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I stopped buying a lot of fast food after I started making the dishes at home. Let’s face it: fixing meals at home is almost always cheaper than eating at a restaurant. That’s true whether it’s a fancy restaurant or fast food. I learned firsthand when replicating some of my favorite fast food items. I’ve created a list of my favorite fast food dishes I make at home. For this list, I’ve kept the fast food dishes, general. There are dozens of fast food spots that sell burgers, so why signal a specific one? Continue reading to see my list of 14 easy, fast foods you can make at home.
1. Hash Browns
I can’t see hash browns the same way in fast food spots or casual restaurants. They are literally just grated and fried potatoes! Why not make your own instead of spending $2 on just one hash brown? You only need seasoning, a potato peeler, a cheese grater, and oil. I buy a huge bag of golden potatoes for under $4.
2. French Fries
I love potatoes. Nearly everything I buy in a fast food spot has something to do with potatoes. While hash browns are good, french fries are better. Instead of grating potatoes, you just peel and slice them. The process is swift. If you’re too scared to deep fry them, you can oven-bake or air fry.
3. Chicken Sandwiches
After a long day at work, I struggle to make meals. It’s much easier to buy fast food through the drive-thru and enjoy it in the car. But it’s best to make your favorite fast food at home to save money. A chicken sandwich is one of the easiest fast food dishes to make at home. You don’t have to bread or fry the chicken from scratch. Instead, buy frozen chicken patties, your favorite toppings, and bread.
4. Hamburgers
There are very few differences between a chicken sandwich and a hamburger. You practically make them the same way. Instead of sandwiching chicken with bread, it’s a beef patty. This is a similar fast food to the one above. While you can make patties from scratch with fresh ground beef, you can also cook frozen patties.
5. Chipotle Bowls
One of my favorite places to eat is Chipotle. At one point, it felt worth it. My husband and I always ordered a bowl to share filled to the brim with food that cost less than $12. That same bowl is much more expensive and has much less food! Instead of heading to Chipotle, I make the bowl myself, which tastes just as delicious. You can find countless simple recipes online.
6. Chili
Not all fast-food chains offer chili, but it’s super easy to make at home. All you need are your favorite beans, ground meat, seasonings, and tomatoes. Personally, I love adding shredded cheese and crackers. Make your own instead of spending nearly $5 on a small cup! You’ll have plenty of leftovers to last you.
7. Subs
I’m a huge fan of cold subs. Because of this, there was a time when I went to Subway or Wawa at least twice a week. But honestly, cold subs, like many other fast food dishes, take no time to make. I like making them more at home because of the variety. You can choose and use your favorite deli meat, cheese, and toppings.
8. Hard Tacos
After a hang-out day with friends, there is nothing better than enjoying some Taco Bell and gossip. But it can add up really quickly. When I have Taco Bell cravings, I make the recipes at home. You can walk into any grocery store and find taco seasoning. Season and cook your favorite meat, then buy hard taco shells. You can buy 12 taco shells for under $7.
9. Burritos
Another easy, fast food you can make at home to save money is burritos. I used to be intimidated by burritos. Sure, they are easy to assemble, but rolling them can take some time and practice before you get the hang of it. But even if your burrito isn’t the most beautiful, it’s much cheaper than buying one at a fast food restaurant.
10. Milkshakes
Fast food includes sandwiches, mains, sides, and drinks. One of the easiest ones to make at home is a milkshake. The best part of making one at home is your creative liberty. You’re subject to their current flavors at fast food spots, but at home, you get to decide. My go-to at home is banana and Nutella with whipped cream.
11. Cookies
No store-bought or fast-food cookie comes close to homemade cookies. I am a cookie-fiend. I’d eat cookies every day if it weren’t bad for me. While I used to order the ones from Chick-fil-A and Wendy’s, I’ve resorted to baking them from scratch. You don’t have to make cookies every day, either. I make a big batch and freeze them to eat as I want. They take no time to defrost.
12. Pork Fried Rice
This is a tricky one. Not everyone considers American Chinese food fast food, but it can be. Growing up, my family and I used to order from a Chinese spot that only served takeout. The food was ready fast, too. Pork fried rice is a staple at home. I make it at least twice a month. I like using leftover rice, soy sauce, seasonings, fried eggs, and pork. You could substitute the pork for shrimp or chicken.
13. Chicken Nuggets
Did you know you can make chicken nuggets at home? Honestly, they’ll probably taste better than your favorite fast-food nuggets. All you need to do is cut chicken breast or tenderloins into cubes and season. Afterward, create a bread coating and soak the pieces of chicken in an egg wash. Then, roll the chicken around the coating and oil fry, bake, or air fry. If this sounds like too much, buy pre-cooked and frozen nuggets at your local grocery store.
14. Loaded Nachos
Ending our list of easy, fast foods you can make at home is loaded nachos. Loaded nachos are super simple to make, yet I was blown away when I first made them. Now, I can’t justify buying a plate of loaded nachos anymore. You get to choose whatever you want on top. On the bottom are nacho chips. I sometimes substitute tortilla chips for Doritos.
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