19 Copycat Recipes That Are Cheaper Than Takeout and Just as Good (If Not Better)

Tired of spending a fortune on takeout that never quite hits the mark? These copycat recipes are cheaper, easier, and just as delicious, if not better, than the stuff you’d order. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get to enjoy the same crave-worthy flavors from the comfort of your kitchen, making hectic nights and tight budgets a little lighter to handle.

Breakfast Sandwich

Why pay for a drive-thru breakfast sandwich when you can make one that’s just as good if not better at home? With bacon, eggs, sausage, and melty cheese layered on a toasted English muffin, this homemade version delivers all the classic flavor for way less cash. It’s filling, easy to prep ahead, and perfect for hectic mornings when you still want something hot and hearty without the takeout tab.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Sandwich

Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie

Skip the smoothie bar and whip up this copycat Bahama Mama smoothie that’s loaded with fresh berries and tropical fruits. It’s bright, refreshing, and so much cheaper than buying it out. Whether you sip it poolside or on a rushed morning, this recipe hits all the right notes and proves you don’t need to leave home for a perfect smoothie fix.
Get the Recipe: Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie

Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

This stuffed chicken feels fancy enough for a night out, but you can make it in your kitchen for way less than the restaurant price. It’s loaded with cream cheese, cheddar, Ranch seasoning, and baked until golden, basically a comfort food dream that doesn’t require a reservation. Just one bite and you’ll be asking yourself why you ever ordered it in the first place.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

Cheese Danish

There’s no need to swing by the coffee shop when you can enjoy this cheese danish straight from your oven. With flaky pastry, sweet cream cheese, and a buttery finish, it tastes just like your favorite Starbucks treat, but fresher and definitely more affordable. It’s everything you want in a breakfast pastry, minus the long line.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Danish

Herb-Crusted Chicken

Texas Roadhouse flavors hit differently at home, especially when they cost a fraction of the restaurant bill. This herb-crusted chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor from a simple seasoning blend you probably already have. It’s easy enough for weeknights and bold enough to beat the original.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken

Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

This restaurant-style rice dish brings all the savory, slightly sweet vibes you love, without the takeout fee. It’s made with simple pantry staples and gets a lift from bell peppers and onions simmered in broth. Total comfort in a bowl, and cheaper than ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

Lemon Loaf Cake

Starbucks can keep their lemon loaf; this homemade version is brighter, softer, and costs way less per slice. It’s a moist, buttery pound cake with bold citrus flavor and a glossy glaze that takes it over the top. Perfect for dessert, brunch, or whenever you want a coffee shop moment without leaving your house.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf Cake

Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

Bruschetta this good shouldn’t require a reservation, or a bill at the end. Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and crunchy toasted bread come together in a classic combo that feels restaurant-worthy but takes barely any time to make at home. It’s fresh, flavorful, and ridiculously simple; skip the overpriced appetizer and serve this crowd-pleaser straight from your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

Copycat Jimmy John’s Bread

If you love Jimmy John’s subs, this soft and slightly chewy bread will be your new go-to. It’s the perfect base for sandwiches, packed lunches, or even homemade subs that feel like they came from a deli. You’ll get the same delicious bite and flavor for a fraction of the cost, and you’ll be asking yourself why you ever paid for it in the first place.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jimmy John’s Bread

Popeyes Coleslaw

Craving that creamy crunch without the drive-thru wait? This copycat Popeyes coleslaw nails the texture and flavor with crisp cabbage, a tangy dressing, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s perfect next to fried chicken, grilled meats, or as a make-ahead picnic side, and the best part? It tastes just like the original but costs pennies to make.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw

Cold Brew

Cold brew at home is the move when you’re done with overpriced coffee runs. Just coffee, water, and a little time give you a smooth, bold brew that’s ready to pour whenever you need a caffeine fix. It keeps in the fridge for days, and once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
Get the Recipe: Cold Brew

Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip

Creamy, tangy, and dangerously addictive, this copycat Lawson’s chip dip is spot-on and takes less than 5 minutes to whip up. With just three ingredients, it’s way cheaper than store-bought and perfect for chips, veggies, or anything else you feel like dipping. Great for last-minute guests, game day spreads, or just keeping in the fridge for snack emergencies.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip

Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders

These blackened chicken tenders bring the spice and flavor of Popeyes straight to your meal prep game. They’re bold, juicy, and super simple to make with a quick marinade and pan sear or bake. You’ll get all the punchy Cajun flavor you love without the takeout bill, make a big batch and enjoy them all week long in wraps, bowls, or on their own.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders

Dirty Chai Tea Latte

Skip the coffee shop line and get that cozy chai-meets-espresso flavor at home. A dirty chai tea latte is rich, warming, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat. It comes together with pantry basics and a few minutes on the stove or microwave. Better for your wallet, and just as satisfying as your go-to café order.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Chai Tea Latte

Copycat McDonald’s Pancakes

Get that classic McDonald’s pancake flavor without the drive-thru or the price tag. These flapjacks are fluffy, buttery, and golden, just like the original, only made fresh in your own kitchen. Great for slow weekend mornings or batch-cooked for hectic weekdays, plus, they freeze well, so you’ll always have a budget-friendly breakfast ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Copycat McDonald’s Pancakes

Copycat Alice Springs Chicken

Everything you love about Outback’s Alice Springs chicken, juicy chicken, creamy mustard sauce, bacon, mushrooms, and cheese, is right here in one easy recipe. It’s a flavor-packed dinner that tastes like it came off a restaurant menu but doesn’t drain your wallet. Comfort food just got a whole lot more affordable.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Springs Chicken

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

This baked cauliflower mac and cheese is a grown-up twist on the classic Annie’s mac and cheese you know and love. Packed with cauliflower, it’s just as cheesy and creamy, baked until bubbly and golden, this version tastes better than the boxed kind. Perfect for when you’re craving comfort food but want to skip the takeout.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise

Copycat Popeyes spicy mayo is the secret sauce your sandwiches and fries have been begging for. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the vibrant, tangy, creamy kick you love at Popeyes, without leaving the house or spending a fortune. It’s perfect for topping your favorite dishes, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make for a fraction of the price.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise

Wingstop Ranch Dressing

If you’re a Wingstop fan, you’ll love this homemade ranch dressing. It’s creamy, flavorful, and hits all the right notes with just four simple ingredients. Perfect for dipping wings, drizzling over salads, or even as a snack on its own. Best part? It’s way better than store-bought and won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Ranch Dressing