Tell Us Your Favorite Fast Food, and We'll Tell You How to Make It At Home

Giving you something to do when you're hungry, craving and broke. You're welcome.

Soha Rahimi

December 19th, 2017

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Sometimes (usually) buying it is just way easier than making it...whatever it is. That’s just reality, and tbh, it's probably what really started fast food and the whole drive thru experience. We get fast food because it's a quick and convenient way to get food when we're hungry. All we really need to do is take our money, get in the car, and go. Sometimes, though, our bank account says, "no," so we just have to make our favorite foods at home.

So, here are some copycat recipes for the favorite fast food items that you might usually crave when you're hungry, on a budget, or just feeling adventurous. Go, you.

Chick-fil-A

meat, sandwich, bread, beef, french fries, cheese, tomato, ketchup, bun, lettuce — Kelly Redfield

Nowadays when you're feeling a chicken sandwich, you immediately want to go to the nearest Chick-fil-A to satisfy the craving. But you can make your own Chick-fil-A sandwich or make their nuggets at home instead. You might as well make the sauce, too. It might take some time, but what else are you going to eat on Sunday when they're closed?

Wendy's

milk, coffee, cream, sweet, chocolate, cappuccino, pudding, espresso, dairy product, yogurt, milkshake, mocha — Katherine Baker

This recipe is so quick. You could make the frosty and finish it in 5 minutes tops, which is definitely quicker than you getting in your car and driving to the nearest Wendy's. All it takes is three ingredients—enjoy it without all the added nasty calories. #Winning

Shake Shack

cheese, beef, bun, hamburger, cheddar, bacon, lettuce — Elisa Djuhar

Craving a ShakeBurger and its flava-ful sauce? Skip the lines and make your own ShackBurger at home. This recipe is made to serve eight, so you can be a doll and make dinner for your fam bam, or friends, too.

Starbucks

chocolate, sweet, cream, milk, cake, candy — Paige Marie Rodgers

Starbucks ain't cheap, especially if you're buying frappes every day. Here are four Frappuccino recipes you'll want to make this season. Or if you'd rather treat yourself to something else, go and try making one of these Starbucks recipes for snacks and other popular drinks.

McDonald's

If you love the breakfast Egg McMuffins, you can skip the drive thru tomorrow morning. Who knows what's really in those eggs you order at the fast food chain anyway? Save yourself the time, hassle, and money of the all day breakfast. With so few ingredients, you can make your own and customize it how you like it in the oven or with a pan.

bun, bread, sandwich, cheese, lettuce, cheddar, ketchup, mayonnaise, tomato, hamburger, hamburger bun — Alex Frank

If you'd rather have a Big-Mac, you can make your own at home in just 20 minutes. I mean if you're hungry and crunched on time, 20 minutes to prep and cook isn't really ideal, but it'll probably take you 20 minutes to drive to Mickey D's and get your food anyways.

This Big Mac recipe might be your go-to when you're broke and craving the burger. Not only is it healthier to make it yourself, but you'll save a few bucks and get that craving satisfied too. #SortaWinning

#SpoonTip If you don't like the Big Mac, don't settle, make McDonald's Pico Guacamole Burger instead.

Taco Bell

sandwich, cheese, bread, tomato, lettuce — Katie Elliott

Spice up your Taco Tuesday with these Taco Bell Double Decker s. This recipe is easy and ideal for nights when you'd rather stay in. If tacos aren't your thing (but like, wtf?), make the Crunchwrap Supreme instead. You really can't go wrong.

In-N-Out

sauce, pasta, poutine, cheese, gravy, french fries, meat, white sauce — Nicole Albanese

Ever try Animal-Style Fries from In-N-Out? Me neither, but that's only because I've never left the East Coast. But I hear the sauce is everything. These fries are on the "secret menu" that's really not so secret. If you haven't been to the West Coast yet to try them, or if you have, and now are wishing you had some sauce, we got you. You can make these fries at home or even at your dinning hall.

Chipotle

vegetable, salad, corn, lettuce — Santina Renzi

Craving Chipotle on the daily? Same. You can make your usual burrito bowl in a mason jar if you're on the go. But if you're a trendy vegan, you can make the Sofrita Bowl at home in only 10 minutes.

#SpoonTip for my guac fans: Chipotle released their official guacamole recipe, and it's easier than you think.

Dairy Queen

If you've ever had a blizzard, then you've probably tried to flip it upside down. You can't find a DQ everywhere you go, but good thing you can make your own Cookie Dough Blizzard without having to leave your house.

White Castle

Make these cute copycat sliders at the comfort of your own kitchen. Add the Good Burger secret sauce (that's not so secret anymore) to the burgers for the perfect addition, and slide them right into your mouth.

#SpoonTip: If you're a '90s kid like me, you might love this.

Ramen Burger

Okay, so I know this Ramen Burger isn't really what you call "fast food," but I thought it was my duty to incorporate its recipe in this roundup. No need to wait 30-45 mins in the line at Smorgasburg—I got you covered. You might be surprised to learn that you can make your own Ramen Burger in 15 minutes.

While some of these recipes will save you time and money, others will simply give you something to do. Enjoy your feasting, friends.

Since Pizza is a popular fave, there are way too many ways to improvise and make yourself a slice...or pie. Just in case, for those who might need it, here's a 3-ingredient pizza that'll never fail you. Bon appetit!