13 Copycat Restaurant and Store Faves You Can Recreate at Home Because Your Wallet Deserves a Break

I know how great it is to eat out at our favorite restaurants, stores or takeout places. We all have our faves. But when you’re trying to reign in your spending, cutting out the eating out goes a long way towards saving money. That’s why I created these 13 copycat restaurant favorites — from dinners to desserts — that are easy to recreate at home. You get the flavors you love and your wallet gets a break.

Lemon loaf cake with white glaze, topped with lemon slices, on a rectangular white plate. — Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf Cake. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Copycat Slow Cooker Panda Express General Tso Chicken

Close-up of a spoonful of sweet and sour chicken with vegetables, featuring pieces of chicken, bell peppers, green beans, and an orange glaze. — Copycat Slow Cooker Panda Express General Tso Chicken. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

If you think stir-fried dishes can’t be made in a slow cooker, this copycat recipe for Panda Express General Tso Chicken will surprise you. With the right ingredients and sauces, you’ll achieve a flavorful dish that rivals your favorite mall food court meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Slow Cooker Panda Express General Tso Chicken

Copycat Trader Joe’s Arancini Rice Balls

Three fried arancini on an orange plate with a bowl of sauce and wooden utensils in the background. — Copycat Trader Joe’s Arancini Rice Balls. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Arancini are delightful cheese-filled fried risotto balls that make fantastic appetizers or hearty sides for meat and poultry dishes. Their crispy exterior and gooey cheese interior create a satisfying bite that everyone will love at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Trader Joe’s Arancini Rice Balls

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine

A plate of fettuccine Alfredo topped with pieces of grilled chicken and garnished with chopped herbs. A breadstick and a dipping sauce are visible in the background. — Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fettucine. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Everyone enjoys a good alfredo, and this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is both delicious and easy to prepare. Featuring seasoned chicken served over fettuccine noodles, it’s all tossed in a rich, creamy alfredo sauce that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fettucine

Slow Cooker Wawa Inspired Chicken Corn Chowder

A spoon scoops creamy corn chowder with chicken, potatoes, bacon, and herbs. — Slow Cooker Wawa Inspired Chicken Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

For cold-weather comfort, this slow cooker chicken corn chowder is perfect. It’s incredibly easy to make and will leave you feeling full and satisfied. This chowder reminds me of the delicious version I used to order from Wawa back when I lived nearby.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Wawa Inspired Chicken Corn Chowder

Homemade Hostess Pink Snowballs

A plate of three coconut and chocolate lamingtons with pink icing sits on a tablecloth, resembling snowball brownies, next to a mug and wooden spoon. Another plate with similar lamingtons is partially visible in the background. — Homemade Hostess Pink Snowballs. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Do you remember those Hostess pink snowball snack cakes from your childhood? This recipe for pink snowball brownies is a homemade take on that classic treat, starting with a boxed mix to create a sweet and nostalgic dessert that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Hostess Pink Snowballs

Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini

Close-up of tortellini pasta cooking in a creamy yellow sauce with pieces of chicken, stirred by a wooden spoon. — Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

When I made this Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini, I cooked the chicken thighs in the alfredo sauce first, using evaporated milk, then added heavy cream and tortellini for a delicious, easy one-pot meal that tastes just like the restaurant version.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini

Starbucks-Inspired Red Velvet Cake Pops in a Mug

Three cake pops covered in colorful sprinkles on a blue plate, each with a wooden stick. — Starbucks-Inspired Red Velvet Cake Pops in a Mug. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

If you’ve ever admired the adorable cake pops at Starbucks, you might be surprised to learn that they start as mug cakes made in the microwave! This recipe is perfect for any special occasion when you want a fun and sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Starbucks-Inspired Red Velvet Cake Pops in a Mug

Cinnamon Roll Pie Cracker Barrel Copycat

Slice of cinnamon roll cheesecake on stacked white plates, on a red and white checkered cloth, with cinnamon sticks beside it. — Cinnamon Roll Pie Cracker Barrel Copycat. Photo credit: My Full Belly.

This cinnamon roll pie is a copycat recipe of the dish you can order at Cracker Barrel. It features a gooey cinnamon filling and a sticky, delicious icing that makes it the ultimate sweet comfort food, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Pie Cracker Barrel Copycat

Cranberry Tuna Salad Whole Foods Copycat

A stainless steel bowl filled with a delightful blend of cranberry tuna salad, featuring succulent shredded chicken, crisp celery, creamy mayonnaise, and bursts of dried cranberries. — Cranberry Tuna Salad Whole Foods Copycat. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

When I created this cranberry salad recipe, I had no idea it was a copycat of something sold at Whole Foods. I aimed to combine my grandmother’s tuna fish salad with a sweet-and-savory flavor profile, resulting in a delightful and refreshing dish.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Tuna Salad Whole Foods Copycat

Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf Cake

Whenever I treat myself to coffee at Starbucks, I often indulge in a slice of their iced lemon loaf cake—my absolute favorite! Making a copycat version at home is easier than you might think, allowing you to enjoy this delicious lemony treat whenever you like.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf Cake

Cracker Barrel-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Close-up of a spoonful of slow cooker beef stew with tender chunks of beef, carrots, and celery immersed in a rich, steaming broth. — Cracker Barrel-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This slow cooker beef stew captures the famous pot roast taste from Cracker Barrel. The meat becomes so tender it falls apart, while the vegetables soak up the rich gravy, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly nights and family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Applebee’s Inspired Spinach Artichoke Dip in the Slow Cooker

A hand dips a cracker into a rich, slow cooker spinach artichoke dip, unveiling layers of creamy goodness. — Applebee’s Inspired Spinach Artichoke Dip in the Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Don’t miss out on this copycat Applebee’s spinach artichoke dip, made simple in your slow cooker. Just mix everything together and walk away—when you return, you’ll have a hot, creamy, cheese-packed dip that’s perfect for chips and bread, ideal for parties or game day.
Get the Recipe: Applebee’s Inspired Spinach Artichoke Dip in the Slow Cooker

Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie

A golden-brown whole chicken in a black air fryer basket against a white background. — Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This recipe for cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer will change your perspective on supermarket rotisserie chicken. It’s not only far cheaper but also much more delicious, offering crispy skin and juicy meat that will impress your family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie