Applebee’s Restaurant Recipes and Menu to Try at Home
Applebee’s has long been a favorite for those craving flavorful meals, fresh appetizers, and a welcoming dining atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying a night out with family or catching up with friends, their menu offers something to satisfy every appetite.
But did you know you can bring the Applebee’s experience into your own kitchen? With a few key ingredients and tips, you can recreate some of their signature dishes at home and enjoy the same delicious flavors without leaving your house.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the best Applebee’s copycat recipes and provide step-by-step instructions and essential ingredients so you can whip up your favorite restaurant favorites in your own kitchen.
Overview of Applebee’s Restaurant Recipes and Menu
Applebee’s is renowned for its diverse menu that caters to every taste and craving. From mouthwatering appetizers and indulgent desserts to hearty main courses, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re dining out or looking to recreate your favorite dishes at home, Applebee’s recipes bring the restaurant experience straight to your kitchen. Their top menu categories include:
| Menu Category | Popular Dishes |
| Appetizers | Queso Blanco, Mozzarella Sticks |
| Main Courses | Bourbon Street Steak, Oriental Chicken Salad, Crispy Orange Chicken |
| Desserts | Triple Chocolate Meltdown |
| Drinks | Cocktails, Mocktails, Beers |
Top Applebee’s Copycat Recipes
Applebee’s Queso Blanco
One of Applebee’s most famous starters is the creamy, flavorful Queso Blanco. This rich cheese dip is perfect for enjoying with crispy tortilla chips or as a decadent topping for tacos, nachos, and other dishes. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the iconic Applebee’s Queso Blanco right in your own kitchen and impress your friends and family.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
| 1 tablespoon butter | 1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. |
| 1 small onion, diced | 2. Add the diced onion and jalapeño, cooking until softened. |
| 1 jalapeño, diced | 3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. |
| 1 cup heavy cream | 4. Stir in the shredded cheeses until melted and smooth. |
| 1 ½ cups shredded white cheddar cheese | 5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve with tortilla chips. |
| 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese | |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
Applebee’s Bourbon Street Steak
The Bourbon Street Steak is a fan-favorite for anyone craving a tender, flavorful steak. This signature dish features a perfectly cooked, juicy steak topped with a rich, savory bourbon sauce. Its bold flavors and mouthwatering aroma make it a must-try, and with the right ingredients, you can easily recreate this Applebee’s classic at home.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
| 2 ribeye steaks | 1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. |
| 1 tablespoon olive oil | 2. Season the steaks with salt and pepper, then sear on both sides for about 4-5 minutes per side. |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | 3. Remove the steaks from the skillet and put on side. |
| ½ cup bourbon | 4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. |
| ¼ cup brown sugar | 5. Mix in the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer until the sauce thickens. |
| 2 tablespoons soy sauce | 6. Return the steaks to the skillet and layer with the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes, then serve. |
| 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard |
Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad
Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful choice for lunch or dinner. Crispy chicken strips tossed in a zesty, crunchy coating sit atop a bed of crisp greens, complemented by vibrant vegetables and a savory dressing. This salad offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a standout option for anyone looking for a light yet satisfying meal.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
| 2 boneless chicken breasts | 1. Marinate the chicken breasts in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for 20 minutes. |
| 1 tablespoon soy sauce | 2. Cook the chicken by grilling or pan-frying until golden brown and cooked through. |
| 1 tablespoon rice vinegar | 3. Slice the chicken into strips and put on a side. |
| 1 tablespoon sesame oil | 4. Toss the mixed greens, chow mein noodles, sliced almonds, and oriental dressing in a large bowl. |
| 4 cups mixed greens | 5. Cover the salad with the grilled chicken strips and serve. |
| ½ cup chow mein noodles | |
| ½ cup sliced almonds | |
| ¼ cup oriental dressing |
Applebee’s Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are one of Applebee’s most beloved appetizers, known for their golden, crispy exterior and gooey, melted cheese center. With this simple recipe, you can easily recreate these cheesy, crunchy delights right in your own kitchen and enjoy a restaurant-style snack anytime.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
| 12 mozzarella sticks | 1. Coat the mozzarella sticks in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and then coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. |
| 1 cup all-purpose flour | 2. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). |
| 2 eggs, beaten | 3. Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. |
| 1 cup breadcrumbs | 4. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping. |
| ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese | |
| Vegetable oil for frying |
Applebee’s Crispy Orange Chicken
Applebee’s Crispy Orange Chicken is a flavorful favorite, featuring perfectly crunchy chicken pieces coated in a tangy and sweet orange glaze. The combination of crispiness and citrusy zest makes this dish irresistible, and it’s simple to recreate at home for a restaurant-quality experience.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
| 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces | 1. Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch and dip into the beaten eggs. |
| 1 cup cornstarch | 2. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the chicken pieces until golden and crispy. |
| 2 eggs, beaten | 3. In a separate saucepan, mix orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer. |
| 1 tablespoon vegetable oil | 4. Roll the crispy chicken in the orange sauce until fully coated. |
| ½ cup orange juice | 5. Present with steamed rice and garnish with green onions. |
| 2 tablespoons soy sauce | |
| 3 tablespoons brown sugar | |
| 1 tablespoon rice vinegar |
Tips for Recreating Applebee’s Flavors
Here are some tips to feel a true essence of Applebee’s dishes:
| Tip | Description |
| Use fresh ingredients | Choose fresh herbs and vegetables to achieve the restaurant’s flavor profile. |
| Adjust seasonings | Applebee’s recipes mostly comprise of blends of spices, so don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. |
| Try cooking techniques | Many Applebee’s dishes depend on grilling or pan-searing, so make sure to learn these techniques for authentic results. |
Applebee’s Menu for Special Dietary Needs
Applebee’s caters to a variety of dietary preferences and calorie-conscious diners. Whether you’re looking for lighter meals, low-calorie options, or dishes tailored to specific nutritional needs, their menu offers plenty of choices to enjoy a satisfying and wholesome dining experience.
| Dietary Need | Suggested Adjustments |
| Gluten-Free | Swap flour with gluten-free options and opt for a gluten-free soy sauce for dishes like the Bourbon Street Steak. |
| Low-Calorie | Choose grilled versions of meats and utilize lighter dressings or fewer ingredients in the salads. |
| Vegetarian | Various dishes can be made vegetarian by replacing meat with plant-based alternatives like tofu or veggie patties. |
Final Wrap-Up
Bringing Applebee’s flavors into your kitchen has never been easier with these copycat recipes. From tender, juicy steaks to gooey, cheesy appetizers, you can recreate the restaurant experience right at home. Gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy your favorite Applebee’s dishes anytime without stepping out.