The Ultimate List Of Your Favorite Fast Food Copycat Recipes
There's a reason that almost 37 percent of Americans eat fast food every day. It's quick and it's convenient. And, let's face it, fast food is delicious. Whether you're hitting the McDonald's drive-thru for breakfast, grabbing a quick burger and fries for lunch, or taking a variety of Taco Bell options home for dinner, truly nothing compares to how quick fast food giants are able to produce a meal.
The downside here, however, is that fast food comes with plenty of oddball ingredients, with a slew of names most of us can't even pronounce. And then there's the constant adding and removing of our favorite menu items that companies love to do.
What if you could skip all of the hard-to-pronounce ingredients and long lines and make pretty well any fast food recipe you could ever want at home? And yes, that even means the fan favorites that companies have decided to get rid of over the years. Luckily, you can with a huge selection of copycat fast food recipes. We've rounded up the ultimate list so that you can make any of the fast food menu items you're craving at home.
Wendy's chili copycat recipe
Wendy's chili has been a staple since Dave Thomas opened his first restaurant in 1969. Since then, it's stood the test of time as a favorite, served up as-is or with the option of onions and cheese added on top. Filled to the brim with beans, ground beef, and a mixture of delicious spices to add wonderful flavor, this chili can't be beat. Unless, of course, you choose to make it at home with our Wendy's chili copycat recipe. With very little prep time, and a little patience, you can dive into a big bowl of Wendy's chili at home.
5-ingredient copycat Taco Bell triple layer nachos recipe
Taco Bell announced the removal of plenty of popular menu items in July 2020, and that included favorites like the Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and Triple Layer Nachos. But have no fear. Mashed has put together the ideal Triple Layer Nachos copycat recipe to make at home so you can still get your fix. And the best part? This recipe only utilizes five ingredients to pull off the full experience, complete with the option to dress them up with plenty of sour cream and guac if you're feeling extra feisty.
2-ingredient copycat Dairy Queen Oreo Blizzard recipe
Blizzards made their debut at Dairy Queen in 1985, and the ice cream treat has been a staple on the menu ever since. But even though there's been countless flavor variation over the years, one of the mainstays on the menu, Oreo, still remains a popular favorite. And just as Dairy Queen uses its soft serve as a base mixed with chunks of Oreo cookies, you too can do that at home with just two ingredients and a blender by using our copycat Dairy Queen Oreo Blizzard recipe.
Copycat McDonald's hash browns recipe
Did you even go to McDonald's for breakfast if you didn't get hash browns? These golden, crispy beacons of delicious potato heaven have been a staple on the breakfast menu since 1977, so chances are, most people have experienced the beauty of McDonald's hash browns a time or two. Make these at home with a copycat McDonald's hash browns recipe that comes together with simple ingredients and just a few steps.
3-ingredient copycat Chick-fil-A lemonade recipe
There's a certain cult following for Chick-fil-A's lemonade, and that might all have to do with the fact that it's made in-house on a daily basis. It's perfectly balanced with sweet and tart flavors, and it's delicious served up on ice or as a frosted version. And lucky for you, making this delicious lemonade at home is possible, and our copycat Chick-fil-A lemonade recipe only requires three quick ingredients. Lemon, sugar, and water is all you'll need to put together this refreshing drink, ideal for a hot summer day, but still delicious any other time of the year.
Copycat Dairy Queen pumpkin pie Blizzard recipe
When pumpkin season hits, every fast food option seems to debut something new to celebrate the season. And Dairy Queen definitely follows suit with a delicious blizzard packed with pumpkin spice flavor and even real pieces of pumpkin pie mixed in. But for those who want to celebrate with pumpkin all year long, there's hope. Making a blizzard at home with our copycat Dairy Queen pumpkin pie Blizzard recipe is easier than you think, with a few key ingredients and a blender to mix it all up.
McDonald's fries copycat recipe
There's no denying that there's just something about McDonald's fries, with their crispy golden exterior and soft pillowy inside, that's so incredible. And served up piping hot with the perfect amount of salt? Amazing. But we can agree that going through the McDonald's drive-thru multiple times during the week for a large carton of fries may be a bit much. Better to make a few batches at home on your own. McDonald's fries certainly have a particular taste to them, but with the right ingredients and a carefully calculated McDonald's fries copycat recipe, it's definitely doable from home.
5-ingredient copycat Taco Bell bean burrito recipe
Taco Bell does a great job at offering options for vegetarians, or options for people who simply prefer burritos without meat. And the super affordable bean burrito at this fast food staple is one of them. And while Taco Bell dishes up these burritos for a great price, it still might be more convenient to make your own from time to time. Especially with a copycat Taco Bell bean burrito recipe that only uses five ingredients, this dish can be put together in less time than it takes to drive to your nearest Taco Bell location.
5-ingredient White Castle hamburgers recipe
If you've seen Harold & Kumar movies, chances are you've heard of White Castle. But since their restaurants are only open in very few states, there are plenty of people across the U.S. that think this joint is all a tall tale. For those without access to a White Castle, there's a frozen food aisle option for grabbing sliders, or you could try a homemade version with our copycat White Castle hamburgers recipe. With just ground beef, dried onions, water, pickles, and buns, you can make sliders just like those found at White Castle, whether you're trying them for the first time or mimicking a favorite from a distant state.
5-ingredient copycat Burger King French toast sticks recipe
It's undeniable that French toast is both ingenious and wildly delicious. But let's face it, Burger King takes it one step further. Burger King serves up these golden-brown sticks with a side of syrup as the perfect way to start the day, but you can skip the drive-thru and make them at home instead. Make your morning that much better with our quick and easy copycat Burger King French toast sticks recipe.
3-ingredient copycat McDonald's Oreo McFlurry recipe
With soft serve ice cream and bits of chocolately cookie, a McDonald's Oreo McFlurry is the ultimate treat. And even while it's perplexing that it's a mixture of milkshake and hard ice cream, McFlurries are perfect in their own way. But how many times have you gone through the drive-thru and the ice cream machine was down for cleaning? There's no way to enjoy a McFlurry when that occurs. Unless, of course, you make it at home. This easy copycat McDonald's Oreo McFlurry recipe requires only three ingredients, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying an Oreo McFlurry at home.
5-ingredient copycat Taco Bell Mexican pizza recipe
Taco Bell did a bit of cleaning house with its menu changes in 2020, and the Mexican Pizza was one of the items on the chopping block. Customers definitely weren't in support of the change, and some even created a petition to save the fan-favorite. Only time will tell if Taco Bell will bring back the popular pizza, but in the meantime, a wonderful copycat Taco Bell Mexican pizza version can be made at home. With just tortillas, ground beef, refried beans, enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese, you could have Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza every day of the week if you really wanted to.
3-ingredient copycat Frosty recipe
The chocolate Frosty is a quintessential Wendy's menu item, pairing wonderfully with a big carton of French fries, or it's perfectly delicious on its own. And while the addition of options such as the vanilla frosty or even a limited-time birthday cake flavor is great, there's nothing better than that classic malty flavor. With just three ingredients, you can make a copycat Frosty at home that's just as delicious, or maybe even better than the drive-thru version.
Long John Silver's fish copycat recipe
Long John Silver's specializes in serving up seafood, from shrimp to salmon and Pacific cod. And while there's certainly a time and place for a trip through the drive-thru for an order of fish and chips, a copycat Long John Silver's fish version can be made at home. With cod, a bit of flour and cornstarch, and an array of spices, you can fry up a batch of fish just like the restaurant's popular version.
Five Guys burger recipe
Just like with their shakes, there's a quintessential flavor that is experienced when you bite into a Five Guys burger. Part of that flavor is coming from their commitment to only use fresh ground beef. And while there are plenty of options to pile your burger high with toppings at one of their locations, you can skip the line and make a delicious copycat Five Guys burger at home. With good quality meat and all of your favorite fixings, you can make a burger that tastes just like your favorite Five Guys version.
Big Mac copycat recipe
Is there anything more classic on the McDonald's menu than a Big Mac? Invented in 1967, this burger piled high with two beef patties, Big Mac sauce, shredded lettuce, chopped onion, pickles, and American cheese is certainly a fast food staple. Luckily, you can avoid the drive-thru altogether with our copycat Big Mac recipe if you have all of the ingredients on hand. Grill your patties, make your special sauce, and get to layering.
KFC coleslaw copycat recipe
Love it or hate it, you can't deny KFC's coleslaw has been a menu staple for years. It's just one of the many sides to pair with that delicious fried chicken for a great meal. But if you're making copycat KFC chicken at home (which you can), or you just want a great coleslaw recipe, this copycat KFC coleslaw recipe will do the trick. You'll have tangy, tasty coleslaw whipped up for your next family picnic or weeknight dinner in no time at all.
Steak 'n Shake Frisco Melt copycat recipe
Steak 'n Shake is definitely famous for its burgers made from 100 percent beef. The restaurant concept has been around since 1934, but it didn't really gain traction until the 1990s. Along the way the Frisco Melt debuted, providing the most delicious combination of beef patties with melty cheese and special sauce. And while Steak 'n Shake certainly came up with a genius recipe, you can make a copycat Steak 'n Shake Frisco Melt on your own at home that tastes just like it with the right ingredients and proper steps.
Copycat Chipotle chicken burrito recipe
Walking through the line at Chipotle is a magical experience. There's just something so wonderful about being able to ask for whatever you want on your burrito and watching the employee pile it high with so many flavorful fillings. One of the best parts is definitely Chipotle's chicken option, with the perfect balance of flavor and spices. But if you'd prefer to skip the line, a copycat Chipotle chicken burrito can certainly be made at home with the right planning. Plus, if you do it this way, you can add even more toppings.
Chick-fil-A sauce copycat recipe
Did you even go to Chick-fil-A if you didn't ask for extra sauce? The special sauce at this fast food staple has a total cult following, and really, customers can't seem to ever get enough of the stuff. But what if you could make it at home? By combining honey mustard, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, and a tiny bit of the liquid from coleslaw, you can make a copycat Chick-fil-A sauce so that you'll never have to ask for a ridiculous amount of extra packets again.
Shake Shack Shackburger copycat recipe
When Shake Shack opened in 2004, it saw ridiculous growth after starting as a hot dog cart and growing into a permanent kiosk in Madison Square Park. And one of the things that certainly made it popular was the burgers being served up made with freshly ground, pasture-raised beef. But for those who can't make it to a Shake Shack location to get their burger fix, this copycat Shake Shack Shackburger recipe is a perfect stand-in. Use quality Angus beef patties paired with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and special homemade Shacksauce to put together the perfect burger at home.
Chick-fil-A grilled chicken sandwich copycat recipe
A good chicken sandwich doesn't require much. You need a flavorful, grilled chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, and a delicious bun, and that's exactly how Chick-fil-A does it in their stores. But with such simple ingredients, it also means you can duplicate that sandwich at home. Our copycat Chick-fil-A grilled chicken sandwich recipe details how to make the perfect marinade for a delicious chicken breast, paired with lettuce and tomato, all nestled in a multigrain bun.
McDonald's breakfast burrito copycat recipe
The hustle and bustle of the McDonald's drive-thru can be a bit much in the morning, especially if you haven't had your coffee just yet. But what if you could simply make that McDonald's breakfast burrito that you love to grab on-the-go every morning in your own kitchen? With simple ingredients, you can make this breakfast favorite at home, and you could even prep a few ahead of time to fuel those extra hectic mornings.
Taco Bell Fiery Doritos Locos Tacos copycat recipe
It's an amazing thing when a fast food giant manages to bring a ridiculously popular snack food into its kitchen like Taco Bell did with Doritos. But as crazy as the concept was, making a taco shell from Doritos, it was an absolute hit from the get-go, topping more than $1 billion in sales in the first year. Even wilder, we figured out how to make the spicy version, the Fiery Doritos Locos Taco, at home for when you get that absurd midnight Taco Bell craving and can't get to the drive-thru.
Chick-fil-A nuggets copycat recipe
Love it or hate it, there's no denying that Chick-fil-A knows how to make really good chicken. And the fast food giant's Chick-fil-A nuggets certainly follow suit with boneless chicken breast cooked in peanut oil. But if you'd prefer to mimic these nuggets at home, they can be made by breading and frying chicken tenderloins with our copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets recipe. But be sure you make the sauce to pair with them as well for the full experience.
Panera copycat mac and cheese recipe
Sure, Panera Bread is definitely known as a go-to spot for lunches, with great options for sandwiches, salads, and soups. But Panera also dishes up one of the best classic comfort foods in the most delicious way. This fast food restaurant's recipe for mac and cheese is free of preservatives, sweeteners, and artificial colors, making it easier to replicate the same ingredients with a copycat Panera mac and cheese recipe at home. By combining butter, whole milk, heavy cream, white cheddar cheese, and a bit of dijon mustard, you'll have a luscious cheese sauce to pair with macaroni noodles for the ultimate comfort dish in no time.
Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme copycat recipe
When Taco Bell introduced the Crunchwrap Supreme in 2005, it was hands down the most successful product introduction. With its success, it's no surprise it's been a menu mainstay since 2006. And while Taco Bell certainly does a stellar job of serving up this unique creation, you can opt to make a delicious copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme all on your own at home with easy-to-find ingredients and just a few simple steps.
5-ingredient copycat McDonald's Sausage McMuffin with Egg recipe
For some, McDonald's McMuffins are a staple for weekday breakfasts. For others, a McMuffin may be a special treat to enjoy every now and then. Either way you enjoy a McDonald's Sausage McMuffin, the fact still remains that it's been a long-time delicious staple. But this go-to could be prepped at home if you're up to the task. And our copycat McDonald's Sausage McMuffin with Egg recipe, utilizing four simple ingredients will make it that much easier.
KFC mashed potatoes and gravy copycat recipe
Is there any better comfort food than mashed potatoes and gravy? Or more classic than KFC's mashed potatoes and delicious brown gravy? We don't think so, and it was high time to figure out how to make them at home. With just a few ingredients, starting with instant potato flakes, a homemade copycat KFC mashed potatoes and gravy version can be recreated in no time. Plus, you can even make KFC chicken to pair with it.
Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat recipe
If there's one thing Panda Express seems to be running low on more often than any other item, it's orange chicken. Certainly, it only takes a few minutes to wait for a new batch to come off the wok, but if you want orange chicken at home without having to wait in line, it's totally doable. This copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe comes together with coated and fried chicken, tossed in a homemade orange sauce to mimic the original in the best way.
Copycat Popeyes chicken sandwich recipe
Popeyes debuted its chicken sandwich in 2019, and it sparked a bit of chaos. People were heading to Popeyes in droves, and the sandwich was selling out at locations all over the country. Once Popeyes caught up to the crowds, the sandwich remained on the menu. But we decided it was necessary to figure out how to make it on our own. You know, in case they sell out again. Our copycat Popeyes chicken sandwich recipe utilizes boneless skinless chicken breasts paired with a delicious coating that's fried to perfection. Once the chicken is ready, it's topped with mayo and pickles for the ultimate at-home chicken sandwich.
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup copycat recipe
There's nothing better than a creamy, warm soup on a cold day. But really, Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is good for any day. Panera's creamy soups are made with clean ingredients so that they're free of preservatives, making it easier to replicate this delicious soup at home. Our copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe brings together a creamy soup based paired with fresh broccoli and a whole lot of sharp cheddar cheese to dish up the ideal comfort food for whatever day of the week you want to enjoy it.
KFC chicken copycat recipe
There's nothing quite like a big bucket of KFC chicken. With that crispy, golden exterior, with juicy, plump chicken on the inside, it's a dreamy fast food staple for sure. But if you're willing to put in a bit of work, it is possible to make your own copycat KFC chicken from home. By combining the perfect blend of spices, battering your chicken, and frying it to golden perfection, you'll be serving up finger-lickin' good chicken any day of the week.
Chipotle rice copycat recipe
Let's face it, plain white rice can be a little boring. But Chipotle's cilantro lime rice is anything but dull. With the perfectly fluffy consistently, paired with incredible flavor, it's not just a burrito stuffer. It's a must-have addition to round out the dish. If you're making a burrito at home, or if you just want a great side dish, our copycat Chipotle rice recipe with plenty of chopped cilantro and a kick of citrus will definitely do the trick.
Chipotle barbacoa copycat recipe
Traditional barbacoa is made by steam cooking beef, goat, or sheep in an oven, or cooking it in a slow cooker until moist and tender. And the beef barbacoa option at Chipotle certainly is delicious when you're hoping to grab a burrito or a bowl on the run. But, recreating the flavors and textures of this delicious meat is just as simple with this Chipotle barbacoa copycat recipe. Gather your beef and spices, and you'll have juicy, succulent barbacoa at home in a matter of hours.
McDonald's McRib copycat recipe
Despite how simple a McDonald's McRib is, people still go crazy for it year after year. The sandwich featuring pork, barbecue sauce, pickles, and onions has definitely been added and removed from the McDonald's menu countless times over the years. Luckily, now those who celebrate the sandwich's cult following can make it at home with our copycat McDonald's McRib recipe. With a special copycat barbecue sauce smothered on top of pork, with pickles and onions, this McDonald's favorite can be created at home any time of year.
In-N-Out Burger copycat recipe
If you live by an In-N-Out Burger and can get a burger on any given day, this recipe may not be as exciting for you. But considering In-N-Out isn't available all over the country, there are plenty of fans that wish they could get an Animal Style Double-Double whenever the craving hits. With this copycat In-N-Out Burger recipe, it's possible. Piled high with two patties, lettuce, tomato, onion, and smothered in a homemade animal-style sauce, this burger is a burger lover's dream come true.
Copycat Chipotle chicken recipe
Chipotle has certainly taken plenty of heat over the years with its multiple bouts of food poisoning in the news, but if there's one thing that's certain about Chipotle, it's that the chicken is absolutely delicious. Definitely no dry, bland chicken there. And luckily, you can recreate the same tasty Chipotle chicken copycat recipe at home with the proper spices. Pair your chicken with all of your favorite fixings to make tacos with it, or turn it into a giant burrito just like you would do with a visit to Chipotle.
Copycat Chick-fil-A mac and cheese recipe
Chick-fil-A added a macaroni and cheese side dish option to its menu in 2019, and it's been a staple ever since. But making frequent trips to this fast food spot may not be possible. Luckily, you can make your own copycat Chick-fil-A mac and cheese at home with macaroni noodles and a blend of cheeses including Parmesan, Romano, cheddar, American, and BellaVitano. This recipe walks you through how to make a luscious cheese sauce to be poured over classic macaroni noodles for the ultimate comfort food.
Taco Bell copycat fiesta potatoes
This is yet another one of the well-loved menu items that bit the dust when Taco Bell decided to remove potatoes from its menu in July 2020. But without Fiesta Potatoes on the menu, how is a Taco Bell lover going to get their fix of perfectly seasoned potatoes smothered in cheese? Luckily, we have the perfect solution for you with this Taco Bell copycat fiesta potatoes recipe that comes together beautifully with delicious potatoes topped with plenty of creamy cheese sauce and a dollop of sour cream.
Chick-fil-A copycat coleslaw recipe
Like many of the delicious menu items at Chick-fil-A, the coleslaw had a bit of a cult following. But, in 2015, the chain made the unpopular move to eliminate it from their menu. Luckily, Chick-fil-A released the recipe on their dedicated blog, The Chicken Wire, and we were able to use it as inspiration for the ultimate Chick-fil-A copycat coleslaw recipe. With just seven ingredients, you can have the perfect side dish for your chicken dinner at home in no time.