We’ve all tasted the magic of Applebee’s—whether it’s the hearty comfort of their sizzling steaks or the indulgence of a truly decadent dessert. But have you ever wondered if you can recreate these much-loved dishes at home? With the internet brimming with copycat recipes, it’s time to find out if whipping up your favorite Applebee’s classics is worth the effort—or if dining out is still king.
From the cheesy goodness of their mac & cheese to the zesty punch of their Fiesta Lime Chicken, these recipes promise to replicate the magic of Applebee’s. But do they deliver the iconic taste we crave, or are they just close imitations? Let’s discover what’s worth trying, and what might need some tweaking to hit the mark.
Ready to bring Applebee’s to your home? Dive into these copycat recipes and decide for yourself!
1. Copycat Applebee’s 4 Cheese Mac and Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken
This cheese-loaded mac and cheese paired with sweet and tangy honey pepper chicken is comfort food perfection. While the sauce may require some patience to master, even a food-lab rookie can end up with results that taste every bit as amazing as the Applebee’s classic. A true crowd-pleaser—especially for those chilly nights in!
2. Applebee’s Bourbon Street Steak
If you’re a steak lover, this Bourbon Street-inspired recipe takes your favorite comfort steakhouse vibes and brings them home. With its rich marinade infused with bourbon flavors, it’s indulgent and flavorful. Just make sure to pick a high-quality steak cut for that Applebee’s-level flavor!
3. Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad
Fresh, crunchy, and tangy—this Oriental Chicken Salad recipe is popular for a reason. With delicious, golden chicken strips and a copycat dressing that hits all the right sweet and savory notes, it transforms your typical salad into something truly exciting. Be prepared to share, because everyone will want a bite!
4. Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken
If you’re in the mood for bold, zesty flavors, this Fiesta Lime Chicken recipe doesn’t disappoint. Paired with tortilla strips and a creamy lime sauce, it delivers fireworks for your taste buds. While nailing the grill marks might take a few tries, the vibrant flavor profile will make it all worthwhile.
5. Applebee’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Nothing says comfort quite like garlic mashed potatoes, and this recipe delivers buttery, garlicky goodness in spades. Mash cautiously to avoid glue-like potatoes, and you’ll be well on your way to recreating Applebee’s famous side dish at home.
6. Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
The ultimate blend of savory and sweet starts with these crunchy-yet-chewy chicken wonton tacos. The tangy slaw adds an extra hit of flavor that makes this appetizer a standout every time. While frying the wontons can add a bit of complexity, the end result is absolutely unbeatable.
7. Applebee’s Lemonade
Sweet, tart, and endlessly refreshing, this copycat lemonade recipe is bliss in liquid form. Easy to prepare, though achieving balance requires careful taste-testing, you’ll soon have a homemade drink to rival your restaurant favorite.
8. Copycat Applebee’s Clubhouse Grille Sandwich
This hearty sandwich, loaded with ham, turkey, cheese, and crispy bacon, brings serious flavor between two toasted slices of bread. Although assembling it can get messy, one mouthful and you’ll agree that this mess was worth every bite!
9. Copycat Applebee’s Beer Cheese
The perfect dip for pretzels and veggies, this creamy beer cheese offers the ultimate balance of tang and richness. Enjoy experimenting with different cheeses and brews to make your own signature spin on this crowd-pleasing classic.
10. Applebee’s Triple Chocolate Meltdown
Lovers of decadent desserts, rejoice! With its oozy, molten chocolate center and rich, fudgy layers, this Triple Chocolate Meltdown recipe will satisfy your deepest cravings. Be careful with the baking time—mastery of the gooey middle is the key to success here.
So, which one are you trying first? Whether you’re gearing up to host a family dinner or just looking to indulge, these copycat recipes bring the flavors of Applebee’s into your kitchen. Share your results and let us know—are these recipes game-changers, or will nothing ever top the original?