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Applebee’s Copycat Recipes: Make Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes at Home [2025 Guide]

By Stephanie Manley Updated 12/13/25

Are you craving Applebee’s signature flavors but want to save money by cooking at home? Our comprehensive collection of Applebee’s copycat recipes lets you recreate their most popular dishes right in your kitchen! From sizzling Bourbon Street entrees to refreshing cocktails, all your restaurant favorites are covered.

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Why These Applebee’s Recipes Are Worth Making

  • Family-Friendly Options: Something for everyone, from appetizers to desserts
  • Save Money: Enjoy restaurant-quality meals at a fraction of the dining-out price
  • Customize to Your Taste: Adjust spices, ingredients, and portions to suit your preferences
  • Impress Your Guests: Serve restaurant-worthy dishes at your next gathering
Collage of copycat Applebee's recipes.

Since Bill and TJ Palmer opened the first Applebee’s Grill and Bar in Atlanta in the 1980s, the chain has become one of America’s beloved casual dining destinations. Their diverse menu offers everything from juicy burgers to sizzling steaks and refreshing cocktails.

Must-Try Appetizers & Drinks

Start your homemade Applebee’s experience with these crowd-pleasing appetizers and signature beverages that perfectly set the stage for a memorable meal.

Applebee’s Perfect Margarita
Our Applebee's-inspired margarita brings that perfect balance of sweet, sour, and boozy flavors to your home bar. The secret lies in combining Cointreau triple sec with Grand Marnier for an elevated orange-forward profile that makes this cocktail irresistible.
Check out this recipe
homemade Applebee's perfect margaritas and a bottle of tequila
Applebee’s Red Apple Sangria
This refreshing sangria is perfect for everything from backyard barbecues to cozy dinner parties. Just like at Applebee's, our red apple sangria combines red wine with fruit juices and schnapps, finished with a splash of soda for that signature effervescence. Easily scale the recipe for larger gatherings!
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's red apple sangria on a coaster.
Applebee’s White Peach Sangria Copycat
All of the intensely fruity flavor of red sangria, just in a lighter and even fruitier form. Peach schnapps and white wine form the foundation of this cocktail, which has been called “sunshine in a glass.” It’s another perfect choice for making in pitchers or punch bowls to keep the good times flowing.
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's white peach sangria garnished with orange, lime, and a cherry.
Applebee’s Bahama Mama Copycat
Take your taste buds to the islands with the intensely tropical vibes of the Bahama Mama. This drink combines coconut rum with banana liqueur, multiple fruit juices, and more. Garnish it with an orange slice and cherry, and you’ll have a hard time telling it apart from the ones made by your favorite Applebee’s bartender.
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's Bahama Mama drink garnished with an orange slice and cherry.
Better-Than-Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Taco
These fusion-inspired wonton tacos are among Applebee's most innovative and popular appetizers. Tender chicken seasoned with Asian flavors like soy sauce and sesame oil creates a delicious filling that perfectly contrasts with the crunchy wonton shells and cooling slaw. These bite-sized delights disappear quickly!
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's chicken wonton tacos.
Applebee’s Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Wings
Recreate Applebee's surprisingly simple yet unforgettable Hot Cheeto wings at home. The secret is in the unique breading process that creates that signature crunchy, spicy coating your guests won't stop talking about.
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's Flamin' Hot Cheetos Wings on a plate.
Green Bean Crispers with Lemon Garlic Aioli
Applebee’s may have taken the Green Bean Crispers off the menu, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying them. See how easy it is to replicate this fresh and crunchy dish, which is an excellent option for sharing – if you don’t eat them all yourself!
Check out this recipe
Green Bean Crispers with Lemon Garlic Aioli
Applebee’s Queso Blanco
Those who’ve tried this Queso Blanco know it’s not just any old cheese dip. Richly creamy and distinctively spicy at the same time, make sure you bring plenty of chips or fresh veggies for dipping.
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's queso blanco dip and tortilla chips on a platter.
Applebee’s Bacon Quesadilla Copycat
Applebee’s quesadillas are among the most versatile items on the menu, filling enough for a light meal for one but easily shareable among a group. It’s filled with all the Mexican flavors you’re craving, plus the unexpected savory bonus of bacon.
Check out this recipe
Cheese and bacon quesadilla cut into pieces served with sour cream, guacamole, and sour cream.
Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip
Keep some of this fan-favorite condiment on hand for all sorts of home cooking, from salads to slaws and more. Plus, it comes together in just minutes from common pantry ingredients.
Check out this recipe
Overhead view of copycat Applebee's spinach artichoke dip and tortilla chips.

Hearty Soups & Fresh Salads

Applebee’s fans know their lighter options don’t compromise on flavor. These soups and salads deliver restaurant-quality taste while keeping things fresh.

Applebee’s French Onion Soup
Don't let French Onion Soup's sophisticated reputation intimidate you. Our Applebee's copycat version makes it approachable with straightforward techniques that deliver that rich, caramelized onion flavor topped with melty cheese.
Check out this recipe
homemade Applebee's French Onion Soup
Applebee’s Oriental Fried Chicken Salad
This memorable and filling salad combines the perfect balance of crisp vegetables, savory fried chicken pieces, and Applebee's distinctive sesame oil dressing. Serve it as a side dish or hearty main course!
Check out this recipe
Overhead view of copycat Applebee's Oriental fried chicken salad.
Applebee’s Grilled Chicken Oriental Salad
For a lighter option with all the same amazing flavors, this version swaps fried chicken for grilled and features Applebee's unique oriental dressing. A healthier alternative that doesn't sacrifice taste.
Check out this recipe
Two bowls of homemade Applebees Grilled Chicken Oriental Salad with Dressing
Copycat Applebee’s Oriental Salad Dressing
Keep some of this fan-favorite condiment on hand for all sorts of home cooking, from salads to slaws and more. Plus, it comes together in just minutes from common pantry ingredients.
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's oriental salad dressing in a mason jar.

Main Dishes & Entrées

These signature entrées capture what makes Applebee’s a favorite dining destination—bold flavors, generous portions, and dishes that satisfy every craving.

Applebee’s Riblets
These succulent, flavorful riblets are surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Our technique delivers that perfect flame-grilled flavor Applebee's is known for. Serve with your favorite barbecue sauce for an authentic experience.
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's riblets and a small cup of barbecue sauce on a platter.
Copycat Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken
Full of Mexican-inspired flavor, this straightforward dish makes the most of humble ingredients to create an Applebee’s favorite that’s equally delicious at home.
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's fiesta lime chicken, rice, and black beans on a plate.
Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp
Can’t decide on seafood or chicken? This famous Applebee’s entree brings the taste of New Orleans to your kitchen table for a protein-packed delight that can feed the whole family.
Check out this recipe
copycat Applebee's Bourbon Street chicken and shrimp in a skillet.
4 Cheese Mac with Honey Pepper Chicken
There are few down-home combinations quite like mac and cheese and fried chicken, but Applebee’s amps up them both with a mix of mouthwatering cheeses and a sweet-and-spicy sauce for the chicken. It’s a meal that’ll have your fellow diners talking long after they’ve cleaned their plates.
Check out this recipe
4 Cheese Mac with Honey Pepper Chicken
Copycat Applebee’s Bourbon Street Steak
A boozy, sweet, spice-filled marinade is the key to transforming an ordinary piece of meat into a Bourbon Street Steak. See how simple it is to create beef that tastes like it came from a steakhouse with everyday affordability – just like Applebee’s.
Check out this recipe
bourbon street steak on a cutting board

Most-loved Applebee’s side dishes

Looking to round out your copycat Applebee’s meal or bring a little bit of the chain’s flavor to your table? Sides are a great choice.

Applebee’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Everyone has their own way of making mashed potatoes, but those who’ve tried the creamy, garlicky, starchy deliciousness of Applebee’s version may never cook another mashed potato recipe again.
Check out this recipe
Applebee’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Copycat Applebee’s 4 Cheese Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Recreate Applebee's famous 4 Cheese Mac and Cheese at home with this spot-on copycat recipe featuring a blend of five cheeses, smoky bacon, and fresh herbs for restaurant-quality comfort food.
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's four cheese mac and cheese in two bowls.

Applebee’s dessert options

No meal is complete without a delicious dessert. Take a page out of Applebee’s book with these indulgent choices.

Applebee’s Triple Chocolate Meltdown
Don’t stress about finding the perfect dessert – the only meltdown should be in this decadent cake, which uses three types of chocolate to create an ooey, gooey delight that can satisfy even the most dedicated cocoa lover.
Check out this recipe
two triple chocolate meltdown cakes topped with ice cream and chocolate syrup
Applebee’s Apple Chimicheesecake
Leave it to Applebee’s to combine the rich flavor of cheesecake with the deliciously fried experience of the chimichanga. This memorable dessert is surprisingly simple to make at home and tastes just like at the restaurant.
Check out this recipe
Applebee’s Apple Chimicheesecake
Applebee’s Blondies
Another spin on a familiar dessert, this blondie (and the indulgent maple butter sauce) has long been a favorite of Applebee’s diners. Now, learn how to whip up a batch at home in just an hour.
Check out this recipe
Applebee’s Blondies
Collage of three copycat Applebee's recipes.

More Ideas

REVEALED Olive Garden Copycat Recipes

yes, you CAN make it at home! I’ll show you how.

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28 Comments

  1. There fajita roll up and chipotle ranch sauce is outstanding. A recipe for this in the near future would be most appreciated.

    Reply

  2. Love the copycat recipes that your email provides weekly! Keep ’em coming! I’m a big fan of Applebee’s and have bookmarked the page with their recipes! Thanks!!!

    Reply

  4. Lemon chicken with red quinoa and wild rice? I have tried so hard to make this lemon sauce for this dish. Any ideas?

    Reply

  8. Do you have a recipe for Applebee’s spinach artichoke penne pasta? Just had it and it was delicious.

    Reply

  13. You have one too many ingredients listed that your directions do not call for in the won ton tacos you have 4Tbsp of the Asian vinaigrette but in your direction you say to only use 3 Tbs so what do we do with that leftover tbsp

    Reply

  14. I cooked several of your recipes from the Olive Garden and the family loves them. Keep up the good work!

    Reply

  15. I love your recipes. I would love to see gluten free recipes also, if possible….in order to make your dessert recipes gluten free. Thank you

    Reply

  16. My wife was a manager at Applebee’s for a few years and her choices were Blondies and a Quesadilla Burger (not listed). My vote would go to the French Onion Soup.

    Reply