Whether you miss the ribs, the pasta or the appetizers, these Applebee’s copycat recipes re-create casual dining favorites without the wait.
1/28
Copycat Applebee’s Quesadilla Burger
From the Recipe Creator:
My niece fell in love with the quesadilla burger from Applebee's and challenged me to make it at home. She says this copycat Applebee's quesadilla burger recipe is pretty darn close to the real thing! —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 925 calories, 67g fat (27g saturated fat), 189mg cholesterol, 1640mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 53g protein.
2/28
Copycat Applebee's Chicken Wonton Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
I loved the wonton tacos at Applebee's and decided to make my own. I was extremely pleased!
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 63 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
3/28
Soft Giant Pretzels
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 pretzel: 193 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
4/28
Copycat Applebee's Spinach Artichoke Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love going out to eat and ordering spinach and artichoke dip, but now that we have our own recipe it's become a favorite at home. I use this for important game days, and it's always a hit at school for treat day! —Hollie Gabriel, Topeka, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 118 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 330mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
5/28
Baby Back Ribs
From the Recipe Creator:
Slow-cook the ribs during the day and they will be ready to finish on the grill when you get home. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 555 calories, 39g fat (14g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
6/28
Copycat Southwest Chicken Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I loved this salad the first time we ate it at Applebee's. After eating it three times my husband asked them for the ingredients in the dressing. The waitress told us the ingredients, so I went home and worked on a version we feel tastes just as delicious. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 557 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 45g protein.
7/28
Fajita Burger Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
This combo gives you a tender burger, crisp veggies and a crunchy shell, plus fajita flavor. Kids love it. —Antonio Smith, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 533 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 1190mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
Editor’s Tip: With a few simple ingredients, you can also make the best-ever homemade Applebee’s spinach artichoke dip.
8/28
Spicy Shrimp and Penne Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this creamy pasta dish when I needed to use up some marinara. Red pepper flakes give it a little heat, which my family loves. It's super versatile, so try it with chicken, or simply stir in some fresh basil, too. —Lorri Stout, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 396 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 206mg cholesterol, 723mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
9/28
Mozzarella Sticks
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm particularly fond of these tasty mozzarella sticks because they're baked, not fried. Cheese is one of my family's favorite foods. Being of Italian descent, I cook often with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. —Mary Merchant, Barre, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
2 sticks: 312 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 749mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
10/28
Chicken Bacon Swiss Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 410 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
11/28
Asian Chicken Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I love their crunchy, citrusy salad so much that once I made my husband drive an hour to the nearest Applebee's restaurant just so I could eat it! It was time to come up with my own version. I'm completely happy with the results—and my husband is, too! Find more of my recipes at my blog, mandysrecipeboxblog.com. —Mandy Bird, Holbrook, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 419 calories, 25g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 7g fiber), 12g protein.
12/28
Crispy Sage Chicken Tenders
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my mom's favorite chicken recipes used fresh sage. Her version was smothered with gravy, but we like these panko-crusted tenders as they are. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
13/28
Best Hamburger
From the Recipe Creator:
Grill these easy hamburgers and add your favorite toppings. Not into grilling? Make the patties on the stovetop, in the oven or even in the air fryer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 265 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
14/28
Honey-Glazed Chicken Wings
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this easy wing recipe from a cousin on Vancouver Island during a visit there a few years ago. They're an appealing appetizer, but also a favorite for Sunday lunch with rice and a salad. —Joan Airey, Rivers, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 86 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
15/28
Four-Cheese Chicken Fettuccine
From the Recipe Creator:
As a cattle rancher, my husband's a big fan of beef. For him to comment on a poultry dish is rare. But he always tells me, "I love this casserole!" I first tasted it at a potluck; now, I fix it for my family (we have a 3-year-old daughter) once or twice a month, and I'm asked to take it to most every get-together. —Rochelle Brownlee, Big Timber, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 641 calories, 47g fat (27g saturated fat), 167mg cholesterol, 895mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
16/28
Sweet Mustard Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
Lemon juice, mustard and brown sugar add something special to this salmon dish. —Cortney Claeson, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 326 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
17/28
Artichoke Chicken Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a colorful, delicious chicken dish that's easy enough for weeknights, yet special enough for guests. Oregano, garlic and a light wine sauce add lovely flavor. —Cathy Dick, Roanoke, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 378 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
18/28
Eggs Benedict Burgers
From the Recipe Creator:
To feed my daughter’s hungry cowboy friends after a rodeo, I created these with leftover burgers, hollandaise and bacon. They were a huge hit! —Bonnie Geavaras-Bootz, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 723 calories, 45g fat (19g saturated fat), 364mg cholesterol, 1198mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 48g protein.
19/28
Spinach Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
In Stafford, Texas, Joyce Fogleman requests: “Everywhere I take this dip, I’m asked for the recipe. I don’t make it at home because I’m afraid that’s all I’d eat the entire day. I’d love a downsized version I could make at home.”
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 83 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
20/28
Grilled Honey-Lime Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Make-ahead marinade is your best friend when feeding a crowd. This one for grilled chicken is good to know and very easy to memorize. —Marybeth Wright, Maitland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 1 chicken breast half: 286 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
21/28
Crispy Fish & Chips
From the Recipe Creator:
A British pub classic turns crown jewel when you add horseradish, panko and Worcestershire. You can also try it with a white fish like cod or haddock. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3/4 cup fries: 416 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
22/28
Chicken Quesadillas
From the Recipe Creator:
Leftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. The chicken quesadilla recipe has an impressive look and taste yet requires little preparation. —Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 477 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 901mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
23/28
Grilled Southwestern Steak Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Pasta salad loaded with steak, peppers and onions makes both my boyfriend and me happy. Plus, it’s versatile! We serve it hot, room temperature or cold. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups pasta mixture with 2 ounces cooked beef: 456 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 8g fiber), 30g protein.
24/28
Chicken Tortilla Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken tortilla soup is as good as (if not better than) any I've had in a restaurant. I get so many compliments when I serve it: you will, too. —Laura Black Johnson, Largo, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 200 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 941mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
25/28
Chicken & Onion Caesar Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My Caesar with grilled chicken is a healthier alternative to heavy meat and potatoes dishes. After grilling the kabobs, we serve them family style. —Melissa Adams, Tooele, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 441 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
26/28
Turkey Club Sandwich with Chipotle
From the Recipe Creator:
We’re crazy for turkey club sandwiches. A nearby roadside stand carries gorgeous tomatoes every summer. We load up, then stuff our sandwiches with the usual suspects, plus smoked turkey and cheese. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 416 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1265mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 37g protein.
27/28
Brownie Affogato Sundaes
From the Recipe Creator:
We can’t resist brownie sundaes. I combined an affogato (coffee-based beverage) idea with a brownie to get this decadent sundae that mixes it all in there: warm, cold, sweet and salty. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without Kahlua, coffee beans and salt): 350 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
28/28
Bruschetta Chicken Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
As an Italian-American, I love, love, love garlic, tomatoes and basil, all of which are musts for good bruschetta. This recipe was created in celebration of the first tomatoes to come out of our home garden this year. —Gina Rine, Canfield, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 330 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
Applebee’s Copycat Recipes FAQ
What are the best Applebee’s copycat recipes?
The best Applebee’s copycat recipes are bacon cheeseburger, chicken tacos and Italian three-cheese macaroni. These recipes strike the right balance between bold flavor, texture and familiarity, just like the originals. They layer sauces, spice blends and creamy elements that are easy to replicate at home. Use fresh aromatics like garlic and onion, and don’t skip finishing touches like broiling cheese until it bubbles or letting sauces reduce for richness.
Are there any easy Applebee’s copycat recipes I can make for dessert?
Yes, absolutely! Applebee’s dessert-inspired copycat recipes like choco-chip blondies, chocolate lava cake and cookie skillet bars are surprisingly simple to make. Many use pantry staples like brown sugar, chocolate chips and flour and rely on familiar techniques like one-bowl mixing or skillet baking. For an even easier win, pair a warm blondie or brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel or fudge sauce.
What’s the secret to making Applebee’s copycat recipes taste like restaurant-style comfort food?
The key to getting that restaurant-style comfort food flavor is layering. Start with bold seasonings, balance sweet and savory notes and finish with texture—like melted cheese, crispy edges or toasted toppings. Many Applebee’s dishes also use rich sauces like bourbon glaze, Alfredo and queso, which are easy to prep in small batches at home. Use broilers or cast-iron skillets to mimic the caramelization and sear you’d get in a restaurant kitchen.
