There’s no question that 2020 has been a wild ride, my friends, and there’s also no doubt that most of us have been missing our favorite restaurant foods pretty sorely.
While many parts of the country are slowly starting to open back up, going out to eat is just not the same anymore. Aside from dealing with the “mask police”, the entire atmosphere has seemed to change surrounding dining out with friends and family.
The good news is that the most important part hasn’t changed at all- the ingredients that go into your favorite meals.
Also, thankfully, there are thousands of bright, creative cooks out there who have made things easy on us by sharing their food-hacks online- and many of them are spot-on for our favorite dishes.
Here are 12 copy cat recipes from some of our favorite eateries that nail every flavor (some even better than the original)!
1. “Olive Garden’s” Zuppa Toscana
Chicken-broth, cream, kale, sausage, and potatoes are the backbone of this hearty, Italian-inspired recipe. It’s everybody’s favorite and the best part is that it’s waaaay easier to make than one might think. Find out how from The Food Charlatan.
2. “Panera Bread” Mac ‘n’ Cheese
This luscious, velvety-rich mac ‘n’ cheese cooks up fast and easy right on the stovetop. And, you’d probably never guess what the secret ingredients are- hot sauce and Dijon mustard. Get the recipe at Yellow Bliss Road.
3. “McDonalds” egg and sausage McMuffin
This is one of those instances where the copy cat version far outdoes the wonders of the original, and it’s incredibly simple to make.
You’ll only need an English muffin, American cheese, egg, and some homemade sausage patties. It’s the sausage seasonings, though (onion powder, sage, and thyme) that really make this recipe shine! Find out for yourself with this recipe from Recipe Tin Eats.
4. “Chick-fil-A” mini chicken biscuits
Everything about these delightful snacks is made from scratch. But don’t worry- it takes little effort on your part.
The chicken bakes in the oven, but with a flour, buttermilk, and bread crumb coating, they still turn out with a flaky, fried texture. And the biscuits take just five ingredients. Learn more from The Baker Mama.
5. “Arby’s” beef and cheddar sandwich
Arby’s isn’t the only one who has “the MEATS”. Turns out, you can stack your beef and cheddar sammi as high as you like. All you need is some sliced roast beef, American cheese, and a tangy sauce made right at home- all piled high on a nice onion bun. Make it perfect with this recipe from Oh Sweet Basil.
6. “Chipotle” chicken bowl
Adobo sauce, olive oil, ancho chile powder, cumin, and oregano- that’s all you need to nail that beautiful southwest flavor of the chicken bowl. And, of course, the chicken. Pile it over rice with a dollop of guac and sour cream over your favorite toppings and BAM! Your mouth will never know what hit it. Get the recipe from The Brown Eyed Baker.
7. “Shake Shack” burgers
Everyone knows that when it comes to the Shake Shack Burger, the secret sauce is where it’s at! Well, not so secret anymore, anyway. You just need some ketchup, mayo, dill pickle juice, Dijon mustard, and a pop of cayenne pepper to replicate this awesome burger. Learn more over at Umami Girl.
8. “Wendy’s” frosty
Ahhh, the Frosty! A light, sweet, cold treat doesn’t get any better (or easier) than this simple little recipe. With a blender, you can whip up a batch of milk, vanilla ice cream, and Nesquick cocoa powder (yep!), and you can have this cup of delight in no time.
Anyone else thinking of Strawberry Frostys, now? Get it just right with this recipe from The Chunky Chef.
9. “Red Lobster’s” cheddar bay biscuits
You know that biscuits just don’t get any better than the Cheddar Bay beauties at Red Lobster- until now, that is. With some flour, buttermilk, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and a few other handy pantry staples, you can bake up a batch of these to accompany even the finest of meals in no time!
Learn more at The Anthony Kitchen.
10. “Panera” broccoli cheese soup
Chicken-stock, butter, whole milk, flour, sharp cheddar, and broccoli. Need we say more? Get the full recipe for this creamy Fall favorite from the fine folks over at Butter Your Biscuit.
11. “Applebee’s” Queso Blanco dip
This heavenly little appetizer can be made in just one pot and doesn’t take much time at all- or ingredients, for that matter. With two kinds of cheese, half and half, jalapeños, onion, tomato, and cilantro, you can have the ultimate appetizer that’s good on just about everything! Learn how over at Copy Kat.
12. “Chick-fil-A” nuggets and honey-mustard dipping sauce
Believe it or not- there’s a key secret ingredient to the juicy, moist fried chicken nugget at Chick-fil-A, and it’s the same ingredient that gives it that unique taste. Pickle juice!
No joke! They brine them in delicious pickle juice before breading and frying! Get the recipe at Bake Me Some Sugar.
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By Jessica Adler
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Jessica Adler is a contributor at SBLY Media.
