24 Limited-Edition Restaurant Copycat Recipes
Updated: Dec. 14, 2020Limited-edition menu items—like a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks or a McDonald's Shamrock Shake—are great while they're around, but are sorely missed in the off-season. That's where these copycat recipes come in. We'll show you how to make all of your favorites year-round!
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Inspired by: McRib from McDonald’s
Perfect for a weekday dinner or cozy weekend meal, this recipe makes fall-off-the-bone tender meat with delicious flavor. —Margaret Luchsinger, Jupiter, Florida 2 / 24
Inspired by: Cranberry Bliss Bar from Starbucks
Friends sometimes ask me to make these for wedding receptions. For a fancier presentation, I cut the bars into triangle shapes and drizzle white chocolate over each one individually. —Erika Busz, Kent, Washington
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Inspired by Strawberry Poppyseed Salad from Panera
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan 4 / 24
Inspired by: Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory
I love to play with cheesecakes by mixing and matching flavors. This one with pumpkin and maple is the star of our Thanksgiving spread. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin 5 / 24
Inspired by: Eggnog Latte from Starbucks
This chocolaty twist on traditional eggnog will spread good cheer at your Christmas or New Year's celebration. My family makes a batch each year to sip while opening presents. —Beth Ann Hill, Dayton, Ohio 6 / 24
Inspired by: Nacho Fries from Taco Bell
I came up with this recipe after my daughter had cheese fries at a restaurant and couldn't stop talking about them. She loves that I can fix them so quickly at home. Plus, the frozen fry packets can be refrigerated and reheated. —Melissa Tatum, Greensboro, North Carolina 7 / 24
Inspired by: Hershey’s Toasted S’mores Cookie from Pizza Hut
This is probably the most unusual "pizza" you'll ever see! It's a great dessert for kids, although adults snap it up, too. Everyone loves the chewy crust and the great flavor. Chocolate and peanut butter are a nice combination. 8 / 24
Inspired by: Fire-Roasted Shrimp from Qdoba
I created this recipe for a Cinco de Mayo party, and it was a hit! It’s so easy, yet has a serious wow factor. The creamy dipping sauce mellows out the shrimp’s heat perfectly. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina 9 / 24
Inspired by: Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks
Enjoy this espresso drink during the holidays or all year round! With just the right amount of spice, it tastes just like the popular version found at gourmet coffee shops.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen 10 / 24
Inspired by: Summer Corn Chowder from Panera
This corn chowder recipe was one of my favorites as a child in upstate New York, and I still love it today. For extra depth, place the spent cob in the soup, simmer, then remove. —Tracy Bivins, Knob Noster, Missouri 11 / 24
Inspired by: Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s
Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California 12 / 24
Inspired by: Gingerbread Hot Chocolate from IHOP
Are you in the Christmas spirit yet? If not, this special cocoa will do the trick. It’s like drinking a chocolate gingerbread cookie! —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, AZ 13 / 24
Inspired by: Harvest Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt from Menchie's
I always keep fat-free frozen yogurt on hand. By combining it with just four other ingredients, I can quickly whip up this great-tasting treat.—Anne Smithson, Cary, North Carolina 14 / 24
Inspired by: Premium Cod Fillet Sandwich from Wendy’s
Fishing for a burger alternative? Consider it caught. A hint of cayenne is cooled by a creamy yogurt and mayo sauce in this fish sandwich that will put your local drive-thru to shame. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 15 / 24
Inspired by: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup from Panera
Years ago, I fell hard for a lemony Greek soup at Panera Bread. It was just a special back then, but I re-created it at home so we could eat it whenever a craving hit! —Kristin Cherry, Bothell, Washington 16 / 24
Inspired by: Silver Spoon S’mores Shake from Red Robin
When cabin fever hits, we whip up a beverage that tastes like s’mores. Oven-toasted marshmallows and a blender make it happen. —Sarah McKenna, Centennial, Colorado 17 / 24
Inspired by: Turkey Sliders and Sweet Potato Fries from White Castle
Do you have leftover cranberry sauce? Put it to good use with these hearty, yummy turkey burgers, and finish it up with some sweet potato fries. Voila! Dinner is done. - Nancy Bourget, Fort Hood, Texas 18 / 24
Inspired by: Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks
Make spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California 19 / 24
Inspired by: Mango Salsa from Qdoba
I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas 20 / 24
Inspired by: Pumpkin Bagel from Einstein Bros. Bagels
Enjoy pumpkin pie flavor with these classic bagels. For a change, adjust the spices to suit your taste buds. —Kristy Reeves, LeRoy, Kansas 21 / 24
Inspired by: Peppermint Bark Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory
I like to use this festive peppermint cheesecake as a dramatic centerpiece on my dinner table. It's a traditional Christmas dessert in my family. —Linda Stemen, Monroeville, Indiana 22 / 24
Inspired by: Pumpkin Spice Pancakes from IHOP
I created these light pumpkin-flavored pancakes with two kinds of flour and a blend of spices for a delightful taste. Serve them for brunch as a hearty eye-opener or for a fun meat-free dinner. –Vicki Floden of Story City, Iowa 23 / 24
Inspired by: Reuben Sandwich from Subway
New Yorkers say my Reubens taste like those served in the famous delis there. For a little less kick, you can leave out the horseradish. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania 24 / 24
Inspired by: Pumpkin Munchkins from Dunkin’ Donuts
I always have a few special treats handy when the grandchildren visit. These cake doughnuts are one of their favorite snacks. —Beva Staum, Muscoda, Wisconsin Originally Published: June 08, 2018
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