Inspired by: Chicken Fries
Kid-friendly and quick, these crunchy oven-baked chicken fries are coated with a mixture of crushed potato chips, panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dip them in ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or honey-mustard. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Rodeo King
Every family has a burger of choice, and this is ours. It’s stacked tall with bacon and crunchy onion rings. —Paula Homer, Nampa, Idaho. If McDonald’s is more your speed, check out these 22 copycat McDonald’s recipes so you can skip the drive-through.
Inspired by: Cini Minis
Maple syrup sweetens these lovely little cinnamon buns. I make the dough in my bread machine before popping the rolls in the oven. My husband prefers them warm. —Juanita Carlsen, North Bend, Oregon
Inspired by: Grilled Chicken Sandwich
A creamy lemon-dill spread adds summery flavor to tender chicken served between slices of grilled French bread with slices of lettuce and tomato. Serve it for lunch, or for a light and breezy dinner on the patio. —Orien Major, Hinton, Alberta
Inspired by: Dutch Apple Pie
Everything about this dessert (but especially its dutch apple pie topping!) makes it the number 1 request for family gatherings. Its oat crust reminds me of a cookie, and the tart apple filling just can’t be beat during harvest time. —Brenda DuFresne, Midland, Michigan. Who says this has to be dessert? Swap your meals and eat this pie before chowing down on one of these 24 copycat recipes for your favorite restaurant appetizers.
Inspired by: Whopper
For a quick weeknight dinner, try these juicy burgers. A dollop of chili sauce on top makes them extra flavorful. —Ron Treadaway, Acworth, Georgia
Inspired by: Egg-normous Burrito
I like to use a second slow cooker to keep the tortillas warm and pliable when I serve these hearty burritos. Just place a clean wet cloth in the bottom, then cover it with foil and add your tortillas. —Beth Osburn, Levelland, Texas
Inspired by: Bacon Cheeseburger
In Utah, fry sauce is the beloved state condiment. We use it not just as a dip for fries, but also as a spread for hamburgers. Utah is known as the Beehive State, so I wanted to add honey as a special touch to my fry sauce. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah. While you’re making burgers, remember that this is the one thing you should never do to the patties.
Inspired by: French Fries
These fries are always popular with my meat-and-potatoes bunch. The cheesy seasoning can easily double as a flavorful baked potato topper, too. —Maribeth Edwards, Follansbee, West Virginia
Inspired by: Chicken Nuggets
I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. You can also use the seasoning to cook chicken breast halves. Stack them on rustic bread with mayo, lettuce, and tomato for delicious sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia
Inspired by: Pancake Platter
You just can’t beat the best buttermilk pancake recipe for a down-home hearty breakfast. Pair it with sausage and fresh fruit for a mouthwatering morning meal. —Betty Abrey, Imperial, Saskatchewan. Don’t forget to include this secret ingredient that makes the fluffiest pancakes ever.
Inspired by: Chicken Garden Salad
If you love the flavors of the Southwest – cumin, chili powder, a little cayenne heat – this versatile recipe for grilled chicken with fresh red and green peppers gives you something more. Discover a spicy dressing that keeps well in the refrigerator, for those days when you’re running late and just want a salad, or an unexpected picnic pops up. —Therese Anderson, Pine City, Minnesota
Inspired by: Ham, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
I turned classic breakfast sandwiches into something heartier you could have for dinner, too. We pile toppings like salsa, avocado—even mayo and ketchup—onto my homemade biscuits. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas. You’ll want to try this recipe after reading this shocking secret about your fast food eggs.
Inspired by: Oreo Cookie Cheesecake
Oreo cookies and cheesecake — how can you go wrong? I made 20 of these crowd-pleasing desserts in all different sizes for my wedding, and they were a big hit. —Leanne Stinson, Camduff, Saskatchewan. You’ll definitely be in the mood for this recipe after you read these 13 facts about Cheesecake Factory’s cheesecake.
Inspired by: French Toast Sticks
Learn how to make french toast sticks with this quick and easy recipe. I like to have them handy in the freezer for a hearty breakfast in an instant. They’re great for buffets because they can be eaten on the go. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin