We LOVE a good copycat recipe and are constantly working to figure out just how exactly places like Panera, Taco Bell, Burger King, and Olive Garden are making their food taste so good. One of our favorite places to try and dupe? The Cheesecake Factory! Why? The cheesecake, ofc, but also an unpretentious savory 20-page menu (!!) that takes notes from cuisines around the world, and still manages to be approachable and comfortable. It’s baffling really, which is why we’ll admit we haven’t gotten too far in our journey through their 250+ item menu. We are pretty proud of the 11 recipes we have attempted, so try making them at home next time you’re craving Cheesecake Factory. Sorry, though indoor palm trees and Greco-Roman horse statues not included. 😆
Even if we attempted no other recipes from the Cheesecake Factory, it would be crazy of us not to at least try their classic cheesecake. It’s not as elaborate as some of their other options, but topped only with just glazed strawberries and whipped cream, it’s pretty perfect in its simplicity. We’re not the only ones who think so either—it’s far and away their most popular flavor. We've also got two recipes here inspired by some of the desserts on the Cheesecake Factory menu—our red velvet cheesecake cake and our pineapple upside-down cheesecake cake. These cakes are awesome all on their own, but adding cheesecake takes them to a whole other level.
Speaking of being inspired, we feel like we've got a weirdly symbiotic relationship with the Factory. Sometimes we're sure we're making copycats of them; other times it feels like they might be making copycats of us. One thing is for sure—great minds definitely think alike. Whichever it is, we’re pretty pleased to both be able to get some of our favorite fun recipes at our local Cheesecake Factory or to make them within the comfort of our own home. Check out our spicy ahi tuna nachos, our Parmesan asparagus fries, our BLT Benedict, or our rigatoni alla vodka (we love that we’re both throwing tradition to the wind and ditching the penne!) if you feel the same way.
Craving even more Cheesecake Factory inspiration? If you want us to attempt a specific copycat recipe, let us know which one in the comments below. If you just can't get enough of the chain, you’ve gotta watch our resident Director of Video, Julia, in the final episode of her video series, Julia Tries Everything: Cheesecake Factory edition. Even if you're not a die-hard fan, her enthusiasm for the restaurant is infectious.