30 Copycat Signature Recipes From Your Favorite Restaurants (2024)

Home Recipes Cooking Style Comfort Food

30 Copycat Signature Recipes From Your Favorite Restaurants (1)Caroline StankoUpdated: Feb. 06, 2024

    From fast food favorites to casual restaurant staples, thesesecret recipes are sure to satisfy all your cravings.

    1/29

    Inspired by: KFC Original Recipe

    If you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana

    Get Our Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

    2/29

    Inspired by: Olive Garden Breadsticks

    These tender breadsticks fill the kitchen with a tempting aroma when they are baking, and they’re wonderful served warm. My family tells me I can’t make them too often. —Gaylene Anderson, Sandy, Utah

    (Here’s how to make copycat Olive Garden breadsticks, step by step.)

    Get Our Parmesan Garlic Breadsticks Recipe

    3/29

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: McDonald's Shamrock Shake

    Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California

    Get Our Thin Mint Milk Shake Recipe

    4/29

    Inspired by: Panda Express Orange Chicken

    We enjoy these tangy nuggets so many ways—over noodles or rice, in sandwiches, even on top of lettuce and cabbage. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

    Get Our Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe

    5/29

    Inspired by: In-N-Out Burger Spread

    This creamy remoulade recipe is the perfect way to add some Louisiana spice to your favorite sandwiches, crab cakes and burgers. —Lauren Knoelke, Des Moines, Iowa

    Get Our Remoulade Recipe

    6/29

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Lemon Pound Cake

    My family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon loaf cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota

    Get Our Lemon Pound Cake Loaves Recipe

    7/29

    Inspired by: Ikea Cafe Swedish Meatballs

    When my husband packs these saucy slow-cooked meatballs in his lunch, all his work buddies wish they had their own! It's comfort food at its easiest. — Christina Logan, Gun Barrel City, Texas

    Get Our Simple Swedish Meatballs Recipe

    8/29

    30 Copycat Signature Recipes From Your Favorite Restaurants (9)

    Inspired by: Little Caesar’s Pretzel Crust

    In our house, we love pizza and pretzel bread! When Little Caesar’s came out with their pretzel crust pizza, we fell in love but also knew it was unrealistic to be buying it all the time. The next best thing was to make it ourselves, and it came out even better than the restaurant’s version! This thick-crusted copycat pizza is bound to blow your socks off! Hope you enjoy! —Mary Lou Timpson, Centennial Park, Arizona

    Get Our Copycat Little Caesar’s Pretzel Crust Pizza Recipe

    9/29

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Culver's ButterBurger

    It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter. My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio

    Get Our Wisconsin Butter-Basted Burgers Recipe

    10/29

    Inspired by: Wendy's Chili

    "This flavorful chili is still thick and hearty even though it makes a small batch," confirms Norma Grogg of St. Louis, Missouri. "I serve it with a salad of grapefruit and avocado slices."

    Get Our Chili For Two Recipe

    11/29

    Inspired by: McDonald's Chicken McNuggets

    I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia

    Get Our Chicken Nuggets Recipe

    12/29

    This delicious dish is the ultimate comfort food. A blend of five cheeses, it makes a beautiful entree or a special side. I served it at our Thanksgiving dinner, and it received rave reviews. —Connie L McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware

    Get Our Over-the-Top Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe

    13/29

    Inspired by: Portillo's Chocolate Cake

    Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania

    Get Our Sandy’s Chocolate Cake Recipe

    14/29

    Inspired by: Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

    Here's our crack at the never-ending biscuits from Red Lobster. Made from scratch with lighter ingredients, they're just as cheesy and buttery as the original. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Get Our Makeover Cheddar Biscuits Recipe

    15/29

    Inspired by: Long John Silver's Hush Puppies

    A fish dinner isn’t complete without a side of hush puppies, and my mom is well-known for this recipe. It's the best! —Mary McGuire, Graham, NC

    Get Our Hush Puppies Recipe

    16/29

    Inspired by: Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana

    I let my young son pick out seed packets and he chose kale, which grew like crazy. This hearty soup helped make good use of it and rivals the Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana. —Michelle Babbie, Malone, New York

    17/29

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

    Each sip of this spiced-just-right beverage from our very own baristas tastes like a piece of pumpkin pie! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Get Our Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

    18/29

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Waffle House Pecan Waffle

    I like cooking with buttermilk. These golden buttermilk waffles are my husband's favorite breakfast, so we enjoy them often. They're as easy to prepare as regular waffles, but their unique taste makes them exceptional.

    Get Our Buttermilk Pecan Waffles Recipe

    19/29

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: In-N-Out Cheeseburger

    Go on a burger road trip in your own backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-high with your favorite toppings. For instance, peanut butter and bacon make them southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes,
    a northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York. Looking for more copycat recipes? Try our favorite Popeye’s Mardi Gras mustard.

    Get Our Burger Americana Recipe

    20/29

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    My husband and I love this cheesy dish. It is proof that soup doesn't need to be made in big batches to be good. —Cheryl McRae, West Valley, Utah

    Get Our Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

    Don’t forget to take a look at our collection ofthe best copycat recipes of 2022.

    21/29

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Cinnabon Classic Roll

    I like to try different fun fillings in these soft rolls, and each one is packed with cinnamon flavor. They are definitely worth the overnight wait. —Chris O'Connell, San Antonio, Texas

    Get Our Overnight Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

    22/29

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps

    This is one of my go-to meals when I want a fun dinner. I love the spicy Asian flavors against the cool lettuce and the added crunch of peanuts and water chestnuts. —Brittany Allyn, Nashville, Tennessee

    Get Our Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

    23/29

    I tasted a similar soup at Olive Garden and wanted to see if I could re-create it myself at home. Here's the delicious result! It's wonderful on a chilly evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California

    Get Our Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

    24/29

    TMB Studio

    Inspired by: Culver's Vanilla Custard

    I think my most memorable summertime dessert for get-togethers has always been homemade ice cream. This recipe is so rich and creamy and is the perfect splurge on a hot summer afternoon. —Martha Self, Montgomery, Texas

    Get Our Old-Time Custard Ice Cream Recipe

    25/29

    Inspired by: Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets

    I developed this recipe to copycat Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. I knew I had a winner the first time I made them because the whole family fought over who got the last one! For a dipping sauce, combine barbecue sauce and Dijon mustard, then stir in honey to add some sweetness. —Jeni Pittard, Statham, Georgia

    Get Our Chick-fil-A Nuggets Recipe

    26/29

    Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake

    I love both red velvet cake and cheesecake. So why not combine them into one stunning red velvet cheesecake recipe? It's best when served chilled, right out of the fridge. —Melissa Gaines, Knoxville, Tennessee

    Get Our Cheesecake Layered Red Velvet Cake Recipe

    27/29

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Butter

    This recipe is a simple yet special spread for breakfast bread and muffins. —Sue Seymour, Valatie, New York. Looking for more? Check out this Texas Roadhouse butter recipe.

    Get Our Honey Cinnamon Butter Recipe

    28/29

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Auntie Anne's Original Soft Pretzel

    My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado

    Get Our Soft Giant Pretzels Recipe

    29/29

    Inspired by: Smashburger Classic Smash

    A Smash burger is exactly what you think it is; balls of ground beef smashed onto a hot griddle. You'll want to smash them pretty thin so they cook quickly, but it also gets you those crispy, browned edges while still keeping the interior nice and juicy. Now is not the time to cut calories or skimp on salt: Go for ground chuck that is at least 80/20. If you can find a blend with ground brisket or short rib, all the better. The best burger comes with being liberal with kosher salt—it is beef's best friend. —James Schend, Dairy Freed

    Get Our Smash Burgers Recipe

    Originally Published: June 10, 2020

    30 Copycat Signature Recipes From Your Favorite Restaurants (31)

    Caroline Stanko

    Caroline has been with Taste of Home for the past seven years, working in both print and digital. After starting as an intern for the magazine and special interest publication teams, Caroline was hired as the third-ever digital editor for Taste of Home. Since then, she has researched, written and edited content on just about every topic the site covers, including cooking techniques, buzzy food news, gift guides and many, many recipe collections. Caroline also acts as the editorial lead for video, working with the Test Kitchen, videographers and social media team to produce videos from start to finish.When she’s not tip-tapping on a keyboard, Caroline is probably mixing up a killer co*cktail, reading a dog-eared library book or cooking up a multi-course feast (sometimes all at once). Though she technically lives in Milwaukee, there is a 50/50 chance Caroline is in Chicago or southwest Michigan visiting her close-knit family.

    30 Copycat Signature Recipes From Your Favorite Restaurants (2024)

    FAQs

    Can I use someone else's recipe in my restaurant? ›

    If you work in a restaurant or for a caterer and you use their recipes, you may be violating trade secrets and confidential information that your employer shared with you.

    How do you make a restaurant recipe? ›

    Tips to keep in mind when writing recipes:
    1. List ingredients in chronological order. ...
    2. Separate ingredients for major steps in a recipe. ...
    3. List steps in order, keeping instructions short and to the point. ...
    4. Give specifics about doneness. ...
    5. Include storage suggestions. ...
    6. Offer extra methods or substitutions (when tested).
    Nov 19, 2020

    Who makes recipes for restaurants? ›

    Most often in restaurants, the head chef is tasked to create the recipes for the menu.

    Is it illegal to copy a restaurant recipe? ›

    The first thing to understand is that recipes are not copyrightable. Copyright law protects original works of authorship, and while a recipe may be original, it is not an "original work of authorship." This means that anyone can freely copy and use a recipe without fear of infringement.

    Can you sue someone for copying your recipe? ›

    Whether or not you own exclusive intellectual property on the recipe depends on whether you qualify for one of the four legal areas of intellectual property protection: copyright, trademark, patent, or trade secret. While some limited protections may apply, food recipes are actually rather difficult to protect.

    How much do restaurants pay for recipes? ›

    For recipe development without a photo, half the people charge at least $250 per recipe and a great majority charge at least $200. The maximum most developers have made per recipe is between $300 and $400 but a significant number have made over $700 per recipe.

    How do you make a 5 star restaurant? ›

    The answer to what makes a restaurant 5 star is a formula: delicious, innovative food + talented chef + irreproachable service. Of course, to achieve all of these your restaurant's processes must be in top shape and leave little room for error.

    How do I create my own recipes? ›

    Tips for recipe writing
    1. Write ingredients in the order in which they'll be used! ...
    2. Write the directions in an order that makes sense. ...
    3. If your recipe has multiple "recipes" within it, separate the ingredients and step for each. ...
    4. Offer additional methods or substitutions. ...
    5. Share when to know a recipe is ready.
    May 4, 2022

    Where is a good place to get recipes? ›

    2024's Best Recipe Websites: Our Picks
    1. Minimalist Baker.
    2. Love and Lemons.
    3. Cookie and Kate.
    4. Pinch of Yum.
    5. Budget Bytes.
    6. Smitten Kitchen.
    7. A Cozy Kitchen.
    8. David Lebovitz.
    Apr 2, 2024

    Where do people get their recipes from? ›

    Read Cookbooks and Food Magazines

    Although sharing recipes online is becoming more popular, there are physical cookbooks and food magazines too. Whether you buy them or rent them at the library, they are often filled with valuable cooking tips.

    Do chefs create their own recipes? ›

    Every chef has their own creative process and preferred method for documenting their ideas — ideas which eventually morph into recipes.

    How much do you have to change in a recipe to avoid copyright? ›

    The most commonly believed myth about recipe copyright is that changing a few ingredients makes it an original recipe. However, simply altering a few ingredients in an existing recipe doesn't make it original. Therefore, it's important to note that making minor tweaks to an existing recipe is not enough.

    Who owns a recipe the chef or the restaurant? ›

    Chefs don't (usually) own them, either

    While they may create an incredible recipe, when they make it at work, it becomes the restaurant's property. However, nothing can stop the same chef from altering the recipe later on and claiming the new version as their own.

    Can I eat food from somewhere else in a restaurant? ›

    While many restaurants have policies prohibiting outside food, there are certain exceptions that are typically allowed. These exceptions are put in place to accommodate certain situations and ensure customer satisfaction.

    Is leaking recipes illegal? ›

    This means that a recipe isn't really an original work of authorship in any substantial way and doesn't fall under a copyright's purpose of protecting original works of authorship. You probably won't be able to prevent others from using your recipes once they have obtained them. That might not be all bad, though.

    References

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