Presenting the Winners from Our Copycat Favorites Contest (2024)

Home Recipes Cooking Style Winning Recipes

Updated: Jun. 14, 2023

Home cooks from all across the nation submitted their best copycat recipes. From comforting mains to boozy ice cream and a seven-layer cheesecake, these winners definitely earned their stripes.

1/12

Grand Prize: Inspired by Olive Garden's Fried Lasagna

One of my favorite dishes at Olive Garden is their fried lasagna. On a whim, I tried to recreate it at home. After a few tries, I think I got it pretty close to the original. —Jolene Martinelli, Fremont, New Hampshire

2/12

1st Place: Inspired by KFC's Coleslaw

We love going to Kentucky Fried Chicken. Although we enjoy the chicken, we actually go for the coleslaw. We buy several pints at a time. I make several versions of coleslaw but sometimes we just want this. I tried for several years before getting this recipe right. I think I have figured it out now. If you are in a hurry get a bag of the pre-shredded slaw mix. It is not quite as good as grating it yourself though. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky

3/12

2nd Place: Inspired by Applebee's Southwest Chicken Salad

My husband and I ordered and devoured this salad from Applebee’s three separate times before we finally asked the waitress for the dressing ingredients. She kindly shared the recipe with us, and now I whip up this hearty main-dish salad with its tangy sauce often. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

4/12

3rd Place: Inspired by Humphry Slocombe's Secret Breakfast

Humphry Slocombe, a small San Francisco chain, serves scoops of Secret Breakfast—a rich and boozy vanilla-based ice cream. Even (and especially) if the shop isn’t in your corner of the country, consider giving the recipe a try! —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California

5/12

Most Innovative: Inspired by The Cheesecake Factory's Celebration Cheesecake

My children were born on the same day five years apart, so I go all out for their celebration. This beauty, with its seven layers, is “sweet!” in more ways than one. The baking and prep is easy, but assembly does take some time, so set aside an afternoon. —Kristyne McDougle, Lorain, Ohio

6/12

Runner-Up: Inspired by Chick-fil-A's Avocado-Lime Ranch Dressing

You’ve probably seen a million copycats of Chick-fil-A’s chicken, but I think the chain’s avocado-lime ranch dressing is worth re-creating, too! Oh, and it’s healthier than the original with no added sugar and half the calories. —Kelsey Reddick Smith, Knoxville, Tennessee

7/12

Runner-Up: Inspired by 5 Guys' Cajun Fries

Crispy, delicious 5 Guys Cajun Fries are easy to make at home with cajun seasoning! Known for their heaping bag of french fry servings, this burger chain has plenty of devoted fans. Usually deep fried, this air-fried version is better for you. Seasoned with a flavorful blend of pantry spices they are smoky, salty, and sweet taste. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

8/12

Runner-Up: Inspired by Chipotle's Chicken

Enjoy Chipotle’s smoky, savory chicken from the comfort of your home with this spot-on recipe. I like to prep the protein ahead, reheat it in a skillet until slightly crisp, then toss it into tacos, bowls and burritos. —Kim Tower, Danville, California

9/12

Runner-Up: Inspired by The Honey Baked Ham Company's Famous Ham

At family gatherings, we always go for baked ham. One year, I decided to try my hand at imitating a ham from Honey Baked itself. The best part? After some trial and error, it really did turn out to be an easy recipe. If you have a kitchen torch, try flaming the sugar instead of broiling it. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky

10/12

Runner-Up: Inspired by Bakers Square's Easy Honey Mustard Chicken

Bakers Square, a small midwestern chain, was one of my standby restaurants, but when the nearby location moved, I was left without my favorite dish: Honey Mustard Chicken with mushrooms and onions. Until, of course, I mastered it in my own kitchen. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

11/12

Runner-Up: Inspired by Houlihan's Shrooms

I find this starter from Houlihan’s, stuffed with cheese and sprinkled with cracker crumbs, seriously irresistible. The location by me closed, but I was determined to make an equally delicious version at home. Success! I’ve baked, grilled and even broiled these in my toaster oven. —Jo Hart, Flippin, Arkansas

12/12

Runner-Up: Inspired by Dunkin Donuts' Power Breakfast Sandwich

This morning-time stack is totally restaurant-worthy. I store my sammies in the freezer, then microwave one as I head out for the day. There’s no speedier—or tastier—breakfast. —Jolene Martinelli, Fremont, New Hampshire

Originally Published: September 09, 2022