33 Copycat Recipes That Are Even Better than the Real Thing

updated Jan 5, 2024

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a chicken finger being dipped in an orange, mayo based sauce — Credit: Maria Do

We all have our list of favorites from popular chain restaurants, fast food places, coffee shops, and grocery stores that we just can’t get enough of. These are meals, desserts, and drinks that are tried-and-true menu items, or might only be available for a limited time.

But there are times when you know that you could easily make them yourself — especially if you already have the ingredients on hand. When you plan on going out to eat, but you hear a voice say “We have food at home,” you’ve come to the right place.

From homemade Chipotle burrito bowls and McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches, to limited-edition Costco desserts and Starbucks drinks, we’ve got you covered. Our copycat recipes let you recreate your favorite dishes at home, and we promise they taste just as good as the real thing (if not better!).

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Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

All the signature elements come together in this copycat Chipotle chicken burrito bowl: juicy chicken, cilantro-lime rice, and zesty corn salsa.

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Copycat Cane’s Sauce

This copycat sauce is indistinguishable next to the original Cane’s sauce.

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Copycat McDonald’s Egg McMuffin

A homemade, freezer-friendly version of the fast-food breakfast sandwich made with toasted English muffins, Canadian bacon, eggs, and American cheese.

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Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup has everything from the creamy broth and pillowy gnocchi, to the chicken and vegetables.

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Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits

You can make these iconic biscuits at home with pantry staples, without picking up a store-bought box mix or stepping foot in the restaurant.

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Copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme

The legendary Taco Bell Crunchwrap that's filled with cheesy beef and crispy tortilla shells can now be made at home.

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Copycat Costco Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie

This copycat version of the viral Costco peanut butter pie might just be better than the original.

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Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce

Mix smoky barbecue sauce, sweet honey, and tangy mustard together to make the most satisfying dipping sauce.

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Copycat Costco Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

With a toasty graham cracker crust, rich cheesecake filling, lemon custard, and an airy meringue crown, this stunner rivals the viral dessert from Costco.

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Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole

Our take on Cracker Barrel's hash brown casserole is just as delicious and only a fraction of the cost.

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Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

This copycat version of Panda Express orange chicken is everything you love about the original, from the crispy pieces of chicken to the sticky-sweet sauce.

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Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink

This homemade version of the viral Starbucks Pink Drink comes together with just five ingredients.

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Copycat In-N-Out Animal-Style Fries

Yes, you can make the cult In-N-Out secret menu fries at home.

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Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie

These fried hand pies have a cinnamon-apple filling and a shatteringly crisp crust.

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Copycat Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee

From picking the right coffee to the brewing method that leaves you with super-smooth coffee, this copycat version of Starbucks' cold brew will start your day off on the right note.

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Copycat Starbucks-Style Sweet Cream

Love Starbucks' Sweet Cream for iced coffee? Here's how to make it yourself at home.

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Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf Cake

From the warm lemon flavor to the impossibly moist, pillowy texture to the ultra-luxe lemon icing, this version is even better than the one from Starbucks.

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Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Gordita Crunch Beef Tacos

These Taco Bell-inspired tacos feature a double taco shell stuffed with a beef-and-bean filling.

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Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Honey butter and a crunchy spiced sugar coating makes this the very best holiday-worthy ham.

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Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana

This zuppa toscana recipe outdoes the popular Olive Garden menu item.

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Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs

How to make easy Swedish meatballs (better than Ikea!) any night of the week.

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Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries

This copycat Taco Bell favorite smothers seasoned french fries in cheesy beef for the ultimate crossover between fries and nachos.

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Copycat McDonald's Shamrock Shake

A bright green blended mixture of vanilla ice cream, milk, and mint flavor.

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Copycat Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp

This Bonefish Grill copycat recipe is just like the restaurant's signature battered-shrimp dish.

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Copycat Love Dip

A Texas favorite from Central Market, made of a blend of cream cheese and tomato salsa, this dip is easy to fall head over heels for.

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Copycat Costco Poppy Seed Dressing

A perfect balance of tangy and sweet, this poppy seed dressing is made with basic fridge and pantry staples.

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Copycat Little Caesars Crazy Bread Breadsticks

How to make Little Caesar's famous garlicky, buttery, and cheesy breadsticks at home.

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Copycat Costco Chicken Bakes

Here's how to make Costco's chicken bakes at home. They're filled with tender chicken, cheese, and Caesar dressing — all in a tender, golden crust.

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Copycat PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

It's surprisingly simple to make these sweet and savory wraps at home — and they're even better than the original.

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Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce

A combination of mayo, mustard, and relish give Big Mac sauce its signature creamy tang. Here's the easiest way to make it at home.

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Copycat Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Apples

A homemade take on Cracker Barrel's thick apple wedges cooked in butter and spices until soft and warm.

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Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese

This irresistible stovetop mac and cheese is made with all white cheese.

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Copycat Chipotle Tofu Sofritas

Here's how to make an even better version of this vegetarian takeout favorite at home.

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