fluffy, cheesy biscuits have that signature garlic butter taste, making them better than anything you’ll find in the restaurant.

McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce

To create McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce, mix together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons French dressing, 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir until smooth and creamy, then refrigerate for at least an hour for the flavors to blend. This sauce adds the perfect tangy, creamy flavor to any burger or sandwich, giving it that iconic taste without leaving home. Pair it with a homemade burger to enjoy a full Big Mac experience.

Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion

To make a Blooming Onion like Outback Steakhouse, start by cutting a large onion into petals. Soak it in a buttermilk and egg mixture, then dredge in seasoned flour with paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Fry in hot oil until crispy and golden, then drain on paper towels. Serve with a creamy dipping sauce of mayonnaise, ketchup, and horseradish for a spicy kick. This appetizer is crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for recreating a restaurant classic.

Chipotle’s Barbacoa Beef

For flavorful Chipotle-style Barbacoa Beef, place a 3-pound chuck roast in a slow cooker with 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 tablespoon oregano, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 cup beef broth. Cook on low for 8 hours until the beef shreds easily. Use the tender meat in burritos, tacos, or bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro and lime juice. This recipe brings the rich, spicy flavors of Chipotle to your table with ease.

Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

To make soft Cinnabon-style cinnamon rolls, prepare a dough using 4 cups flour, ½ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon yeast, and 1 cup warm milk. Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread with softened butter, and sprinkle generously with cinnamon and brown sugar. Roll up tightly, cut into slices, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Top with cream cheese frosting for a sweet, gooey treat that rivals the mall favorite.

KFC Fried Chicken

For crispy KFC-style fried chicken, coat chicken pieces in seasoned flour with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and white pepper. Dip in buttermilk, then dredge in flour again before frying in hot oil at 350°F until golden brown. Drain on paper towels for that signature crispy texture. This recipe brings all the secret spices and crunch without a trip to the drive-thru, perfect for homemade fried chicken lovers.

Dairy Queen’s Blizzard

To make a Dairy Queen-style Blizzard, blend 2 cups of vanilla ice cream with your favorite mix-ins like crushed cookies or candy pieces. Blend until smooth but thick enough to hold a spoon upside down. Scoop into a cup, and enjoy this creamy, indulgent dessert at home. Customize with flavors like Oreo, Reese’s, or even brownie chunks for a treat that’s just as delicious as the original.

Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup

For a cozy Panera-style Broccoli Cheddar Soup, start by sautéing 1 chopped onion in butter, then add ¼ cup flour to make a roux. Gradually pour in 2 cups half-and-half and 2 cups chicken broth, stirring until thickened. Add 2 cups chopped broccoli, 1 cup grated carrot, and simmer until tender. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar until melted, then season with salt and pepper. This creamy, cheesy soup is hearty and perfect for cool days.

IHOP Pancakes

For fluffy IHOP-style pancakes, mix 1 cup flour, 1 egg, 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a pinch of baking powder until smooth. Pour batter onto a hot, greased griddle, flipping when bubbles form. Serve warm with butter and syrup for a delicious breakfast treat. These pancakes are light, fluffy, and easy to make, capturing the classic diner breakfast at home.

Buffalo Wild Wings Honey BBQ Wings

To make Buffalo Wild Wings Honey BBQ Wings, toss cooked chicken wings in a sauce made from ½ cup honey, ¼ cup barbecue sauce, and a splash of hot sauce. Coat evenly, then bake at 400°F for 10 minutes until the sauce caramelizes. These wings are sweet, tangy, and perfect for game-day snacking with a little kick.

Texas Roadhouse Rolls

To bake soft Texas Roadhouse-style rolls, make a dough with 4 cups flour, 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 teaspoons yeast. Knead, let rise, then shape into rolls and bake at 350°F until golden. Brush with melted butter for extra richness. These rolls are fluffy, buttery, and the perfect addition to any meal, especially when paired with homemade honey butter.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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