Your own secret menu: 13 easy and cheap copycat must-tries

Photo of author

| Published:

Why go out when you can bring the magic of your favorite restaurants right into your kitchen? We’ve curated a list of simple, budget-friendly recipes that mimic those menu items you can’t resist. Whether you’re a fast-food fanatic or a casual dining connoisseur, these copycat recipes will have you playing chef while saving some bucks. Satisfy those restaurant cravings without leaving home!

And hey, these aren’t just any recipes; they’re tried-and-true fan favorites. Plus, cooking these yourself means you can customize to your heart’s content. So go ahead, roll up those sleeves and dive into your very own secret menu. You’ll love the results—and your wallet will too!

Milk being poured into iced coffee on wooden coaster.
Chick-Fil-A’s Iced Coffee. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Chick-Fil-A’s Iced Coffee

Craving that Chick-Fil-A iced coffee, but don’t want to drive? Make it at home! It’s smooth, it’s refreshing, and it hits that caffeine sweet spot. Sip it any time you want. Plus, it’s way cheaper than a drive-thru run.
Get the Recipe: Chick-Fil-A’s Iced Coffee

McDonald’s Biscuit Recipe

Why wait in the drive-thru when you can get McDonald’s style biscuits right in your kitchen? They’re soft, buttery, and super easy to whip up. Perfect for breakfast sandwiches, and lighter on your wallet too.
Get the Recipe: McDonald’s Biscuit Recipe

Texas Roadhouse’s Herb-Crusted Chicken

Nail that Texas Roadhouse vibe without leaving your house. This herb-crusted chicken is the real deal—juicy, flavorful, and delicious. It’s easier to make than you’d think, and you’ll save a bunch compared to dining out.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse’s Herb-Crusted Chicken

A picture of stuffed chicken breast with paprika.
Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

Forget the fancy steakhouse. Get that mouthwatering Ruth’s Chris stuffed chicken experience right at home. It’s stuffed to perfection and ridiculously tasty. No reservations needed, and your wallet will thank you.
Get the Recipe: Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

McDonald’s Pancakes Recipe

Forget those little paper trays. Make McDonald’s pancakes right on your stove. They’re fluffy, golden, and perfect for a lazy weekend morning. Just as good as the original and kinder to your budget.
Get the Recipe: McDonald’s Pancakes Recipe

Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip

Miss Lawson’s famous chip dip? Make it yourself! It’s creamy, tangy, and perfect for movie night or game day. Not only is it a snack-time savior, it’s also way cheaper than store-bought.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip

Saiki K Coffee Jelly

Anime fans, unite! Make your own Saiki K coffee jelly and be your own psychic hero. It’s caffeinated, jiggly fun right in a bowl. Great for anime marathons and won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Saiki K Coffee Jelly

A picture of Alice Springs chicken on white plate.
Copycat Alice Springs Chicken. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Copycat Alice Springs Chicken

Bring the Outback into your kitchen with Alice Springs Chicken. It’s cheesy, loaded with bacon, and absolutely delicious. You won’t even need a boomerang to bring everyone to the table, and you’ll save some cash too.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Springs Chicken

Popeyes Coleslaw

Want that Popeyes coleslaw but don’t want to step out? It’s tangy, creamy, and super easy to make. Perfect for BBQs or as a quick side dish. Plus, it’s a fraction of the cost of buying it.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw

Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie

Vacation vibes, no flight required. Make your own spin on Tropical Smoothie’s Bahama Mama blend and pretend you’re on the beach. It’s fruity, frosty, and fabulously easy. Plus, it’s way less expensive than a plane ticket!
Get the Recipe: Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie

A bowl of spicy mayonnaise and garlic on a cutting board.
Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise

Add some zing to your meals with Popeyes-inspired spicy mayonnaise. It’s spicy, creamy, and versatile. Use it on sandwiches or as a dipping sauce, and watch it disappear. And guess what? It’s dirt cheap to make.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise

Starbuck’s Iced Americano

Skip the Starbuck’s line and make your own iced Americano. It’s strong, icy, and will perk you right up. Ideal for those hot afternoons when you need a pick-me-up. And at a fraction of the café price!
Get the Recipe: Starbuck’s Iced Americano

McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce Recipe

Ever wondered what makes McDonald’s breakfast sandwich so good? It’s the sauce! Whip up this breakfast sauce and elevate your mornings. It’s surprisingly simple, and yes, it’s that good. Best part? You’ll make it for pennies.
Get the Recipe: McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce Recipe

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.