17 Discontinued Fast Food Items (And Their Recipes)
These discontinued restaurant recipes will give you nostalgia (and make you hungry)
You remember them. You miss them. And now you can make them at home! These 17 Discontinued Fast Food Items are those dishes that you loved so much but can't find anymore. Whether you were a fan of KFC's popcorn chicken or you're a McRib fanatic, we've got the recipe for you, so you can make your favorites at home.
These failed fast food items might not be around anymore, but that doesn't mean they weren't delicious! There are those items you remember from your childhood that bring back nostalgia, and then there are those certain discontinued items that you've been craving that just disappeared from the menu one day.
Not only have we identified some of the most popular discontinued items from fast food and fast casual restaurants, but we have the recipes, too.
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1. Panera’s Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich Copycat Recipe
This sandwich was simply delightful! The reason Panera took it off their menu is a complete mystery to us. But never fear; if you were a fan of this delicious sandwich, you can now make it at home. Just watch the quick video below to learn how to make it. It's perfect for lunches!
2. Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Soup Copycat Recipe
This soup from Outback Steakhouse is full of cheesy goodness! If you ever tasted this recipe while it was still at Outback, you'll definitely remember how delicious it was. The perfect blend of seasonings in this soup makes it perfect for a chilly fall evening. You won't be able to have just one bowl!
3. Chili’s Monterey Chicken Copycat Recipe
When you're in the mood for something new for dinner, give this old Chili's chicken recipe a try. Chili's had this delicious Monterey chicken until 2015, when they removed it from the menu, but never fear. You can have this chicken dinner any time you'd like! It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
4. Olive Garden's Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Pie Copycat Recipe
Remember this delicious dish from Olive Garden? It might not be the healthiest dish around, but it definitely is the most delicious. If you're a fan of Olive Garden's chicken alfredo, then you really should give this savory pie version a try. You'll never make spaghetti the same way again.
5. KFC's Popcorn Chicken Copycat Recipe
KFC's popcorn chicken was served in their restaurants until 2011, but even though these delicious nuggets of flavor aren't available anymore, you can still replicate that classic KFC flavor with this recipe. The secret here is all in the breading and seasoning.
6. Chick-fil-A's Coleslaw Copycat Recipe
No Southern meal would be complete without a side of coleslaw! Chick-fil-A used to have their own take on this delicious side, but discontinued it. If you've ever had homemade coleslaw, you know that it's better than any storebought version could ever be. Bring this coleslaw to your next family gathering, and everyone will be asking you for the recipe.
7. McDonald's McRib Sandwich Copycat Recipe
When it comes to discontinued fast food sandwiches, the McRib really stands out. This sandwich has gained quite the following, and when McDonald's occasionally brings it back, it's incredibly popular. Fans of this sandwich have even created a McRib Locator, where you can report sightings of the sandwich. But don't worry, you don't have to wait for McDonald's to bring this item back. With this recipe, you can make it at home whenever you want!
8. Denny's Fried Cheese Melt Copycat Recipe
This Denny's creation is brilliant, and we just can't figure out why they took it off the menu! It's basically a grilled cheese sandwich with mozarella sticks in the middle. A double dose of cheesy goodness! This sandwich is perfect for when you're craving a little guilty pleasure food for dinner.
9. Starbucks' Unicorn Frappuccino Copycat Recipe
This Starbucks frappuccino came and went in the blink of an eye. Only available for five days in spring 2017, this fruit drink was all the rage because of its colorful appearance. Plus, it was delicious! Even though this drink is gone from Starbucks' menu, you can still make it at home with this copycat recipe.
10. Bennigan's Turkey O'Toole Copycat Recipe
Whether you need a new recipe to switch things up with your lunch routine, or you just miss this recipe from Bennigan's, this Turkey O'Toole gets the job done. In 2005, Bennigan's closed many of their locations, leaving their fans and their cravings behind. If you were one of those Bennigan's lovers, never fear. This Turkey O'Toole copycat recipe is here.
11. McDonald's Fried Apple Pie Copycat Recipes
You probably know McDonald's apple pies, but did you know that they used to have fried apple pies? That's right, the masters of fried food once brought their deep frying skills to the dessert table. Although this item hasn't been around for a while and was replaced by the baked version, you can still get that deep-fried goodness at home.
12. Panera's Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe
Panera's salads really stand out on their menu. They're healthy, delicious, and unique! Panera's Asian Sesame Chicken Salad was a signature part of their menu until it left in 2016. The next time you're craving this salad's unique sweet and savory flavors, just consult this recipe. It tastes just like the original!
13. Carrabba's Sausage and Lentil Soup Copycat Recipe
This soup is only available certain times of the year, but sometimes we get a little Carrabba's craving that can't wait until the fall. This soup is packed with tons of flavor and it's really irresistible. It's easy to make, too. Now you don't have to wait for it to come back to enjoy this Italian restaurant staple.
14. Copycat Wendy's Frescata Bread
When Wendy's discontinued these delicious sandwiches, fans were definitely disappointed. If you were a Frescata fanatic like we were, you'll remember that the thing that really made these sandwiches outstanding was the BREAD! Lucky for you, we've cracked the recipe code so you don't have to!
15. Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad Sandwich
The latest in discontinued fast food items, this Chick-fil-A classic will surely be missed! The slightly sweet chicken salad was a fan favorite and included pickle relish and hard boiled eggs. If you're disappointed that you can no longer get this delicious deli salad sandwich from Chick-fil-A, look no further!
16. Copycat Cracker Barrel Beef Stew
This recently discontinued recipe was once a fan favorite of Cracker Barrel! For fans of this comfort food staple -- never fear. We have the recipe.
17. Copycat Taco Bell Pork and Bean Chalupas
This chalupa was a Taco Bell cult classic for years. Thankfully it's still around because it tastes absolutely delicious.
What fast food item are you nostalgic for?
Let us know in the comments!
(We just might have a recipe for it.)
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nancyj195757 12727 53
May 05, 2022
Taco John's used to make Mexi-Rolls that I just loved, I always dipped them in their Nacho Cheese Sauce and I just couldn't have them often enough, now they don't make them at all! I'm really hoping you have a recipe for them they are delicious!!
McReader 0545826
Dec 07, 2021
My husband and I really miss Big Boy Swiss Miss Burgers. We can do most of it, but we can't find the light rye buns anywhere. Do you have a recipe to make our own?
gmaddp63
Feb 15, 2021
Do you have a recipe for a Tuna Melt served back in the 60s in the Kings restaurants?
jeannie63028 74313 13
Oct 25, 2019
does anyone remember Taco Bell's bell beefer? how about a copycat recipe for this?
Suzidodson 2372799
Jul 02, 2018
Hardees/Carl Jr.s Raisin Biscuits. Lordy, they were soooo good. Thanks
booklover66
Mar 07, 2018
Would love the recipe for Hometown Buffet's corn chowder. Anyone have it?
psycospider12 1355 619
Jan 17, 2018
i would love to see Taco bell,s old recipes discontiouned ones, please
Norgedotter
Dec 27, 2017
I really miss Chi Chi's taco salad with their house dressing. The dressing is what made it soo good.
Jim Moriarty
Sep 22, 2017
AllFreeCopycatRecipes is my favorite foodie site on the web. It's so fun and helpful. I just love your recipes. And this page? It's the best one.
stemmi513 5888468
Aug 16, 2017
The old "Sandy's " fast food restaurant with an amazing burger that had come slaw on it!!!
Casquilt 5670733
Jul 24, 2017
We loved TGI Friday's homestyle nachos. They have been discontinued and are nowhere near as good as the older ones. We would love it if you could supply the recipe. Thanks.
kathyskipper 10922 87
Jul 24, 2017
I have been searching for the Deviled Crab mix that was on the Outer Banks Sampler from Red Lobster. It has been discontinued for years now still can't find how to make my own
juliecain1955 7482 334
Jul 06, 2017
I am nostalgic for two discontinued fast food items...the first is the A W Pizza Burger, the second is the pizza omelet that was offered by Perkins. These were both so good.
MadameK
Jun 25, 2017
I was so disappointed that William Sonoma discontinued their Peanut Noodle Sauce - it was special. Does anyone have a copycat recipe for it? Thanks.
Member 7157392
Jun 22, 2017
I would love to have Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Soup Copycat Recipe again.
jessicahaystx
Jun 22, 2017
I love Fazoli's breadsticks!! We used to sneak them into the movie theatre and eat them instead of popcorn!
versatileer 480255 3
Jun 22, 2017
I love the Mexi-Melt form Taco Bell. They are no longer on the visible menu, but they will make them for me.
Wife2Mom
Jun 22, 2017
I miss Royal Castle hamburgers. I don't know how they were prepapred exactly. All I know that they were the best I have ever had, and that is after eating almost sixty years of hamburgers.
charder1 0058703
Jun 20, 2017
Red Robin Potato Skins they deleted these but they were the best
BethElderton
Jun 17, 2017
OMGoodness----that Monterrey Chicken! And the Turkey-Apple-Cheddar Sandwich! I guess I am too long away from the restaurants now that I am learning to cook at home. (Learning to really cook after many years of "getting dinner to the table")
nanaodea7 3572724
Jun 16, 2017
Many years ago Subway made a meatball and sausage sub. They were my favorite.
Kim K 12345
Jun 13, 2017
I am nostalgic for the curly fries we used to get when I was a kid. Thanks for offering this nice contest!
cruised
Jun 12, 2017
Olive Garden's Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Pie Copycat Recipe is a recipe I thought long gone. Thank you!
mariedaniellekathl een 8270021
Jun 12, 2017
Tim Horton's used to make an Oreo donut that my son looooved. He is 35 years old, and brought it up just last night.
taj42t
Jun 12, 2017
I have a great fondness for fry pies so I would support bringing back the McDonald's originals. I love nostalgia too.
ridiculosity 67303 43
Jun 11, 2017
I haven't had an awful lot of fast food and don't remember even hearing of most of these listed. We used to go to a little place on the mall that made the most wonderful apple fritters. That was our treat when we had to do business in the city.
duskyroses 6854915
Jun 10, 2017
Sbarros also had an awesome chicken dish I used to get at the mall food court 25 years ago when I was a kid. Can anyone remember what it was called?
EditorLP
Jun 08, 2017
A couple of years ago around Thanksgiving, McDonalds briefly offered a sweet potato hand pie! I'm a huge sweet potato fan, so I definitely had a couple during the short time they made them. I wish they would make them every year!
sweetaloha
Jun 05, 2017
Sbarro's used to have a delicious dish called "Stuffed Eggplant". I would love to have that recipe.
jljantz 3157061
Jun 02, 2017
Would you have TGIF Friday's recipe for their potato soup?
Toby K Editor
Jun 07, 2017
Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that we have that recipe; however, we do have an entire page of other recipes from TGI Fridays! https://www.allfreecopycatrecipes.com/Other-Copycat-Recipes/Copycat-Recipes-TGI-Fridays
Wiccan Woman
Jun 01, 2017
I used to work for a Carl's Jr. in Ca way back when. They had this fantastic sandwich called the California Roast Beef. I remembered how to make and even improve on it for my family who all just loved it! Start with a brioche bun, lightly toasted, about 3-4 ounces thinly sliced medium rare roast beef, I get mine at the deli at Cub Foods here in MN, If you don't like it spicy just get the canned mild whole green chili's, one chili per sandwich, we use fresh sliced jalapenos, add one good size slice of tomato and then top with swiss cheese slice, add the top bun half wrap in a paper towel and microwave for about 30-35 seconds, Enjoy!
mbookworm1968 7033 542
May 25, 2017
Taco Bell used to have a salad with rice and grilled chicken and cheese and some kind of yummy sauce, i cant remember what it was called, but i really miss those!
Toby K Editor
May 19, 2017
I really miss Wendy's Frescata sandwiches! What's your favorite dish they don't make anymore?
ejhawken 4538072
Jul 24, 2018
Wendy's Cobb Salad was the best!! Absolutely loved it. But being the only one in the house that liked it makes it hard to spend the money on the blue cheese extras for just one person.
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