The winter holidays are here – and that means it’s time to cook up something special for your loved ones. But if your recipe repertoire isn’t up to the festive standards, don’t worry – we’ve got your back. We’ve gathered up some of the tastiest winter copycat recipes out there, so you can recreate those memorable delights from your favorite restaurants and holiday drinks. So keep reading – you won’t want to miss out on these delicious treats!
1. Winter’s Yummiest Copycats!
Copycats to Make Winter Comfortably Delicious
If the thought of spending winter in your cozy home is starting to feel more like exile, and you’re hankering for some restaurant-level delectableness, Copycats are the way to go. Whether it’s comforting or seasonal, there is a spectrum of flavors, textures and aromas to get your mouth drooling. Here are a few of our wintery favorites:
- Macaroni and Cheese Redefine
Say hello to a healthier version of Mac’n’Cheese fabricated with a hint of parmesan. Prefect for kids and adults alike, this DIY dish has a smooth, creamy flavor drizzled over crunchy top curls. Add some extra herbs and spices to the mix, for a savory kick. - Vegan Laksa Soup
Hot, hearty and made with more veggies in every bowl! Our spin on the classic dish features coconut cream, veggies galore and a lemony, herby, spiciness. But don’t worry, it won’t be overwhelming; no severe levels of spice here. - Incorrigibly Delicious Noodles
Swap out the fussier varieties for a winning recipe for inspired noodles. Boil some affordable ramen or udon noodles in a soy-based broth with garlic and ginger, and add some crunch with stir-fried vegetables. Serve with a few slices of chili pepper and bam, it’s ready!
Adding a Fresh spin to Hops & Barley Classics
Going for a hoppy feel? Brew up beer mac n cheese for a delicious mashup. Or keep it classic with a beef and barley stew. Sub some of the beef for portobello mushrooms, or even carrots and potatoes, and spice up the stew with chilies and cilantro. For the beer, try something less bitter and with a hint of sweetness. If all else fails, top it all off with some grated cheese!
2. Tastefully Reproducing Deliciousness
When winter comes around, it also brings a range of cravings. From hot cocoa to comfort food, a foodie’s wishlist is never-ending! But with a limited budget, and times where local restaurants are closed, it’s impossible to have all of these without breaking the bank. Creating copycats is a great way to satisfy those winter cravings without the huge expense. Here are some of winter’s tastiest—and most delicious—copycats that will make your taste buds happy:
- Homemade Hot Cocoa: Mint or classic? The choice is yours! To make your own hot cocoa, all you need is powder cocoa, milk, and sugar. You can even go crazy and add your favorite toppings!
- Mashed Potatoes: Potatoes, butter, milk, garlic; oh my! These classic mashed potatoes will brighten your day and keep you warm during winter days. Add some parmesan cheese for an extra savory flavor.
- Chili: Get out your biggest pot and start simmering your own chili! A combination of ground beef, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and your favorite spices make the perfect warming winter dish.
- Homemade French Fries: Slice up some potatoes with a fork, season, and bake! Even “health-friendly” fries! Your own homemade french fries are sure to beat your usual fast-food order.
- Oatmeal Cookie Pie: Oatmeal cookie pie is the perfect winter treat. Make your own using oats, butter, and sugar with a graham cracker pie crust to top it off.
Copycat recipes can come out much more cost effective than buying fancier store-bought foods. All you need is a little creativity and you can recreate your favorite winter treats without breaking the bank. Whether you’re baking up oatmeal cookie pies, or making your own mashed potatoes from scratch, you can have your beloved food with a much smaller price tag.
3. Big Flavour in Small Packages
1. Delicious Spud Dishes: Potatoes are winter’s ultimate ingredient! From comforting mashed potatoes with your Sunday dinner to quick-to-make crispy oven chips, a potato dish is likely to be one of your go-to favourites. However, you don’t have to stick to the same old recipe. To recreate the flavours you know and love, try adding ingredients like mustard or nutmeg for a tasty twist.
2. Hearty Soups: Nothing beats a comforting bowl of soup on a cold winter’s day! Whether your go-to favourite is tomato or pumpkin, there are plenty of ways to spruce up your soup and add in extra flavour. Try adding some smoky bacon, a sprinkle of savoury parmesan, or even a handful of roasted veg.
3. Eggy Brunch Ideas: Eggs are one of the most versatile ingredients, and luckily for us, they’re super easy to cook. To recreate those winter brunch flavours, try a poached egg with crispy streaky bacon, or a Spanish omelette with chorizo and potatoes. Don’t forget to add some pepper and chilli for extra punch!
4. Sweet Treats: If you’re looking for a Winter-inspired sweet treat, you can find inspiration in all sorts of traditional bakes. From sticky toffee puddings to old-fashioned apple crumbles, simply swap out ingredients to recreate famous recipes with a twist. Try adding a dollop of spiced jam, or replacing sugar with honey.
5. Cosy Drinks: If the cold weather means you’re craving a hot drink, why not create one with winter flavours? Whip up a delicious spiced hot chocolate, or a fragrant turmeric latte. Or for something a bit stronger, try using winter fruits like cranberries or oranges to make incredible mulled wines and warm toddies.
4. Make it Your Own
Nobody likes the idea of cooking from scratch—especially in the winter. But why go to all that trouble when you can make knock-off versions of some classic wintertime recipes? These copycat winter recipes are just as tasty as the real deal, but without all the fuss!
Enjoy a version of winter’s comfort food without all the hassle. From homemade chilis and stews to tomato-based pastas, you can recreate delicious wintertime flavors and dishes in a fraction of the time.
- Quick and Easy Chili: Forget the slow cooker and put on your apron. All it takes is a few simple ingredients, a frying pan, and 20 minutes of your time. It tastes just like the homemade version, without all the slow-cooking.
- Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta: This classic pasta dish is the perfect way to add some additional flavor and warmth to an otherwise chilly winter night. Simplify the recipe by making your own tomato and basil sauce, and have dinner ready in 15 minutes!
- Beef Stew Copycat: Craving a hearty beef stew? With a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious knock-off of this winter classic in half the time. Add a little extra flair and go Italian-style by adding a few bay leaves to the pot.
- Vegetarian Lentil Stew: Don’t let meat-eating friends have all the fun! Make a healthier version of the traditional beef stew by using lentils, vegetables, and fragrant spices. This vegetarian option is a great way to get some extra greens and warm comfort in a single pot!
So the next time the temperatures drop and you’re feeling a little lazy, try recreating one of these delicious knock-off winter recipes. You won’t be disappointed!
5. Harness the Power of Mimicking
Some days don’t require anything special— a reminder that the basics can offer real pleasure. Mastering seasonal signatures can be a treat for your taste buds and your wallet:
- Tacos Flor: Tenderized Jack Cheese–filled tacos are a delight. Choose from six different sauces to top it.
- Crab Rellenos: Delicious and savory crab meat with three-cheese sauce makes a perfect appetizer.
- Teriyaki Bowl: The most popular winter dish. Loads of stir-fried veggies and juicy steak topped with teriyaki sauce..
- Chimichurri Shrimp Tacos: This flavorful dish packs a punch. Marinated shrimp, cabbage, and queso fresco pack a flavor punch that’s sure to make you a fan.
- Lemongrass Beef Skewers: Perfect for a light meal or appetizer, these skewers are a ways to get that Big Barbecue taste at home.
- Stir-Fry Noodle Bowl: Competition-grade, asian-style noodles offer a delightful blend of sweet and spicy love.
These versatile dishes are quick and easy to prepare – but if you want to add a dash of sophistication, you can tweak them with your own unique flavors. Tweak the spices for a milder or spicier take. Swap out the seafood for chicken or pork. It’s all up to you.
Recreate the wonderful flavors of winter with these delicious dishes. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or something more adventurous, these recipes are simple enough for even the novice cook to handle.
6. Ready to Serve!
It’s time to get creative in the kitchen this winter with these copycat recipes. Satisfy your taste buds with delicious replicas of some of your favorite restaurant meals or takeaway treats.
Pizza Hut Copycat Stuffed Crust Pizza
- 1 batch of pizza dough
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Mix the garlic powder, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl. Roll the pizza dough into a rectangle and brush it with the melted butter. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and the seasoned salt over the butter and then cover with the mozzarella cheese. Roll the pizza dough up like a jellyroll. Cut the roll in half lengthwise and then twist the two pieces together to form a heart shape. Place the pizza on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Dominos Copycat Breadsticks
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 package) active dry yeast
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy. Add the flour, olive oil, and salt and mix with a stand mixer to combine. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide the dough into 12 pieces and shape into breadsticks. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with the melted butter. Sprinkle the garlic powder and Parmesan cheese over the butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm. If a chill in the air doesn’t make you immediately crave a warm bowl of something homey and comforting, then nothing will. The recipes in this article should provide you with plenty of wintery options to fill out your menu rotation. So, the next time you’re trying to recreate a favorite recipe that you can’t find in your local grocery store, give some of these wintery copycats a try – they’ll be sure to warm your heart and feed your soul.