17 Copycat Recipes I Keep in My Back Pocket Because Ordering Takeout Is Just Too Expensive

Takeout cravings hit hard, but the prices hit harder. That’s why I keep these copycat recipes in my back pocket; they taste just like the real thing, sometimes better, and cost way less to make at home. They’ve saved me from so many last-minute food splurges and make sticking to a budget way easier without sacrificing flavor.

Alice Springs Chicken

One bite of this Alice Springs Chicken and you’d never guess it didn’t come straight from a take out. Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, mushrooms, and that signature mustard sauce, it checks every box. It’s surprisingly easy to throw together and feels like a fancy dinner at home, I keep this one on standby because eating out for this would cost triple.
Get the Recipe: Alice Springs Chicken

Lemon Loaf Cake

Bright and buttery, my homemade lemon loaf tastes like it came straight from a café display case. But instead of spending money for a slice, I bake it at home for a fraction of the price, making it a regular in my baking rotation for brunches, snacks, and even gifts. Every time I slice into it, I’m glad I skipped the coffee shop line.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf Cake

Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie

When I’m craving something fruity and refreshing, I skip the smoothie bar and blend up this Bahama Mama instead. It’s loaded with berries and tropical fruit, and tastes like a mini vacation in a glass. I love how easy it is to make and how much I save by skipping the overpriced version, my go-to copycat when I want something cold and fun without the splurge.
Get the Recipe: Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie

Jimmy John’s Bread

I started making this copycat Jimmy John’s bread when I realized how much I was spending just on sandwich runs. It’s soft, slightly chewy, and perfect for stacking with all my favorite fillings. Not only is it cheaper to make at home, but I can batch it for lunches all week, this recipe is now a weekly must in my meal prep routine.
Get the Recipe: Jimmy John’s Bread

Herb-Crusted Chicken

This herb-crusted chicken reminds me of something I’d order at a steakhouse, but it’s way more affordable to make at home. It’s juicy, full of flavor from the dried herbs, and cooks quickly on hectic nights. I reach for this when I want a dinner that feels restaurant-worthy without the delivery fee, one of those copycat recipes I turn to when I need something easy and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken

Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

If you’ve ever had the stuffed chicken from Ruth’s Chris, you know why I had to learn how to make it myself. Creamy, cheesy, full of ranch flavor, and baked until golden, it’s serious comfort food that is just as delicious and way more budget-friendly. I pull this one out whenever I want a dinner that feels like a splurge without actually being one.
Get the Recipe: Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

Popeyes Coleslaw

A creamy coleslaw with the perfect crunch is now part of every homemade takeout night around here. It’s easy to make, super refreshing, and perfect with grilled chicken or burgers. I started making it to round out our homemade takeout nights and never looked back, now it’s just part of the plan every time we skip the drive-thru.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw

Bruschetta al Pomodoro

Bruschetta used to be something I only ordered as an appetizer out, but this version? Just as good, way cheaper, and made with things I already have at home. Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and crusty bread make a simple dish that somehow feels special. It’s one of those back-pocket recipes I always rely on when I want something bright and flavorful without blowing the budget.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta al Pomodoro

Blackened Ranch Sauce

This blackened ranch copycat has completely replaced bottled dressing in my fridge. Creamy, smoky, and just the right amount of spice, it upgrades anything I put it on. The store or restaurant versions always cost more and taste less fresh, and I keep this one around because it’s too good and cheap not to.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Ranch Sauce

McDonald’s Pancakes

These homemade McDonald ’s-style pancakes are golden, fluffy, and just as good as the real thing. I make them in big batches on the weekend and freeze extras to reheat during the week. It’s way more affordable than getting breakfast out, and everyone in my house loves them, this one’s stayed in my back pocket since the first time I tried it.
Get the Recipe: McDonald’s Pancakes

Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders

Crispy, spicy chicken tenders that pack all the Popeyes flavor are way easier to make than you’d think. The seasoning is spot on, and they’re great for meal prep or last-minute dinners. If I have time, I marinate them a bit longer for extra flavor, and they always come out juicy and delicious, so good, takeout just can’t compete with this kind of homemade upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders

Lawson’s Chip Dip

If you’re a fan of creamy, tangy chip dips, this three-ingredient version is going to blow your mind. Perfect for chips or veggie sticks when we want a snack without leaving the house, especially on Friday night hangouts, and now it’s a staple. Copycat wins like this are exactly why I don’t bother with store-bought anymore.
Get the Recipe: Lawson’s Chip Dip

McDonald’s Biscuit

These biscuits come out fluffy, buttery, and totally comforting, everything I used to go for at the drive-thru. I love making them from scratch because they’re fast, freezer-friendly, and way more affordable. They’re perfect with jam, eggs, or just a little butter on top, making this recipe a keeper for weekend breakfasts at home.
Get the Recipe: McDonald’s Biscuit

Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise

Craving that bold, tangy mayo with just the right kick? This homemade copycat of Popeye’s favorite is always stocked in my fridge, it’s creamy, punchy, and even better than the original. It’s so easy to whip up, saves me money, and delivers that crave-worthy flavor every time.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise

Dirty Chai Tea Latte

Warming spices and bold espresso turn this homemade latte into a coffee shop drink that doesn’t wreck my budget. The combo of chai spices and espresso is total magic, and I can whip it up at home without paying coffee shop prices. It’s my favorite drink to make when I want something extra without the extra cost.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Chai Tea Latte

Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

Rice night got a serious upgrade when I started making this Longhorn-inspired side at home. It’s got the perfect blend of savory broth, tender rice, and just enough bite from the bell peppers and onions. I used to crave this every time we went out, but now I just make it at home, and it’s way too simple and cheap not to keep in my rotation.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce

Savory, tangy, and shockingly versatile, my version of McDonald’s breakfast sauce gets used way more than I expected. I used to only get it on breakfast runs, but now I keep my own version on hand and use it all the time. It takes just a few minutes to mix up and makes everything taste better, definitely one of those homemade swaps that’s here to stay.
Get the Recipe: McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce