Among many different types of cravings, craving a dish from your favorite restaurant when you can’t actually go there is arguably the worst. Because sure, you’re craving that dish but you’re certainly not craving the drive, the price, or the time it’ll take to actually get your food. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on that craving. These copycat recipes are easy to make, affordable, and will take half the time it would to venture through the drive-thru.
1. Chick-fil-A Sweet Tea
When it’s Sunday and you’re craving Chick-fil-A Sweet Tea, no worries. This simple, 3-ingredient recipe will have you feeling like you’re drinking the real deal.
2. RXBARs
Personally, I’m a huge fan of RXBARs, but they’re pretty expensive and sometimes difficult to find in the grocery store. This copycat recipe will give you a protein-packed snack without breaking the bank.
3. Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This copycat Panera recipe is only $1.55 per serving, and tastes just like it came from Panera. If you really want to get fancy, you can put it in a bread bowl.
4. Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
It doesn’t have to be Sunday to enjoy these copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets. Enjoy them any (and every) day of the week.
5. Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chicken Burgers
Trader Joe’s is awesome, but sometimes they’re hard to come by. For me, personally, the nearest Trader Joe’s is almost an hour way. That’s why this Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chicken burger copycat recipe always hits the spot.
6. Naked Smoothies
It’s hard to find a smoothie recipe that’s healthy, but still tastes good. That’s why I tend to buy pre-made smoothies instead. If I could have a Naked smoothie every day, I would. But at over $6 per bottle, I can’t afford that. These Naked smoothie copycat recipes are the perfect solution.
7. Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl
Sweetgreen has changed the salad game, making salads that actually taste good. But with that comes overpriced greens and long lines. This recipe will show you how to make Sweetgreen’s famous harvest bowl for half the price, in the comfort of your own kitchen.
8. Panera Cinnamon Crunch Bagel
Okay, I’m not going to lie to you with this one. This recipe for Panera’s Cinnamon Crunch Bagel does take a bit of time to make. But you know what they say — good things come to those who wait!
9. Cool Ranch Doritos
This Cool Ranch Dorito recipe is healthier than the Doritos you usually find on the shelves, and can be made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Oh, and it only takes 15 minutes to make. This could not get any easier.
10. Momofuku Birthday Cake Truffles
Celebrate every day like it’s your birthday with these easy to make birthday cake truffles. You no longer need to go to Momofuku to enjoy the iconic dessert; you can make these in your microwave.
11. In-N-Out Animal Fries
If you come from the East Coast, it’s likely that you’ve never had the chance to enjoy this West Coast fast food staple. But wait no longer, you can make these copycat Animal Fries right in your own kitchen.
12. Homemade Poptarts
If you’re trying to be healthy, but you’re still craving something sweet for breakfast, this is the perfect solution. While these copycat Poptarts may be more difficult to make than just opening up a foil package, they have less processed sugar and you can fill them with healthy ingredients (like real fruit!).
13. Ben & Jerry’s Americone Dream
Americone Dream is one of Ben & Jerry’s most popular flavors, so naturally it’s almost always out of stock. The best way to avoid the disappointment of it being sold out is to make it at home. You can make as much as you want, so you’re no longer limited to just a pint.
14. Raising Cane’s Sauce
Raising Cane’s is a fast food chain known for their fried chicken and sauce to go alone with it. Even if you’ve never been to a Raising Cane’s before, this copycat recipe will 100 percent amp up your ordinary chicken tenders.
15. Starbuck’s Iced Caramel Macchiato
This is one of those drinks that sounds super fancy, but in reality, it’s incredibly easy to make. Impress your friends with your barista knowledge and save a few bucks along the way.
Whatever you may be in the mood for, you’ll never have to leave the comfort of your kitchen again. Not only will you save time and money, but you’ll feel like you’re still enjoying the real thing (and you’ll know everything that’s in it). Quite honestly, copycat recipes will give your favorite restaurants a run for their money.