Copycat Recipe Ideas

Have you ever tried a “copycat” recipe? Or tried something at a restaurant and thought huh, I wonder if I could make this myself?

Dupe recipes for restaurant items can be fun to try at home and help you lean into flavor profiles you enjoyed while dining out. This can be especially helpful if you’re feeling in a rut with food; ask yourself what do I usually gravitate towards when going out to eat and/or what was the best last meal that I had out? Then see if you can try to make it similarly at home!

There could be plenty of reasons someone might want to recreate a popular restaurant food item such as budget, accessibility or any sort of ingredient modifications (I.e for an allergy or intolerance). If you’re considering this idea, it’s important to think of the intention behind it. Are you trying to duplicate something because of some of the above reasons or because you think it’s inherently “better” or “healthier” to make it at home versus have it out? If it’s the latter, it might be worth tuning into curiosity about this and if it’s actually worsening your relationship to food and perpetuating anxiety around foods or beverages. There is nothing “bad” or “wrong” about getting any of these foods out and if you’re struggling with that, you are worthy of seeking support for your relationship to food.

Some personal favorite “copycat” recipes include:

• Starbucks drinks such as the pink drink or cold foam beverages

• PF Changs lettuce wraps

• Chipotle vinaigrette

• Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup

• Wendy’s chili

• Panera broccoli cheddar soup or macaroni and cheese

• Panda Express orange chicken

• Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookies

What are some of your favorites? Do you enjoying trying to recreate restaurant favorites at home?