The 19 Copycat Recipes I Keep on Repeat Because We Always Want “That One Thing” Again
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We all have that one dish we crave over and over, right? These copycat recipes are my go-to for recreating those “I need this again!” moments without the takeout bill. Whether it’s a restaurant favorite or a seasonal treat, these recipes make it super easy to get exactly what you’re craving at home, no more waiting or expensive orders.
Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
Every time I make this copycat Ruth’s Chris stuffed chicken, someone immediately asks when I’m making it again, it’s just that good. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor from ranch seasoning and Worcestershire, this one’s my go-to when we want something fancy without the restaurant bill. It bakes up golden and juicy, and honestly, I think it beats the original.
Get the Recipe: Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
There’s something about this Longhorn Steakhouse rice that hits all the right notes, savory, a little sweet, and full of flavor. I’ve made it more times than I can count because it goes with everything and always tastes like the one side dish we don’t want to skip. This is one of those copycat recipes I keep on repeat because we’re always asking for “that one thing” again.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Alice Springs Chicken
Whenever I make this Alice Springs chicken, I get that “we should have this more often” look from across the table. Between the honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, mushrooms, and melty cheese, it’s everything we loved from Outback, but better because it’s homemade. It’s one of those feel-good dinners that’s super good without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Alice Springs Chicken
Popeyes Coleslaw
I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve whipped up this Popeyes copycat coleslaw, it’s that staple side we keep coming back to. It’s creamy, crunchy, and just sweet enough to balance out grilled meats or anything spicy. Whether it’s for BBQs, picnics, or just a random weeknight, this is one of those copycat recipes we always end up wanting again.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw
Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie
I started making this Bahama Mama smoothie just for fun one summer, and now it’s a constant request. It’s fruity, refreshing, and makes me feel like I’m on vacation, even if I’m standing in my kitchen in sweatpants. The mix of berries and tropical fruit is spot on and tastes just like the one from Tropical Smoothie, but fresher.
Get the Recipe: Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie
Cheese Danish
This cheese danish has ruined store-bought pastries for me; nothing comes close. The buttery, flaky layers and smooth cream cheese center are what morning dreams are made of, and yes, I make it way too often. Inspired by the Starbucks version, but honestly, I think mine’s better.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Danish
Lemon Loaf Cake
Every time I bring out this lemon loaf, it’s gone before I can even sit down. The bright citrus, soft crumb, and sweet glaze are exactly what you’d expect from the Starbucks version, only fresher and better. It’s become my go-to whenever we want a treat that feels special but doesn’t take a ton of effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf Cake
Bruschetta al Pomodoro
Bruschetta al pomodoro is one of those appetizers I could eat every single day and not get tired of. The mix of juicy tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil on crusty bread just hits right, especially when you want something simple but full of flavor. It’s just like the one from Olive Garden, except I get to control the ingredients and eat as many pieces as I want.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta al Pomodoro
Blackened Ranch Sauce
Blackened ranch sauce takes five minutes and somehow tastes better than any bottled dressing I’ve ever tried. I use it on wraps, fries, burgers, you name it, and the creamy, smoky flavor just works with everything. It’s based on the Popeyes version, but honestly might be better homemade.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Ranch Sauce
Cold Brew
Making cold brew at home was a game-changer for me, especially once I figured out how close this version tastes to Starbucks. It’s smooth, strong, and never bitter, just how I like it. Now I always have a batch in the fridge because I’d rather make “that one thing” myself than pay for it again.
Get the Recipe: Cold Brew
McDonald’s Pancakes
These McDonald’s-style pancakes bring weekend breakfast nostalgia right to our table. They’re fluffy, golden, and taste exactly like the ones I used to order as a kid, but now I can stack ‘em as high as I want. I make these way more than I care to admit, but it’s one of those copycat recipes I keep on repeat because we always want “that one thing” again.
Get the Recipe: McDonald’s Pancakes
Lawson’s Chip Dip
I didn’t realize how much I missed Lawson’s chip dip until I started making this copycat version. It’s creamy, tangy, and ridiculously easy, just three ingredients and a bowl of chips away from total snack heaven. Every time I make it, we end up scraping the bottom of the bowl. It’s one of those recipes I keep bringing back to, over and over again.
Get the Recipe: Lawson’s Chip Dip
Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise
Spicy mayo has become a staple in my fridge because it works with basically everything: chicken sandwiches, burgers, fries, you name it. It has the perfect kick without being overpowering, and I think it’s even better than the one from Popeyes. Once I made it once, I couldn’t stop, and definitely one always on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise
McDonald’s Biscuit
These McDonald’s biscuits hit that perfect balance between flaky and tender, and once I made them at home, I couldn’t go back. They’re great with jam, gravy, or just a slab of butter, and they’re surprisingly easy to pull off. I keep them in my rotation because they taste just like “that one thing” we always crave again and again.
Get the Recipe: McDonald’s Biscuit
Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders
I started making these Popeyes blackened chicken tenders as a meal prep option, and now they’re in constant rotation. They’re spicy, juicy, and totally addicting, especially if you let them marinate a bit longer. These are my go-tos when we want something flavorful without the fried mess.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders
McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce
I never realized how much I loved McDonald’s breakfast sauce until I couldn’t get it anymore, so I made my own. It’s tangy, creamy, and just salty enough to make every breakfast sandwich taste amazing. Now I keep a jar ready in the fridge because it’s seriously one of those “we need that one thing again” situations.
Get the Recipe: McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce
Dirty Chai Tea Latte
Dirty chai tea latte makes my mornings 100x better, it’s cozy, a little spicy, and has just the right amount of caffeine to wake me up. The blend of chai and espresso hits that sweet spot, and I swear I make it more than any other drink. It’s become one of those copycat recipes I keep on repeat because we’re always craving it.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Chai Tea Latte
Herb-Crusted Chicken
This herb-crusted chicken was my answer to Texas Roadhouse cravings, and now I can’t stop making it. It’s juicy, perfectly seasoned, and just feels like a solid, no-fuss dinner that still feels kind of fancy. It’s one of those meals that gets requested over and over but never gets tired of.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Wingstop Ranch Dressing
Wingstop’s ranch has a fan club for a reason, and once I nailed this copycat version, I joined too. It’s thick, creamy, and loaded with that signature tang that makes it perfect for dipping literally anything. I keep whipping it up because nothing else compares, and we always want “that one thing” on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Ranch Dressing
