This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure here.
While it can be super fun to head to your favorite restaurant, the added stress of restrictions can make it not worth it right now. It can also be a little bit crazy if you’ve got little ones that are looking for some place to exert their energy. Plus, even for fast food the prices can really add up!
Here’s an idea: you can make your favorite restaurant recipes at home!
Most recipes for dishes that you can find on menus at chain restaurants can easily be found online, especially if they’re a restaurant’s customer favorite. You can probably feed your whole family for the price of one entree at a restaurant by attempting the copycat recipe yourself at home.
Copycat Restaurant Recipes:
Chick-fil-a’s Nuggets – recipe
Who doesn’t LOVE Chick-fil-a nuggets?? The great thing about making these at home is you can make a whole bunch of them for cheap, PLUS you’re in control of the ingredients! These would be great for a football party, a holiday get together or just a chill night when you don’t want to head to the restaurant.
Wendy’s Chili – recipe
Even fast food can add up and mess with your budget! Make this copycat Wendy’s chili at home for a fraction of the cost. Plus, this recipe freezes really well!
Disney’s Dole Whip – recipe
Disney’s Dole Whip has a cult following for a good reason – it’s delicious and you can only get it in a few places. Get the taste of the Polynesian Resort without leaving your house!
Outback’s Bloomin’ Onion – recipe
One of the most popular restaurant appetizers out there is the Outback Bloomin’ Onion. I love a good fried onion, but I don’t have an Outback near me! The next best thing is to make it at home. Even better, this recipe is made with the air fryer, making it just a bit healthier!
Panera’s Broccoli-Cheddar Soup – recipe
One of the best things about making recipes at home is being able to make a bunch of it for way cheaper than a serving at the restaurant. Make a big pot of this comfort soup and you’ll have it for days!
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup – recipe
Here’s restaurant comfort food that everyone loves! This is the perfect rainy day soup and it’s filling enough to be a whole meal!
California Pizza Kitchen’s BBQ Chicken Pizza – recipe
Our family LOVESÂ making pizzas together at home! It’s a super fun activity to do together and then you get to eat delicious pizza. Win-win! This pizza recipe will get you the taste of the famous version without having to leave the house.
The Cheesecake Factory’s Original Cheesecake – recipe
Make a whole cheesecake for the price of one slice in the restaurant. Need I say more?
Carrabba’s Chicken Soup – recipe
I tried this and it is fantastic! It’s easy to make and really tastes like the restaurant version. Plus, my kids will eat anything with pasta in it!
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples – recipe
Fried apples is a wonderful, comforting food that can be served as a dessert or a side! Make up a batch of these without leaving the house!
P.F. Chang’s Mongolian Beef – recipe
This is one of those great recipes to make at home because you can feed your whole family for less than the cost of one entree! Everyone will love this healthy and delicious dinner!
Chili’s Salsa – Recipe
This salsa recipe is a favorite because it’s got a wonderful flavor and texture. Make a whole batch of this on the cheap for your next taco night or sports-watching party!
What’s your favorite restaurant recipe to recreate at home?
See more menu plans!
