Top Restaurant Dupes You Can Make at Home and Recipes

Eating out can drain your wallet, but that doesn’t mean you need to give up your favorite meals. Thanks to the rise of restaurant dupes, you can recreate the dishes you crave at home for a fraction of the cost. These copycat recipes are not only budget-friendly, but they are also fresher, healthier, and surprisingly easy to make.

In this blog I will share some of my favorite top restaurant dupes you can try right in your own kitchen.

Why Restaurant Dupes (DUPLICATIONS) Are Popular

More people are cooking at home to save money and eat healthier. Restaurant dupes let you enjoy the flavors you love without the high price tag. A Chipotle burrito bowl, for example, can cost $12 at the restaurant but under $3 to make at home. These recipes give you control over the ingredients, help you save money, and bring creativity into your kitchen.

Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Dupe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked cilantro-lime rice

• ½ cup black beans

• ½ cup grilled chicken seasoned with paprika, cumin, and chili powder

• Corn salsa made with corn, lime juice, cilantro, and diced onion

• Shredded cheese and sour cream

Instructions:

1. Start with a base of cilantro-lime rice.

2. Add beans and chicken.

3. Top with salsa, cheese, and sour cream.

4. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Bring Your Starbucks Home

Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato Dupe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee

• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 tablespoon caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.

2. Add vanilla syrup and milk.

3. Pour espresso over the top for a layered effect.

4. Drizzle with caramel sauce.

   
   

Panda Express Orange Chicken Dupe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless chicken, cubed

• 1 cup cornstarch for coating

• Sauce: ½ cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Instructions:

1. Coat chicken in cornstarch and fry until golden brown.

2. Simmer the sauce ingredients in a pan until thickened.

3. Toss fried chicken in the sauce.

4. Serve with rice or noodles.

   
   

   

   This decadent delight is a crowd pleaser!

Olive Garden Alfredo Pasta Dupe

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces fettuccine pasta

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup butter

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta until al dente.

2. In a pan, melt butter with cream and garlic powder.

3. Stir in Parmesan until creamy.

4. Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve.

   
   

Shake Shack Smash Burger Dupe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)

• Potato buns

• American cheese

• Shack-style sauce: mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet or griddle. Place a ball of beef on the surface and smash it flat.

2. Cook until crispy edges form, flip, and add cheese.

3. Toast buns and spread sauce.

4. Assemble with lettuce, tomato, and the burger patty.

   
   

MAKES CENT$

Restaurant dupes are an easy way to enjoy the meals you love while sticking to your budget. From Chipotle burrito bowls to Starbucks coffee drinks, Olive Garden pasta, and Shake Shack burgers, these recipes bring your favorite flavors home. By learning a few simple techniques, you can save money, eat healthier, and have fun creating restaurant-quality meals in your own kitchen.

💓Keep cooking and keep doing things that make cent$! Chef Teri, Your Frugal Foodie