17 Make-Ahead Restaurant Copycat Recipes (2024)

Home Recipes Cooking Style Comfort Food

Updated: Jan. 14, 2022

Instead of picking up takeout, pull one of these make-ahead restaurant copycat recipes from your fridge or freezer. We'll show you how to make soups, casseroles, desserts and more.

1/17

Inspired by: Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwich

With only a few ingredients, this roast beef is a snap to throw together. And after cooking all day, the meat is wonderfully tender. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah

2/17

Inspired by: Taco Bell’s Grilled Breakfast Burrito

Zap one of these frozen burritos in the microwave and you'll stave off hunger all morning. This recipe is my family’s favorite combo, but I sometimes use breakfast sausage instead of bacon. —Audra Niederman, Aberdeen, South Dakota

3/17

Inspired by: Olive Garden’s Lasagna Classico

This is an old standby when time's limited and guests are expected for dinner. It's a combination of several easy lasagna recipes I have tried over the years. —Mary Grimm, Williamsburg, Iowa

4/17

Inspired by: Rock Bottom’s Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

There’s no faster way to get a party started than with these bacon jalapeno poppers. Make them ahead and bake just before serving. Even the those who are intolerant of hot peppers will love them. —Dawn Onuffer, Crestview, Florida

5/17

For an easy, make-ahead dessert that's elegant and luscious, try this recipe. The perfect blend of mocha and chocolate is in each cool, refreshing slice. —Aelita Kivirist, Glenview, Illinois

6/17

Inspired by: Golden Corral’s Chicken Potpie

This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California

7/17

Inspired by: Starbucks’ Blueberry Muffin

My Aunt Betty is quite a baker, but I look forward to these mouthwatering blueberry muffin recipe the most. She gives me enough so that I can freeze and enjoy them for weeks. —Sheila Raleigh, Kechi, Kansas

8/17

Lentils are an inexpensive but nutritious power food, and these days, a hot, filling and flavorful family meal at a great price is a real comfort. My husband just loves this soup and it freezes well. —Donna Scarano, East Hanover, New Jersey

9/17

Inspired by: IHOP’s Harvest Grain ‘N Nut Pancakes

My kids love homemade banana bread, so why not make it in pancake form? These freeze well for a special breakfast any day. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa

10/17

Inspired By: Boston Market’s Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to mashed potatoes recipes, this is one of my favorites because they can be made ahead, refrigerated and then popped into the oven just prior to dinnertime. When my grandchildren come for dinner, I have to double this recipe. They love it! —Vivian Bailey, Cedar Falls, Iowa

11/17

Inspired by: Texas Roadhouse’s Roadhouse Pulled Pork Sandwich

I like to share this dish at potlucks because it can be made ahead, which I especially appreciate during the busy holiday season. The sweet-and-spicy sauce is always a hit. —Martha Anne Carpenter, Mesa, Arizona

12/17

Inspired by: Burger King’s French Toast Sticks

Keep these French toast sticks in the freezer for an instant filling breakfast. Their convenient size makes them ideal for a breakfast buffet. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

13/17

Inspired by: Auntie Anne’s Pretzels

I'm always looking for new ways to combine fun flavors, and what goes together better than beer and pretzels? Not much that I can think of. That’s why I put them together into one delicious recipe. —Alyssa Wilhite, Whitehouse, Texas

14/17

Inspired by: Taco Bell’s Beefy 5-Layer Burrito

I love burritos, but the frozen ones are high in salt and chemicals. So I created these. They're wonderful to have on hand for quick dinners or late-night snacks—I've even had them for breakfast! —Laura Winemiller, Delta, Pennsylvania

15/17

Inspired by: Rock Bottom’s Bacon Chicken Mac ‘N Cheese

Prep once and feed the family twice when you double this chicken mac and cheese and freeze half of it. I created it for the people I love most, using ingredients they love most. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

16/17

Inspired By: Cracker Barrel’s Biscuits n’ Gravy

Biscuits and gravy are usually prepared separately but served together. I created a way to bake them all at once in this scrumptious casserole. —Nancy Mcinnis, Olympia, Washington

17/17

Inspired By: Olive Garden’s Tiramisu

This variation of the popular Italian dessert is so easy to assemble. It's convenient, too, since you can make it the day before your dinner party or potluck. —Linda Finn, Louisville, Mississippi

Originally Published: August 14, 2018