Imagine the delight of savoring your favorite restaurant dishes in the comfort of your own home. With the rise of copycat recipes, this dream can become a reality. Buzzfeed, known for its engaging content, has shared numerous recipes that replicate popular dishes from well-known eateries. Here are seven must-try copycat recipes from Buzzfeed that will bring the restaurant experience to your dining table.
1. Cheesecake Factory’s Copycat Biscoff Cheesecake
The Cheesecake Factory is renowned for its vast array of decadent cheesecakes. This copycat recipe aims to bring the rich, creamy experience of their Biscoff Cheesecake to your home kitchen. Here's what you'll need:
- 30 Biscoff cookies (for the crust)
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 32 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Biscoff cookie butter, melted
- Whipped cream and additional Biscoff cookies for garnish
First, pulverize the cookies into fine crumbs, mix with melted butter, and press into the bottom of a springform pan. Then, blend the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth. Incorporate the melted Biscoff cookie butter for that iconic flavor, and pour the mixture over your crust. Bake at 325°F for about 60 minutes, then cool and chill before serving.
✍️ Note: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
2. Panera Bread’s Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup
There's something immensely comforting about Panera Bread's broccoli cheddar soup. Here’s how to recreate this creamy, cheesy delight:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Start by melting butter, sautéing the onion, and then adding flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in the vegetable stock and half-and-half, then stir in the broccoli and carrot. Let it simmer until the vegetables are tender, then blend part of the soup for creaminess. Finally, mix in the cheese and spices, letting it melt before serving.
3. Starbucks’ Copycat Pumpkin Spice Latte
Fall would not be complete without the iconic Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. Here’s a homemade version to sip on any day:
- 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
- Whipped cream and additional pumpkin pie spice for garnish
Begin by heating the pumpkin puree, spice, and milk together until warm, then whisk in the sugar, vanilla, and coffee. Froth or steam as desired, pour into a mug, and top with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice.
4. Olive Garden’s Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This heartwarming soup from Olive Garden is easier to make than you might think. Here are the ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 package potato gnocchi
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauté the vegetables in butter and oil, add flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in the broth and half-and-half. Add the herbs, chicken, spinach, and gnocchi. Simmer until the gnocchi are tender, season, and serve hot.
🔄 Note: Gnocchi can be bought pre-made or made from scratch. Either option works well here.
5. Chipotle’s Copycat Guacamole
Guacamole is a staple at Chipotle, known for its simplicity and fresh ingredients. Recreate this at home with:
- 4 ripe avocados
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 ripe tomato, seeds and pulp removed, chopped
Mash the avocados with lime juice, then gently mix in the other ingredients. Serve immediately or chill slightly for the flavors to meld.
6. Taco Bell’s Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme
Creating your own Crunchwrap Supreme means customizing your meal just the way you like it. Here's what you'll need:
- Large flour tortillas
- Small tostada shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Nacho cheese sauce
- Sour cream
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Optional: jalapeño, salsa, and avocado
Cook the beef with taco seasoning, layer all ingredients in the center of a tortilla, top with a tostada shell, and fold the tortilla over the fillings, creating a hexagon. Grill until golden brown and crispy.
7. KFC’s Copycat Fried Chicken
KFC's secret blend of herbs and spices is well-guarded, but here's an at-home version:
- 8 pieces chicken (legs, thighs, wings, drumsticks)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
Soak the chicken in buttermilk with spices, then dredge in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mix. Deep fry until golden brown and the internal temperature is 165°F.
In conclusion, these copycat recipes from Buzzfeed allow you to replicate beloved restaurant dishes, offering the flexibility to adjust flavors to your preference while enjoying the satisfaction of homemade meals. Whether you're craving the creamy richness of Cheesecake Factory's cheesecake or the hearty goodness of Olive Garden’s soup, these recipes are designed to bring a gourmet dining experience to your home kitchen, delighting both you and your guests with familiar flavors in a new light.
Are these recipes difficult to make?
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Most of these recipes are designed to be approachable. They might require some basic kitchen skills, but nothing overly complex. The key is preparation and following the steps closely.
Can I freeze these recipes for later?
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Yes, some of these dishes like soups and guacamole freeze well. However, for items like fried chicken or the Crunchwrap Supreme, it’s best to enjoy them fresh. Always allow the food to cool completely before freezing, and reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Where can I get some of these special ingredients?
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Specialty ingredients like Biscoff cookie butter or tostada shells can be found at larger grocery stores, international food markets, or through online shopping. Local stores might also have sections dedicated to international or gourmet products.
Do I need any special equipment to make these recipes?
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Basic kitchen tools are sufficient. A blender or immersion blender for soups, a good frying setup for the fried chicken, and a grill pan or skillet for the Crunchwrap will be useful. However, most recipes can be adapted with minimal equipment.
