It’s 2024, and though the drive-thru is an adequate solution for resolving morning munchiesor midnight hunger pangs, there are better ways to go about getting your hands on a little snack. Most of what we spend money on elsewhere can be perfected right at home, oftentimes with a lot less effort than you’d think!
These fast food copycat recipes prove it – everything from a homemade Taco Bell Crunchwrap to Chick-fil-A nuggets awaits you, using only a handful of ingredients! Scroll for the best drive-thru dupes around.
McDonald's Copycat Recipes
Vegan McDonald's Double Cheeseburger
Vegan pals – since we're still waiting to grub on a plant-based McDonald's burger in the states, you can prep these friendly Big Macs using all vegan ingredients to get a taste of the fast food goodness. (via The Edgy Veg)
Healthier McDonald's McGriddle
Our mouths water for a McGriddle. Fluffy pancakes envelop a thick stack of cheese, eggs, and bacon for a savory-sweet A.M. snack. In this fast food copycat recipe, things are made a tad healthier – mostly because it's not coming directly from a drive-thru! (via Rachel Mansfield)
Vegan McDonald's McChicken
You can make *more* vegan treats than just a Big Mac. In this fast food copycat recipe, you craft your own 'chicken' patties using yeast, seasonings, and veggie broth so every bite is bursting with that McDonald's-like flavor. (via The Edgy Veg)
Meal Prep McDonald's Egg McMuffins
You'll be forsaken to ever visit another McDonald's for breakfast again. You can thank these copycat Egg McMuffins that can be effortlessly built ahead of time as meal prep – score! (via The Girl On Bloor)
Vegan McDonald's Chicken Nuggets
The best part about McD's nuggs is the crunchy, crispy coating that surrounds a plush inside. These plant-based pieces emulate that same texture with ease! (via The Edgy Veg)
McDonald's Shamrock Shake
McDonald's minty Shamrock Shake is addictive, but the sad side is that it's only available seasonally around St. Patrick's Day. With this fast food copycat recipe, you can prep it year-round! Plus, you can put as much whipped cream on your drink as your heart desires! (via Brit + Co)
Vegan McDonald's Chicken Big Mac
Vegan chicken strikes again in this fast food copycat recipe, this time, folded into soft bread buns and stacks of plant-based cheese, secret sauce, and fresh lettuce. (via The Edgy Veg)
Starbucks Food Copycat Recipes
Starbucks Medicine Ball Drink
Just 4 ingredients and about 5 minutes will yield you a big ol' mug of the delicious Medicine Ball drink from Starbucks! This sipper also makes a great option for sick days and cold winters. (via Brit + Co)
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
Becoming your own barista is actually so fun, and drinks like the Peppermint Mocha aren't challenging at all to make yourself. Plus, DIY-ing your coffee means you control the sweetness, creaminess, and ingredients as much as you want, so you end up with a drink that really can't be beat elsewhere. (via Brit + Co)
Starbucks Caramel Brûlée Latte
Instead of waiting an entire calendar year for the Starbucks holiday menu to hit again, you can craft your very own seasonal drinks! Use this copycat recipe for the fan-famous Caramel Brûlée Latte for a taste of the most wonderful time of the year – all year long. (via Brit + Co)
Starbucks Eggnog Latte
The same goes for the Eggnog Latte! Since being nixed from Starbucks menus across the US, we've been desperately missing the drink, especially around winter time. Luckily, there are fast food copycat recipes like this one we've created to keep the cravings at bay. Check it out! (via Brit + Co)
Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
Never miss out on a seasonal Starbucks item again with fast food copycat recipes like this. These cranberry-based treats are coated in a delicious homemade icing that's way better than the OG. (via Culinary Hill for Brit + Co)
Starbucks Lemon Loaf
Boasting the perfect balance between sweet and punchy, this DIY lemon loaf recipe beats out waiting in the drive-thru by many miles. The fresh ingredients make all the difference, plus you'll end up with numerous slices instead of just one, saving some $$$ along the way. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)
Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
The BSSO from Starbucks is a menu icon, and it only takes a handful of ingredients to make one on your own! (via Hello Little Home)
Starbucks Egg Bites
Starbucks' sous vide egg bites have us in a chokehold, not going to lie. But after learning they can be recreated in a matter of minutes at home has us thinking in other ways. To make these, combine eggs with your choice of veggies and meat, and bake in a shallow tray of water! (via The Girl On Bloor)
Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
These treats also have us in a chokehold – it's safe to say Starbies just has that effect. Your $5 order of pumpkin bread is transformed into an entirely more budget-friendly option while still retaining a satisfying taste on the flavor front. (via Feel Good Foodie)
Starbucks Spinach Feta Wrap
SFW, FTW. The Spinach Feta Wrap combines the good greens, tomato pieces, egg whites, and feta for morning time fuel. Luckily, you don't have to make a stop on your way to work for the iconic wrap anymore. This fast food copycat recipe does the job! (via Rachel Mansfield)
Chipotle Copycat Recipes
Chipotle Sofritas
Having your own BYO Chipotle bowl night could be a super fun dinner party idea – you bring the Sofritas, and your friends supply the veg! (via The Girl On Bloor)
Chipotle Hot Salsa
Don't forget to spice things up – it's what makes Chipotle, well, Chipotle! Whether you're more of a mild gal, or a hot-hot-hot lover, you can really control how much *punch* goes into this fast food copycat recipe. (via Culinary Hill)
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
The *iconic* cilantro-lime rice from the chain gets the at-home treatment in just 5 easy steps. (via Culinary Hill)
Panera Bread Copycat Recipes
Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
For cooler nights, this Panera Bread copycat recipe supplies the most optimal levels of warmth and flavor. Chunky noodles, tender chicken, and soup veggies have never made a better cozy dinner. (via Cilantro Parsley)
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese
This fast food copycat recipe is to. die. for. Get ready to dig your spoon into this thick, creamy, cheesy mixture – made all without having to leave the house! (via Cozy Cravings)
Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt
The smokes gouda and roasted bell peppers are crucial to the Chicken Avocado Melt's build. A fancy sandwich is guaranteed to hit the spot, and it's added bonus that this one emulates Panera. (via The Girl On Bloor)
Taco Bell Copycat Recipes
Healthier Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme
This delectable build is *exactly* like the Taco Bell version, except the fresh ingredients make it a better, healthier bite. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Taco Bell Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos
A crunch is exactly what you need from a taco. This recipe layers crunchy and soft tortillas and crisps them up to perfection! (via Half Baked Harvest)
Wendy's Copycat Recipes
Wendy's Chili
You're going to want some salty fries to pair with this bold chili. This fast food copycat recipe recreates the textures of Wendy's chili to a tee. (via The Girl On Bloor)
Wendy's Taco Salad
Take things a step further and add your Wendy's copycat chili to a bed of salad that's fitted with cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, and crunchy corn chips. (via The Girl On Bloor)
P.F. Chang's Copycat Recipes
P.F. Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps are all we know from P.F. Chang's – because they're really all you need. They're fresh and pack super crunchy bites each time, especially when you make 'em at home! (via The Girl On Bloor)
P.F. Chang's Mongolian Beef
This tasty copycat recipe would be an amazing make for when you're craving takeout on the weekend. Bursting with notes of garlic, ginger, and sesame, this savory select is too good to ignore. (via Averie Cooks)
Shake Shack Copycat Recipes
Shake Shack Burger
Prep a copycat Shake Shack burger alongside some crinkle-cut fries for the best Friday night dinner ever. (via The Girl On Bloor)
Domino's Copycat Recipes
Vegan Domino's Cinna Stix
Now, for something sweet. This copycat recipe takes Cinna Stix for a deliciously ooey-gooey vegan spin! (via No Eggs Or Ham)
Olive Garden Copycat Recipes
Vegan Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
For soup season, this Zuppa just hits differently. Each spoonful plays around creaminess and spice! (via Veggie Society)
Panda Express Copycat Recipes
Panda Express Beijing Beef
When the Panda cravings creep in, this Beijing Beef copycat recipe steps in with the heat. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Chick-fil-A Copycat Recipes
Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets and Sauce
The chicken nuggets from Chick-fil-A are incomparable to many others, especially when they're dunked in special sauce. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Chick-fil-a Mac and Cheese
It's basic knowledge that the mac and cheese from Chick-fil-A is pure heaven, but sometimes you don't wanna spend money on it! This recipe delivers all the cheesiness and creaminess you know and love from the popular side. (via The Fast Recipe)
Chick-fil-A Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich
The Chick-fil-A Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich is sooo yum. It's bursting with fried chicken, pimento cheese, pickles, and a sweet honey sauce. The menu item was only available for a limited time, but with this recipe, you can make it all the dang time! (via A Spicy Perspective)
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Lead image via The Edgy Veg.
This post has been updated.
