Category: Copycat Recipes

Copycat Hamburger Helper Beef Noodle

I could not even begin to tell you the last time I had Hamburger Helper Beef Noodle. No doubt it was back in my bachelor days, when even opening a box in preparation for dinner was a challenge. I ran across this recipe for copycat Hamburger Helper beef noodle and instantly realized I needed to make a copycat of those same flavors again. And this is it. Browned ground beef in a creamy, perfectly-seasoned sauce with wonderful perfectly-cooked egg noodles. This tastes exactly how I remember the original. Actually, it does taste even better.

Copycat Hamburger Helper Beef Noodle

You can pretty much put any pasta you want in this copycat Beef Noodle Hamburger Helper. I had half a bag of leftover Amish egg noodles that were absolutely perfect in this dish. You want the noodles to still have a bit of a ‘bite’ to them, so don’t over cook them. Mushy pasta won’t work here. Well, anywhere really….

If you long for the original, you still find it in stores and online. And there’s nothing wrong with it, either! Now they have all sorts of cool new flavors. Many more than there were to choose from when I was a young hungry lad that could barely open a can.

Copycat Hamburger Helper Beef Noodle
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2.84 from 6 votes

Copycat Hamburger Helper Beef Noodle

A wonderful flashback dish!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, Hamburger helper
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 288kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Cincy Shopper

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Break into small pieces. Drain and excess fat once cooked.
  • Meanwhile, whisk together the cornstarch, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  • Boil the water in a small pan on the stovetop or in the microwave. Remove from heat and add the bouillon cubes. Stir until dissolved. Add to the skillet with the beef and stir to combine.
  • Add milk to skillet and stir.
  • Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and stir.
  • Add the egg noodles. Stir and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally. If you need you may add more water, but add it sparingly.
  • Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before stirring and serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 475mg | Potassium: 338mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 108IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Popeye’s Delta Dipping Sauce

Happiness is making a sauce for dipping chicken nuggets or fingers that can also be used in many, many other ways. This copycat Popeye’s Delta dipping sauce is exactly that. It’s very similar to some of the comeback sauces I’ve made or had. This Cajun-inspired dipping sauce really steps up your dipping game and them some. It also is great on po boy sandwiches. Or any sandwiches for that matter. And even hot dogs. And chicken sandwiches, too!

Copycat Popeye's Delta Dipping Sauce

I really think that a good, strong Creole mustard makes this copycat Popeye’s Delta dipping sauce something amazing. You can use any mustard you want, you don’t have to stick to the original idea at all, but in my mind there’s only one Creole mustard and it’s made by Zatarain’s. The extra kick of the Creole mustard really made for a fantastic spread on a fried shrimp po boy sandwich. Which reminds me. This sauce is also great for dipping fried shrimp or oysters!

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Also try my copycat Popeye’s blackened Ranch dipping sauce.

Copycat Popeye's Delta Dipping Sauce
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4 from 1 vote

Copycat Popeye’s Delta Dipping Sauce

Happiness is making a sauce for dipping chicken nuggets or fingers that can also be used in many, many other ways. This copycat Popeye’s Delta dipping sauce is exactly that.
Course Dipping Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, dipping sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 1 cup
Calories 1394kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate for one hour. Stir before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 1394kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 139g | Saturated Fat: 58g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 2258mg | Potassium: 581mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 935IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Popeye’s Blackened Ranch Dipping Sauce

There’s no reason to go through the trouble of making homemade chicken nuggets and then serving them with a boring sauce. Heck, there’s no reason to heat up pre-made nuggets (or homemade) and dip them in a lame sauce either. Indeed, this copycat Popeye’s blackened ranch dipping sauce isn’t boring or lame. It’s nothing but creamy spicy yumminess. You won’t be able to dunk your chicken bites quick enough. Or deep enough.

Copycat Popeye's Blackened Ranch Dipping Sauce

You don’t just need to make this copycat Popeye’s blackened ranch dipping sauce for dipping nuggets. It’s great on a po boy sandwich. It’s fantastic on a crispy fried fish sandwich. Or use it for dipping fries. Or veggies. It’s a great all-around sauce, but it’s perfect for nuggets or chicken tenders too! Consequently, if you like your sauce a little thinner, add a bit more buttermilk. Thicker? Yep, you guessed it. Add less. Just make the decision for less sooner rather than later!

By and large, I like to use these little dipping sauce cups for serving. They’re the perfect size for dipping nuggets or tenders. And they help keep me from over-serving myself, which can be a problem with a sauce as good as this one!

Also try a copycat Popeye’s Delta dipping sauce.

Copycat Popeye's Blackened Ranch Dipping Sauce
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4 from 1 vote

Copycat Popeye’s Blackened Ranch Dipping Sauce

There’s no reason to go through the trouble of making homemade chicken nuggets and then serving them with a boring sauce. Heck, there’s no reason to heat up pre-made nuggets and dip them in a lame sauce either. 
Course Dipping Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, dipping sauce, Popeye’s
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 811kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ⅓ cup fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons onion lightly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic lightly chopped
  • 4 teaspoon blackened seasoning
  • pinch paprika or more, for color

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into a food processor. Puree until just smooth.

Nutrition

Calories: 811kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 86g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1846mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1015IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Poor Man’s Copycat McDonald’s Lobster Roll

Our McDonald’s doesn’t have lobster rolls on their menu. Heck, I didn’t know that any McDonald’s did. Apparently they are (or at least were) a thing far up the east coast, which makes sense when you think about it. So I had to make one at home. For me, that usually means a ‘poor man’s’ version, which uses imitation lobster instead of the real (expensive) stuff. Sure, I’d love to use real lobster, and I’ve had my share of real lobster rolls, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. So, here it is, my delicious poor man’s copycat of McDonald’s lobster roll.

Poor Man's Copycat McDonald's Lobster Roll

This is not my first time making a poor man’s lobster roll. Heck, I’ve had a standard go-to recipe for one for years and I enjoy it on occasion. The McDonald’s version is a tad different in that there’s no butter to be found, anywhere. It’s a very ‘clean’ tasting roll, and I rather enjoyed it. Fake lobster or not, I’d order it if our McDonald’s sold them!

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Poor Man's Copycat McDonald's Lobster Roll
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5 from 1 vote

Poor Man’s Copycat McDonald’s Lobster Roll

Here it is, my delicious poor man's copycat of McDonald's lobster roll.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, immitation lobster, McDonald’s
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 140kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup imitation lobster lump-style, broken into pieces
  • ½ tablespoon mayonnaise
  • pinch kosher salt
  • 1 lettuce leaf
  • dog bun split-top if available

Instructions

  • If desired, lightly toast or warm to the bun before starting.
  • Gently combine the imitation lobster, mayonnaise and salt.
  • Carefully open the bun as wide as you can. Add the lettuce leaf and top with the lobster mixture.
  • Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 557mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1782IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing

Perhaps the last thing I needed was an even better-tasting Ranch dressing. This copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch dressing is fantastic. I know I used too much on my salad. Yes, I added more after this picture, I didn’t want to have photographic proof of my obsession but I just couldn’t stop.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing

I definitely recommend making at least a double batch when you make this copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch dressing. It’s crazy good and won’t last at all. Do not skimp on the fridge time. The dressing needs it to set up and let the flavors come together. And don’t be surprised if it’s a little thick after resting. Right then it’s perfect for dipping. Perfect for wings, vegetables, chips, whatever. For salads, you might want it a little thinner so just whisk in a bit (like a tablespoon at a time) of buttermilk and see how you like it.

In my opinion, the brand of mayonnaise you use in a dish is just as important, if not more so, than the quality of the rest of the ingredients. That’s why I use Blue Plate. Always.

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Also try my copycat Outback Steakhouse blue cheese salad dressing.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing

Perhaps the last thing I needed was an even better-tasting Ranch dressing. This copycat of the Outback Steakhouse Ranch dressing is fantastic.
Course Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, Outback Steakhouse, Ranch
Prep Time 5 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 210kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a medium bowl.
  • Cover bowl and chill dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • If dressing is too thick add a bit of buttermilk (a little at a time) and whisk.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 459mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

Goodness gracious me. I don’t know why but I wasn’t expecting much from this copycat of the blue cheese salad dressing from Outback Steakhouse. Maybe I was afraid that it’d be too funky from the blue cheese. Whatever it was, I was wrong because this instantly became my favorite salad dressing. And my favorite wing dipping sauce. Oh, and it’s great for dipping bacon-wrapped shrimp too. I know this for a fact.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Dressing

You really need to let this copycat Outback Steakhouse blue cheese salad dressing ‘get happy’ in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. I actually prefer to let it sit overnight. The flavors get blended as you wait, and the wait is worth it. If you taste the dressing just moments after you make it you might disappointed as it won’t have much flavor. That flavor comes later, so be patient!

More and more, I’ve been serving my salad dressings in the same little sauce cups I use for serving dipping sauces. I like them for wings and nuggets, and even chicken tenders. They have the added bonus of helping me control my serving size, something I need help with with this dressing for sure!

Also try my copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch dressing.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Dressing
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

You really need to let this copycat Outback Steakhouse blue cheese salad dressing 'get happy' in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. I actually prefer to let it sit overnight.
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, homemade salad dressing, Outback Steakhouse
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 1569kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Refrigerate for 1-4 hours before serving

Nutrition

Calories: 1569kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 171g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 1552mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 250IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Red Lobster Tartar Sauce

It was fish-and-chips week here. I’m a big fan of fish-and-chips, and I find myself ordering it regularly when we eat out. Usually I just like mine hit with a few good shakes of malt vinegar and maybe a squeeze or two of lemon. This time I decided to make a copycat Red Lobster tartar sauce. And all I can say is… Wow! Now this is a great tartar sauce. I thought my beer-battered fish would be the winner-winner, but the tartar sauce really came through!

Copycat Red Lobster Tartar Sauce

The perfect thickness for dipping fish or spreading onto a fish sandwich and packed with flavor, this copycat Red Lobster tartar sauce is really fantastic. I find myself looking forward to my next fish-and-chips lunch more and more now. Will it replace malt vinegar as my favorite? Yeah, it might actually. It’s just that good.

I have to admit that my usual order at Red Lobster is the shrimp. I’m a shrimp-aholic. I love fried shrimp. Walt’s fried shrimp is probably my favorite. And even though cocktail sauce is my go-to dipping sauce, I’ve found that I like dipping my shrimp in tartar sauce more and more!

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Also try my copycat of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay biscuits. Love tartar sauce as much as I do? Try my spicy Old Bay version too!

Copycat Red Lobster Tartar Sauce
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4.50 from 2 votes

Copycat Red Lobster Tartar Sauce

I’m a big fan of fish-and-chips, and I find myself ordering it regularly when we eat out. Usually I just like mine hit with a few good shakes of malt vinegar and maybe a squeeze or two of lemon.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, Red Lobster, tartar sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Chill time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 203kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or container.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 203kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 373IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat PF Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken

I don’t know how much chicken you get when you order the crispy honey chicken at PF Chang’s. After taking a bite of this copycat PF Chang’s crispy honey chicken I knew how much I was going to get when I made it at home: a lot. The coating was perfectly crunchy. The chicken was moist, tender, with a hint of soy sauce. And the sauce, oh yes, the sauce, was a wonderful combination of Asian-inspired flavors with a hint of sweetness.

Copycat PF Chang's Crispy Honey Chicken

The next time I make this copycat PF Chang’s crispy honey chicken I might add just a bit of heat to the chicken seasoning. Not much, but I prefer a little kick with my sweet. Some red pepper flake will take it up a notch.

Depending on how many people I’m serving, I’ll either break out my big deep fryer or, if it’s just us two, I’ll use my lil ole Fry Daddy fryer. It’s the perfect size of just a few people. It only uses a few cups of oil, so I save big time on oil. And it’s super easy to clean up.

I served the chicken over my super-easy slow cooker rice.

Also try my copycat Panda Express SweetFire chicken.

Copycat PF Chang's Crispy Honey Chicken
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat PF Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken

The coating was perfectly crunchy. The chicken was moist, tender, with a hint of soy sauce. And the sauce, oh yes, the sauce, was a wonderful combination of Asian-inspired flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Asian, chicken, crispy
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 532kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 1 pound chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut into chunks
  • oil for frying
  • rice cooked and warmed, for serving

For the batter

For the chicken seasoning

For the sauce

Instructions

For the chicken

  • Place chicken into a resealable. container.
  • Combine the chicken seasoning ingredients and sprinkle over the chicken.
  • Seal and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Whisk together the batter ingredients and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Heat 3″ of oil to 350 F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
  • Meanwhile, make the sauce by whisking together all but the cornstarch and water in a medium saucepan.
  • Bring to a simmer. Whisk together the cornstarch and water and slowly whisk into the sauce.
  • Let simmer until thickened then reduce heat.
  • Keep warm until ready to use.
  • Add chicken to batter and, working in batches, fry until done, about 5 minutes per piece. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain.
  • Serve chicken over rice with plenty of sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 532kcal | Carbohydrates: 86g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 1353mg | Potassium: 521mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 53g | Vitamin A: 93IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing

I am always looking for new salad dressing recipes for when we have salad week. We usually have salad week if we have over-indulged the week before or if we have eaten out too many meals while traveling. This copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin orange sesame dressing is so good! I like that it has chopped Mandarin oranges for texture. I also added Mandarin oranges to the salad to tie it all together. The orange marmalade and the honey balance out the sesame oil. Sesame oil is such a strong flavor so you can use a little less if preferred, but I love the taste of it.

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing

This copycat TGI Fridays Mandarin orange sesame dressing is one of the best homemade dressings that we have made! This dressing would be good as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets. It would also be great as a sauce for crudités.

I find myself using these little cups more and more for my salad dressings. Normally I use them for dipping my chicken nuggets, wings, or chicken tenders. But they’re also great for salad dressings. As a bonus, they help me control my serving amount, which is needed around salad dressings like this one.

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing

This copycat TGI Fridays Mandarin orange sesame dressing is one of the best homemade dressings that we have ever made!
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, salad dressing, TGI Friday
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 1036kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place everything except for the mandarin into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  • Transfer to a resealable container. Add the oranges, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 1036kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 94g | Saturated Fat: 62g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Sodium: 1038mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 551IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat KFC Macaroni and Cheese

Oh I’ve made fru-fru mac-and-cheese before. Heck, I’ve made the stuff out of the box before. But ya know, this copycat KFC macaroni and cheese puts them all to shame. It’s crazy easy to make, like most stove-top versions. And it’s soooo creamy. And yummy. You can make an absolutely huge batch of this in no time and feed a crowd. Or you can keep it for yourself. It’s your call.

Copycat KFC Macaroni and Cheese

Ok, the recipe for copycat KFC macaroni and cheese does not call for a light dusting of paprika before serving. That was my idea. You don’t have to do it. Or you can use cayenne for a little kick. I’m quite sure the original version from Kentucky Fried Chicken had neither paprika or cayenne!

Also try my copycat KFC bean salad.

Copycat KFC Macaroni and Cheese
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat KFC Macaroni and Cheese

Oh I’ve made fru-fru mac-and-cheese before. Heck, I’ve made the stuff out of the box before. But ya know, this copycat KFC macaroni and cheese puts them all to shame. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC, mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 446kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring water to a boil over high heat in a medium saucepan.
  • Add pasta, stir, and cook 10-12 minutes until tender, stirring often.
  • Meanwhile, add remaining ingredients to a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until melted and smooth.
  • When the macaroni is cooked, pour into a strainer and rinse with cold water. Drain well then return it to the pasta pot. Turn off the heat.
  • Stir in the cheese sauce and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 943mg | Potassium: 331mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 576IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 394mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.