30 Top Secret Recipes From Your Favorite Restaurants
Inspired by: KFC Original Recipe
If you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Inspired by: Olive Garden Breadsticks
These tender breadsticks fill the kitchen with a tempting aroma when they are baking, and they're wonderful served warm. My family tells me I can't make them too often.
Inspired by: McDonald's Shamrock Shake
Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
Inspired by: Panda Express Orange Chicken
We enjoy these tangy Asian-inspired nuggets so many ways—over noodles or rice, in sandwiches, even on top of lettuce and cabbage. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Inspired by: In-N-Out Burger Spread
This creamy remoulade recipe is the perfect way to add some Louisiana spice to your favorite sandwiches, crab cakes and burgers. —Lauren Knoelke, Des Moines, Iowa
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Lemon Pound Cake
My family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon pound cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza
So fast and so easy with refrigerated pizza crust, these saucy, smoky pizzas make quick fans with their rustic, hot-off-the-grill flavor. They're perfect for impromptu cookouts and summer dinners on the patio. —Alicia Trevithick, Temecula, California
Inspired by: Ikea Cafe Swedish Meatballs
When my husband packs these saucy slow-cooked meatballs in his lunch, all his work buddies wish they had their own! It's comfort food at its easiest. — Christina Logan, Gun Barrel City, Texas
Inspired by: Dunkin' Jelly Doughnut
Just looking at these plump jelly-filled doughnuts will make your mouth water. There's nothing like them. —Lee Bremson, Kansas City, Missouri
Inspired by: Culver's ButterBurger
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter. My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Inspired by: Wendy's Chili
"This flavorful chili is still thick and hearty even though it makes a small batch," confirms Norma Grogg of St. Louis, Missouri. "I serve it with a salad of grapefruit and avocado slices."
Inspired by: McDonald's Chicken McNuggets
I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. You can also use the seasoning to cook chicken breast halves. Stack them on rustic bread with mayo, lettuce and tomato for delicious sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia
Inspired by: Noodles & Company Wisconsin Mac & Cheese
This delicious dish is the ultimate comfort food. A blend of five cheeses, it makes a beautiful entree or a special side. I served it at our Thanksgiving dinner, and it received rave reviews. —Connie L McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
Inspired by: Portillo's Chocolate Cake
Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
Inspired by: Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Here's our crack at the never-ending biscuits from Red Lobster. Made from scratch with lighter ingredients, they're just as cheesy and buttery as the original. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Long John Silver's Hush Puppies
Mom is well known for her wonderful hush puppies. Her recipe is easy to prepare and oh, so tasty. The chopped onion adds to the fantastic flavor. —Mary McGuire, Graham, North Carolina
Inspired by: Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
I let my young son pick out seed packets and he chose kale, which grew like crazy. This hearty soup helped make good use of it and rivals a restaurant version that we love. —Michelle Babbie, Malone, New York
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
Each sip of this spiced-just-right beverage from our very own baristas tastes like a piece of pumpkin pie! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Waffle House Pecan Waffle
I like cooking with buttermilk. These golden buttermilk waffles are my husband's favorite breakfast, so we enjoy them often. They're as easy to prepare as regular waffles, but their unique taste makes them exceptional.
Inspired by: In-N-Out Cheeseburger
Go on a burger road trip in your own backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-high. Peanut butter and bacon make them Southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes, a Northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York
Inspired by: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
My husband Eric and I eat dinner together to spend some quality time together. This cheesy broccoli cheddar soup is proof that soup doesn't need to be made in big batches to be good. —Cheryl McRae, West Valley, Utah
Inspired by: Cinnabon Classic Roll
I like to try different fun fillings in these soft rolls, and each one is packed with cinnamon flavor. They are definitely worth the overnight wait. —Chris O'Connell, San Antonio, Texas
Inspired by: PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps
This is one of my go-to meals when I want a fun dinner. I love the spicy Asian flavors against the cool lettuce and the added crunch of peanuts and water chestnuts. —Brittany Allyn, Nashville, Tennessee
Inspired by: Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup
I tasted a similar soup at Olive Garden and wanted to see if I could re-create it myself at home. Here's the delicious result! It's wonderful on a cool evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California
Inspired by: Culver's Vanilla Custard
I think my most memorable summertime dessert for get-togethers has always been homemade ice cream. This recipe is so rich and creamy and the perfect indulgence on a hot summer afternoon. —Martha Self, Montgomery, Texas
Inspired by: McDonald's Breakfast McMuffin
On busy mornings, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Senior Editor
Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake
I love both red velvet cake and cheesecake. So why not combine them into one stunning red velvet cheesecake recipe? It's best when served chilled, right out of the fridge. —Melissa Gaines, Knoxville, Tennessee
Inspired by: Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Butter
This recipe is a simple yet special spread for breakfast bread and muffins. —Sue Seymour, Valatie, New York
Inspired by: Auntie Anne's Original Soft Pretzel
My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado
Inspired by: Smashburger Classic Smash
The best smash burger recipe comes with being liberal with the kosher salt—it's beef's best friend, trust me. Go for ground chuck that is at least 80/20. If you can find a blend with ground brisket or short rib, all the better. Now is not the time to cut the calories or skimp on the salt. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
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