Cheap and Easy Copycat Fast Food Recipes

By Candace Zafirellis
Published 8/20/2024
In This Article
Cheap and Easy Copycat Fast Food Recipes

These days even the cheapest fast food meals can cost a family of four more than $50. Tonight, you can serve dinner for $20 or less by making one of these cheap and easy copycat fast food recipes at home instead.

Not only do these healthy and delicious recipes from Health eCooks cost half as much as fast food orders, they’re much better for you, too. While most takeout food is high in calories, fat, sodium and preservatives, these fast food copycat recipes are much less expensive dinner options that are packed with nutritious ingredients.

How does made at home fast food taste? It tastes great! Find out for yourself.  Make one of these easy fast food recipes in your kitchen tonight.

Why Make Fast Food at Home

We’re all guilty of calling in takeout orders on busy weeknights, but cheap dinner options are becoming scarce in this economy. A soup and salad combo from Saladworks can cost $18 per person, while an 8-piece chicken tender meal from Popeye’s can set you back more than $20.

Delivery apps push fast food prices to a whole new level. Ordering a $10 meal online can cost more than double when you add in delivery fees. Even if you pick up your order in person, it’s now standard for a tip screen to flash in front of you when you pay. That’s why homemade fast food is one of the easiest ways to reduce your monthly food bill.

If you’re ready to put an end to pricey food orders and exorbitant delivery fees, start making fast food recipes at home that have your favorite flavors. These easy fast food recipes are not only tasty, they may even help you lose weight!

Easy Fast Food Copycat Recipes To Make Tonight

Some of the best homecooked meals are the ones that copycat our favorite fast food recipes. That’s because home cooked versions of our favorite meals are full of fresh ingredients and none of the unhealthy fats and preservatives used in fast food. Here’s a breakdown of the cost and calories per person of some of America’s favorite fast food meals, along with healthy, less expensive copycat alternatives you can easily cook at home.

  • Chicken Sandwich

    The average cost for Health eCooks’ chicken sandwich: $3

    Fried chicken is a fast food favorite for a reason, but did you know that a classic chicken sandwich from KFC without sides is $7 and has 650 calories, 35g of fat and 1,260mg of sodium?

    Instead, make this Chicken Avocado Sandwich in just 15 minutes. With only 266 calories, 10g of fat and 422mg of sodium, it has all the flavor of your favorite chicken sandwich, plus the added buttery taste and health benefits of avocado.

  • Cheeseburger

    The average cost for Health eCooks’ burger and sweet potato chips: $4

    Sometimes nothing but a cheeseburger will do. A McDonald’s quarter pounder with cheese can run you $7, with 520 calories and 1,140mg of sodium. Gettin the value meal adds a few more dollars and many more calories to the total.

    Instead, fire up the grill (or oven) for these All-American Burgers with 402 calories and half the sodium.

    Enjoy your burger with a side of these Sweet Potato Chips that have 83 calories and no cholesterol.

  • Chicken Nuggets

    The average cost for 4 Health eCooks’ chicken bites and sauce: $2.25

    Chicken nuggets are the perfect portable fast food meal, especially with a side of delectable dipping sauce. A 4-count chicken nugget order from Chick-fil-A costs around $7, with 550 calories and a whopping 1,320mg of sodium (not including the dipping sauce).

    Skip the fast food order and make your own with this mouthwatering copycat recipe for Bang Bang Chicken. For just 254 calories and 174mg of sodium, you can enjoy 4 chicken bites along with a deliciously spicy sauce made with four easy ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

  • French Fries

    The average cost for half cup serving of Health eCooks’ garlic fries: $0.50

    Many fast food meals include a side of fries, so we’d be remiss to not include them on our list. A large side of Wendy’s natural-cut French fries is around $4.50, with 470 calories and 740mg of sodium.

    Instead of seasoning with heaps of salt, make these Garlic Fries with the flavors of parsley, garlic and parmesan cheese. These fries have only 131 calories and 136mg of sodium per serving. Plus, the recipe makes 12 servings, which leaves plenty of leftovers to enjoy!

  • Burrito

    The average cost for Health eCooks’ burrito: $1.60

    A burrito can be enjoyed any time of day and is a filling meal that’s easy to eat on the go. You could opt for one of the healthier versions at Taco Bell, such as the Black Bean Grilled Cheese Burrito for $5.50. But with 700 calories and 37g of fat, it’s still a pretty hefty lift.

    Or you could make this copycat recipe at home for Black Bean Burritos, with similar delicious ingredients but only 291 calories and 11g of fat.

  • Chicken Parmigiana

    Average cost for Health eCooks’ chicken parmigiana and Caesar salad: $5

    Chicken Parmigiana is such a classic Italian dish to enjoy at restaurants or for takeout. It’s comforting, flavorful and hearty. But order that dish from Olive Garden and you’ll not only spend $20 for one serving, you’ll consume 1,020 calories and a whopping 3,300mg of sodium.

    Instead, make this healthy Chicken Parmigiana at home for 263 calories and 246mg of sodium. Enjoy a hearty helping of Caesar Salad on the side at 166 calories.

  • Vanilla Milkshake

    The average cost for Health eCooks’ vanilla milkshake: $1.10.

    Sometimes nothing but a vanilla milkshake will satisfy a craving! But if you order this creamy fast food treat at Five Guys, you’ll pay $6.50 and consume 870 calories and 84g of fat, which is more than the average meal.

    A Vanilla Milkshake can easily be whipped up at home with 4 simple ingredients, and this healthier fast food recipe qualifies as a light snack with only 204 calories and 3g of fat.

  • Sweet and Sour Chicken

    The average cost of Health eCooks’ sweet and sour chicken with brown rice: $2.50

    Sweet and sour chicken is a staple at Chinese restaurants. While the meal often comes in around 700 calories, the fat content can also be as high as 40g. The price can range from $12 at the local Chinese takeout to upwards of $20 at high-scale restaurants like PF Chang’s.

    Next time, opt to make this copycat recipe for Sweet and Sour Chicken at home, with just 148 calories and 3g of fat per serving. Serve some brown rice on the side, and you’ll have a healthy and filling meal.

Easy Fast Food Ideas To Make at Home

If you’re looking to save money on food, give these cheap and easy fast food recipes a try and see how much further your paycheck takes you this month. You’ll find that the money you save with these copycat fast food recipes will free up some much needed cash in your budget.

While these make-at-home meals cost much less than their fast food equivalents, you’ll be surprised by the flavor punch they pack in every bite. Pick your favorite fast food recipes from the list and start cooking!

You can also save money by making snacks at home with these quick and easy heart healthy snacks.

Looking to meal prep to save time during the week so you don’t need to rely on takeout orders? Check out these healthy dinner meal prep ideas.

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