It’s no secret that Americans love their fast food. In fact, we love all of our chain restaurants, whether they’re regional or national. Can you really blame us? We have some pretty kickin’ food. Just take McDonald’s, which has traveled across the world and garnered new fans in 101 different countries. It may not be good for you, but it sure is delicious.
That being said, eating out is expensive. Spending $50 a week — about the average for Americans — adds up to $2,500 every year. So how can you get your favorite restaurant recipes without spending that much money? You make them yourself, of course.
The good news is that in the age of the internet, it’s not as hard to learn as you might think. There are entire blogs dedicated to crafting “copycat” recipes of our favorite restaurant meals, from fast food all the way to fine dining. Whether leaked recipes or just imitations, they’re the next best thing to the dishes we know and love.
So, if you have the fast food bug or trying to save some money, grab a whisk and look through these recipes from all your favorite restaurants.
These unbelievable rolls taste just like the ones you’ll find at Texas Roadhouse: buttery and intensely sweet with a touch of cinnamon. Just be careful — they’re not light on the calories.
If you’re a fan of Panda Express, you’ll love being able to make honey walnut shrimp in your own kitchen. After tasting this home version, you’ll understand why Panda Express has such a dedicated fan base.
Craving one of the most popular items on the Taco Bell menu? You can make it at home and skip the drive-thru wait. Sure, Taco Bell is cheap, but this delicious DIY version is even more inexpensive.
Have you been known to fill up on Olive Garden breadsticks before your entree even arrives? Now you can make them at home and have as many as you want. We won’t judge you.
Not everyone is lucky enough to know about Bojangles or its delectable Bo-Berry Biscuits. The chain only exists in certain parts of the country, particularly in the southeastern United States. But you don’t have to find a Bojangles location to become hooked.
Olive Garden Minestrone Soup has been a favorite of Italian lovers for years. You could spend a bundle on an expensive Italian dinner — or you could make all your favorites at home.
Craving the pork carnitas from Chipotle but don’t have the time or money to head out to eat? Make this easy version at home. You’ll also have a bit more control over portion sizes!
You don’t have to spend money and wait in line for a delicious Starbucks white chocolate mocha. You can make it for a fraction of the price at home — no more paying $8 for coffee.
Panera is the home of pastries, baguettes, and soup like its signature tomato soup. The good news is, you can make this creamy concoction right at home. For even more authenticity, buy or make a bread bowl to go with it.
Applebee’s Quesadilla Burger is a testament to what happens when you combine great ideas. Can’t decide if you want a burger or a quesadilla? You don’t have to choose.
IKEA might not technically be a restaurant, but the furniture giant is known for its amazing Swedish meatballs. This recipe combines them with meatball gravy, which sounds so good that you’ll be licking your bowl clean.
If you haven’t been lucky enough to try the Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi, you’re in for a treat. In fact, even if you’ve had it, you’re in for a treat.
P.F. Chang’s Mongolian Beef is a spicy, flavorful meat-and-rice dish with a dedicated fanbase. If you love Asian cuisine but don’t have a P.F. Chang’s location in your neighborhood, you can make this at home.
You can get your favorite fast food breakfast in no time at all — and for fewer calories with this homemade Egg McMuffin recipe. Sure, it won’t save you much money, but it can be on the unlimited breakfast menu.
Hankering for that perfect Starbucks chocolate chunk cookie? The coffee giant’s pastries are pretty tasty, but they sure as heck aren’t cheap. Thankfully, you can save money by making these deliciously rich cookies at home.
You can get your hands on that Chick-Fil-A sandwich even on Sunday with this Chick-Fil-A sandwich recipe. In spite of its reputation for stirring controversy, Chick-Fil-A maintains a big fanbase.
Cracker Barrel has earned the reputation of being a road trip restaurant. So, you probably don’t often get your hands on its delicious broccoli cheddar chicken casserole. This rich, satisfying dish is perfect for a potluck or weekend dinner.
Red Lobster’s cheesy garlic biscuits have become something of a legend. Even though you know you’re about to eat a big seafood dinner, it’s almost impossible to resist these flaky, cheesy biscuits.
This creamy soup is a favorite of many Panera’s customers. You can enjoy it at home and choose your own sides (how about chips, an apple, AND a baguette?).
Chicken sandwiches aren’t the only things we miss on Sundays. There’s also great signature beverages like the Chick-Fil-A Frosted Lemonade. It might be special, but it’s super easy to make in your own kitchen.
Michael Scott isn’t the only one who loves Chili’s Baby Back Ribs. You can either load everyone up in the car and drive to Chili’s or you can make these scrumptious ribs at home.
You don’t need to hit the drive-thru to get a taste of Arby’s signature sauce. It’s not hard, and you can practice saying “We have the meats” in a deep voice while you mix up a batch.
Olive Garden salad and breadsticks go together like …well, the start of a great meal. Even salad haters enjoy this vinegary, parmesan-covered veggie delight. Plus, you can put as much cheese on it as you want.
Red Robin’s delicious onion rings are easier to make than you think. If you love fried food but don’t want to go out, you can make a batch of these to enjoy at home.
If you haven’t been to KFC in a while, you’re in for a treat. Once you’ve had this dish, you’ll never forget KFC’s chicken pot pie. It’s the best of everything: flaky crust, rich chicken, and fresh veggies.
There’s no one in the world who doesn’t love a Dairy Queen Oreo Blizzard. Of course, you’ll have to perform the flip test in your kitchen. Well, maybe not on the first attempt.
Depending on where you live, you may not be familiar with the Whataburger Honey Barbecue Chicken Sandwich. But even if Whataburger isn’t in your region, you can still enjoy this sumptuous chicken sandwich.
There are few who can resist a Cinnabon cinnamon roll. The smell is practically a requirement when visiting the mall. But you can make these calorie-heavy treats at home!
If the thought of a Pizza Hut Original Deep Pan Pizza gets your mouth watering, you’re in luck. You can save money — and have fun — making this delicious recipe in your own oven.
The Chipotle Burrito Bowls have been one of the most popular items at Chipotle for many years. But they’re super easy to prepare at home and customize any way you want. And good news — at home, guacamole doesn’t cost extra.
Walking through the mall, you’re bound to catch a whiff of Auntie Anne’s soft pretzels. The smell goes hand-in-hand with Cinnabon and perfume samples from Bath and Bodyworks. Make them at home without the added fragrance of Japanese cherry blossoms.
Macaroni Grill’s Penne Rustica is a delicious bowl of hearty, cheesy pasta — but you don’t have to go out to get it. If you’re craving carbs, just whip up your own version.
Sonic Cherry Limeade is one of the most popular drinks on the menu. If you want to pop your roller skates on for an authentic experience, we won’t judge.
38. IHOP Strawberry Banana King’s Hawaiian French Toast
Culver’s fried cheese curds aren’t known everywhere, but people who’ve had them rave about the flavor. You can try them for yourself — apparently, the fresh one’s squeak when you eat them.
If you’ve been to Cheddar’s, you’re probably familiar with their honey butter croissants. They are just as sweet and flaky as you imagine — and they’re yours for the making.
McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish started as an alternative to hamburgers for people abstaining during Lent. But you can make these tasty tartar sauce-covered filets any time of the year.
Nothing beats the original flavor of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake. There may be a dozen different flavors, but there’s something about the classic recipe that’s unforgettable.
Little Caesars cheese breadsticks are known as a delicious accompaniment to Hot and Ready pizzas. Save yourself some money and bake them in your kitchen.
The Taco Bell Baja Blast is the perfect pick-me-up to accompany a midnight snack. The next time you need a sweet treat in the middle of the night, you can make it yourself!
If you don’t often go to sit-down restaurants, you may not have had the chance to try Carrabba’s sausage and lentil soup. It’s the perfect combination of salty, vegetable-filled, and hearty.
Dunkin’s salted caramel hot chocolate is the perfect winter treat, but you can also make it in the summer if you want. It’s so delicious, we wouldn’t blame you.
Orange Julius is a popular mall smoothie shop. As the name implies, it’s known for its signature orange smoothie, but it also offers a popular Strawberry Julius that you can whip up in no time.
Steak and Shake is known for its low prices, but making this delicious garlic double steakburger costs even less. All it needs is a milkshake to go with it.
It’s no secret that Americans love their fast food. In fact, we love all of our chain restaurants, whether they’re regional or national. Can you really blame us? We have some pretty kickin’ food. Just take McDonald’s, which has traveled across the world and garnered new fans in 101 different countries. It may not be good for you, but it sure is delicious.
That being said, eating out is expensive. Spending $50 a week — about the average for Americans — adds up to $2,500 every year. So how can you get your favorite restaurant recipes without spending that much money? You make them yourself, of course.
The good news is that in the age of the internet, it’s not as hard to learn as you might think. There are entire blogs dedicated to crafting “copycat” recipes of our favorite restaurant meals, from fast food all the way to fine dining. Whether leaked recipes or just imitations, they’re the next best thing to the dishes we know and love.
So, if you have the fast food bug or trying to save some money, grab a whisk and look through these recipes from all your favorite restaurants.
