Let’s face it: most people love fast food. It’s unhealthy, it’s delicious, it’s nostalgic—and you can totally make it at home!
We’ll admit that nothing compares to Krispy Kreme doughnuts right out of the fryer or a fresh frap from Starbucks. But there are a lot of copycat recipes on the internet that make some of our beloved comfort foods more accessible (and usually healthier)—they also offer a great opportunity to experiment in the kitchen, especially when everyone is at home!
We’ve collected some of our favourites here in this article for you to try when you’re looking for some new things to do while at home. Why not make it a #LancasterFamilyNight? Let’s start with…
McDonald’s
We couldn’t get through this list without mentioning the pinnacle of fast food!
We had to include this recipe for McDonald’s world-class fries, this recipe for their famous chicken nuggets, and, of course, the seasonal-no-more Shamrock Shake. But we would be remiss if we didn’t include a recipe for Big Mac Sauce!
McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce
INGREDIENTS
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons French Dressing
- 4 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon finely minced onion
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Pinch of salt
DIRECTIONS
Mix it all together and put it on a burger or dip your fries in it!
Starbucks
Starbucks is home to delicious sweets of all kinds. Their lemon loaves are amazing and totally makeable at home, as well as their world-famous Pumpkin Spice Latte (if you have the right coffee maker to make espresso and want to whip some cream yourself). But we’ve got an easy copycat recipe for their delicious Vanilla Bean Frappuccino for you to try:
Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup Ice
- 1 1/2 cups Milk
- 3 scoops Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1/8 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Whipped Cream (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Mix all ingredients, except whipped cream, until blended.
Transfer to serving glass and top with whipped cream for optimal enjoyment 😎
Panera Bread
Walking into a Panera Bread gives you a feeling like no other; immediately you’re hit with the smell of fresh bread, sweets, and paninis. We’re huge fans of their Broccoli and Cheddar soup (and this copycat recipe from Averie Cooks) and their creamy Mac and Cheese. Try this recipe next time you’re craving Panera:
Panera Bread’s Mac and Cheese
INGREDIENTS
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1lb, pasta, cooked (cavatapppi, shells, or elbow)
DIRECTIONS
Cook pasta according to package directions while making the sauce. Drain and set aside until ready to use.
In a large pot on medium high heat, add butter until melted. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute. Reduce heat to medium and add milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard and pepper. Continue whisking until it begins to bubble. Reduce to low and add white cheddar. Stir until melted.
Add cooked pasta, stirring until combined. Remove from heat and allow to sit about 5 minutes to thicken. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. ENJOY.
Here are some other copycat recipes you can try on your next #LancasterFamilyNight from some other fast food joints.
Outback’s Blooming Onion and Dipping Sauce
Cinnabon Frosting (because some days you just want frosting!)
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