Copycat Recipes Archives

Mexican Spoon Bread

May 5, 2013 by frugalbites 1 Comment

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I present to you my recipe for Mexican Spoon Bread. This custard-like corn dessert is yummy enough to satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s the perfect ending or side dish for a savory Mexican meal. I prepare it in a casserole dish, then scoop into ramekins for individual servings.

Mexican Spoon Bread

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 60 mins

Total time: 1 hour 10 mins

Serves: 6

A delicious Mexican dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth

Ingredients

1 C. sour cream
1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
⅓ C. corn meal
1 15-oz. can creamed corn
½ C. white sugar
1 egg
½ stick butter, softened
¼ C. milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Mix all ingredients well.
Spray a 1½-qt. casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour batter into the casserole dish.
Bake for 55-60 minutes or until golden brown on top. If desired, drizzle with honey.

I originally posted this in the Mommysavers forum: Don Pablo’s Mexican Spoon Bread Recipe

Filed Under: Breads, Copycat Recipes, Desserts Tagged With: bread, Dessert, mexican

(Better Than) Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip

April 21, 2013 by frugalbites Leave a Comment

(Better Than) Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip

I’ve heard people say they’re nuts about the Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip. I’m really not much of a fan of chain restaurants. We have an Applebee’s in our town and I think I’ve only been there a few times (only because someone else chose the location). I have nothing against Applebee’s. We just choose to frequent mom and pop restaurants (see our road trip family rules).

Forget the chains. I have a Spinach and Artichoke Dip recipe that I would put up against any restaurant recipe. Honestly, I’ve never come across a better version. Yes, I’m bragging.

Frugal Tip: Instead of going out to eat, invite another couple over this weekend. This is the perfect thing to serve at a casual party. In my opinion, it’s so much more fun (and frugal) to invite people over to your home instead of going out to a restaurant.

(Better Than) Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Do you love Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke dip? This version is even better!

Ingredients

1 14-oz. can artichokes, drained and chopped
½ of a 10-oz. package frozen spinach, thawed and drained (re-freeze the remainder to use the next time)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ C. sour cream
¼ C. mayonnaise
¼ C. cream cheese, softened
¼ C. Romano cheese, grated
¼ C. Parmesan cheese, grated
Panko bread crumbs (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine all ingredients except for the Parmesan cheese and mix well.
Spread the dip in a baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese. Next, sprinkle Panko bread crumbs on top with a little pat of butter here and there.
Bake until completely heated through and the cheese begins to bubble and brown.
Serve with crackers, cocktail rye, pita, tortilla chips or even veggies.

Filed Under: Appetizers, Copycat Recipes Tagged With: applebee's, artichoke, copycat recipes, dip, spinach

Copycat Orange Julius Recipe

April 4, 2013 by frugalbites Leave a Comment

Orange Julius has been around ever since I can remember. They were always one of my favorite mall treats as a teen, and I still enjoy them today. My mom has been making this copycat version for years and years. It’s pretty close to the original, and a great way to enjoy this yummy mall treat at home for less.

Copycat Orange Julius Recipe

6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate
1 C. milk
1 C. water
1/2 C. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
6-8 ice cubes (about 1 1/2 C. ice)

Combine ingredients in a blender. Blend until frothy. This makes enough for about 4 large glasses or 6 small ones.

Note: I originally posted this Copycat Orange Julius Recipe and photo on Mommysavers.com.

Filed Under: Copycat Recipes Tagged With: copycat recipes, drinks, orange

Copycat Recipe: Carrabba’s Italian Grill Salad Dressing

March 11, 2013 by frugalbites 1 Comment

This copycat version of the creamy Parmesan dressing from Carrabba’s Italian Grill is my new favorite. Not only is it delicious, it’s incredibly easy to make.

Frugal Tips: This recipe only calls for a little bit of buttermilk, so don’t let the leftovers go to waste. Did you know you could freeze buttermilk? Here are some great ideas to use up buttermilk after making this dressing.

Copycat Recipe: Carrabba’s Italian Grill Salad Dressing

Serves: 4

Ingredients

½ C. mayonnaise
¼ C. grated Parmesan cheese
¼ C. buttermilk
1½ tsp. minced garlic
½ tsp. minced fresh parsley
½ tsp. lemon juice

Instructions

Combine all ingredients and serve with romaine lettuce, croutons, fresh black pepper and any of your other favorite salad ingredients.

See how simple the ingredient list is? Much of this is in your refrigerator already.

Mix the dressing well.

Serve with romaine and croutons.

Filed Under: 30 Minutes or Less, Copycat Recipes, Salads and Sides Tagged With: carrabba's italian grill, salad, salad dressing

Crock Pot Orange Chicken

March 7, 2013 by frugalbites Leave a Comment

Orange Chicken is what my kids usually order when we eat at Chinese restaurants. By making it at home, we can get our takeout “fix” for less. Plus, by making it in the crock pot it’s even easier.

If I were to make it again (or if I were cooking for a larger group) I’d probably double the batch. This version served our family of four with no leftovers. Now what am I going to eat for lunch today?!

Frugal Tips: Learn how to make copycat versions of your favorite restaurant foods at home. It really does help you fight the temptation of blowing your budget by eating out too often!

Crock Pot Orange Chicken

Cook time: 6 hours

Total time: 6 hours

A crock pot version of your favorite Chinese takeout food! Easy for the busy cook, and easy on the budget.

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces
½ C. flour
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
3 Tbsp. ketchup
6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate (half the can), thawed
4 Tbsp. brown sugar

Instructions

Coat the chicken pieces in flour and salt mixture. Brown in olive oil over medium-high heat.
Meanwhile, combine orange juice, vinegar, ketchup and brown sugar. Place browned chicken in bottom of crock pot, then pour orange mixture over it. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Serve over rice.