Craving something indulgent but want to skip the drive-thru line? Today we’re making the same deliciously satisfying snacks and comfort foods right in our kitchens. Whether you’re experimenting with new recipes or just elevating your go-to faves, these 13 homemade junk food trends have you covered.
Homemade Smash Burgers
Smash burgers are all the rage, and for good reason. The crispy, caramelized edges make each bite a satisfying crunch. Homemade smash burgers let you customize everything from the seasonings on the beef patty to the toppings of your choice. Forget about waiting in line at a fast-food joint; these burgers are quick, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Loaded Fries
Forget the plain, boring fries. Loaded fries are where it’s at! Top them with cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, jalapeños, and even chili, and you’ve got yourself a party on a plate. Whether you’re using regular potatoes or sweet potatoes, these fries beat anything you can get from a drive-thru.
Gourmet Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese sandwiches don’t have to be basic. Think fancy cheeses, crispy bread, and maybe even a little bacon or tomato to take it to the next level. Pair with a bowl of homemade tomato soup, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate comfort food, with more flavor and creativity than any drive-thru could offer.
Churros
Craving something sweet and fried? Skip the fast-food churros and make your own from scratch. With a light, crispy outside and soft, fluffy inside, homemade churros dusted with cinnamon sugar are absolutely irresistible. Serve them with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for the ultimate indulgence.
Taco Bell-Style Crunchwrap Supreme
Who needs Taco Bell when you can make a crunchwrap supreme at home? Layer up tortillas with seasoned ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream, then fold and toast until golden. The crispy shell on the outside and soft fillings on the inside make this homemade version way better than anything you can get in a drive-thru.
Fried Chicken Sandwiches
Crispy, juicy, and perfectly spiced homemade fried chicken sandwiches are a game-changer. Forget the fast-food chains; you can bread your chicken in seasoned flour, fry it up to perfection, and pile it onto a fresh bun with pickles, lettuce, and your favorite sauce. It’s just as crispy, spicy, and satisfying as any drive-thru version, but made with love.
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Cheese Stuffed Pretzels
Homemade cheese-stuffed pretzels are the ultimate comfort food. Soft, doughy pretzels filled with gooey melted cheese create the perfect balance of salty and savory. Whether you dip them in mustard or cheese sauce, they’re better than any pretzel you can buy at a mall kiosk.
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Loaded Nachos
Loaded nachos are the ultimate snack for a night in. Pile tortilla chips high with melted cheese, jalapeños, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and ground beef or chicken for the ultimate junk food feast. Skip the soggy nachos from your local fast food joint and make a crispy, cheesy version at home.
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Homemade Donuts
Forget the drive-thru donut shop homemade donuts are where it’s at. You can fry them fresh, fill them with cream or jelly, or roll them in cinnamon sugar. Whether you make them from scratch or use pre-made dough, these warm, fluffy donuts are way better than anything you can grab in a drive-thru.
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Stuffed Jalapeños
If you’re a fan of spice, homemade stuffed jalapeños are a must-try. These jalapeños are stuffed with cream cheese, seasoned sausage, or cheese, then baked until golden. The combination of heat and creamy filling is a junk food experience that you can’t find in any fast-food restaurant.
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Lava Cake
Indulgent, molten chocolate cake oozing with warm, gooey chocolate filling lava cake at home is a next-level dessert. You can make individual cakes in ramekins in just under 20 minutes, and they’ll come out as decadent as any restaurant dessert.
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Chicken Tenders
Homemade chicken tenders are always better than the fast food version. Coat your chicken strips in crispy breadcrumbs and seasonings, then fry them up until golden brown. Serve with dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch, and you’ve got a satisfying snack that beats the drive-thru.
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Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches
Skip the store-bought variety and make your own ice cream sandwiches at home. Bake your favorite cookies, sandwich them with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ve got a sweet, satisfying treat that’s way better than anything from a drive-thru.
Homemade junk food takes the indulgence of fast food to the next level, giving you full control over the flavors and ingredients. From crispy fried treats to cheesy, loaded snacks, these homemade trends will satisfy every craving and they’re guaranteed to beat anything you can get from a drive-thru every time. So next time you’re in the mood for something indulgent, fire up your kitchen and get cooking these junk food masterpieces are waiting for you!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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