IHOP has long been a beloved destination for breakfast enthusiasts and families seeking delicious comfort food. The IHOP Cookbook brings the restaurant’s most popular recipes into home kitchens, allowing fans to recreate their favorite dishes anytime. This cookbook features over 100 recipes, including IHOP’s famous buttermilk pancakes, omelets, and savory lunch and dinner options.
From fluffy pancakes drizzled with syrup to hearty skillets loaded with eggs and hash browns, the cookbook covers a wide range of IHOP classics. Home cooks can now master the art of making perfectly golden French toast or whipping up a stack of chocolate chip pancakes just like the ones served in IHOP restaurants. The book also includes recipes for IHOP’s signature syrups and sauces, allowing readers to recreate the full IHOP experience at home.
Beyond breakfast, the cookbook offers recipes for popular lunch and dinner items like chicken florentine crepes and country fried steak. With clear instructions and easy-to-find ingredients, even novice cooks can bring the taste of IHOP to their own tables. The IHOP Cookbook is a must-have for fans of the restaurant chain and anyone who enjoys classic American comfort food.
The Story of IHOP
IHOP’s journey from a single pancake house to an iconic American restaurant chain spans over six decades. The brand’s evolution reflects changing consumer tastes and clever marketing strategies.
Origin and Expansion
IHOP, originally called International House of Pancakes, was founded in 1958 in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles. Al and Jerry Lapin started the restaurant with a focus on pancakes and breakfast foods. The first location quickly gained popularity, leading to rapid expansion.
By 1960, IHOP began franchising, allowing for faster growth across the United States. The 1970s and 1980s saw continued expansion, with IHOP becoming a household name. In 1973, the company changed ownership but maintained its core menu and values.
The 1990s marked significant milestones for IHOP. By 1992, the chain boasted 500 locations nationwide. A year later, they introduced Country Griddle Cakes in partnership with Nabisco, further boosting their popularity.
IHOP in Popular Culture
IHOP’s marketing strategies have played a crucial role in its cultural impact. In 1985, the chain introduced the “Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity” promotion, which became one of their most successful campaigns.
From the mid-1980s to mid-1990s, actor Cliff Bemis became the face of IHOP, appearing in numerous commercials. These ads helped solidify IHOP’s image as a family-friendly restaurant.
In 2018, IHOP temporarily changed its name to “IHOb” to promote its burger menu, generating significant media attention. This move demonstrated the brand’s ability to adapt and stay relevant in a competitive market.
IHOP’s influence extends beyond its restaurants, with the chain releasing cookbooks to bring their popular recipes into homes. These publications allow fans to recreate their favorite IHOP dishes, further cementing the brand’s place in American culinary culture.
Getting Started in Your Kitchen
Transforming your kitchen into an IHOP-inspired culinary workspace requires the right tools, ingredients, and knowledge. Equipping yourself properly sets the foundation for recreating beloved restaurant favorites at home.
Cooking Equipment Essentials
A well-stocked kitchen is crucial for replicating IHOP’s menu items. Invest in a quality non-stick griddle or flat-top pan for perfect pancakes and eggs. A large mixing bowl is essential for batters and doughs.
Purchase measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions. A whisk helps create smooth batters and sauces. An electric mixer makes whipping cream and mixing ingredients effortless.
Don’t forget spatulas, tongs, and a sturdy set of knives. A waffle iron is necessary for crispy, golden waffles. Lastly, acquire heat-resistant oven mitts and trivets for safe handling of hot cookware.
Ingredient Basics
Stock your pantry with IHOP staples to ensure you’re always ready to cook. Keep all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt on hand for pancake and waffle batters.
Buy high-quality maple syrup and a variety of flavored syrups. Fresh eggs, milk, and butter are essential for most recipes. Have vegetable oil for cooking and heavy cream for whipping.
Store bacon, sausage, and ham in the freezer for breakfast meats. Keep a selection of fruits like strawberries and blueberries for toppings and mix-ins. Don’t forget chocolate chips, nuts, and sprinkles for added flavor and texture.
Understanding the Recipes
Familiarize yourself with IHOP’s cooking techniques to achieve authentic results. Practice flipping pancakes to get the perfect golden-brown color. Learn to crack eggs quickly and efficiently for omelets and scrambles.
Read recipes thoroughly before starting. Note cooking times and temperatures. Pay attention to batter consistency and adjust as needed with extra flour or liquid.
Master the art of multitasking to handle multiple orders simultaneously. Timing is crucial – learn to coordinate different components of a meal to serve everything hot and fresh. Remember, practice makes perfect in recreating IHOP’s signature dishes at home.
Signature Breakfasts
IHOP’s signature breakfasts showcase their most beloved morning dishes. These classic offerings have made IHOP a go-to destination for breakfast lovers at any time of day.
IHOP Buttermilk Pancakes
IHOP’s Buttermilk Pancakes are the centerpiece of their breakfast menu. These fluffy, golden discs are made from a secret recipe that produces a light and airy texture. The pancakes are typically served in stacks of two to four, accompanied by whipped butter and warm syrup.
For added indulgence, diners can choose from various toppings like fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts. Many customers pair their pancakes with crispy bacon or savory sausage links for a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Omelets and Benedicts
IHOP offers a wide selection of omelets and Eggs Benedict variations. Their omelets are made with farm-fresh eggs and stuffed with an array of fillings. Popular choices include the Spinach & Mushroom Omelet and the hearty Bacon Temptation Omelet.
For Benedict enthusiasts, IHOP serves up traditional Eggs Benedict as well as unique twists like the Tuscan Chicken Benedict. These dishes feature poached eggs atop English muffins, smothered in rich hollandaise sauce.
Omelets and Benedicts are typically served with a side of crispy hash browns or seasoned home fries.
French Toast and Waffles
IHOP’s French Toast and Waffles provide delightful alternatives to pancakes. The French Toast is made with thick slices of bread dipped in a special batter and grilled to golden perfection. It’s often topped with powdered sugar and served with butter and syrup.
Waffles at IHOP come in several varieties, including the classic Belgian Waffle and fruity options like Strawberry Banana Waffles. These crisp, golden treats are perfect for those who enjoy a bit of crunch with their breakfast.
Both French Toast and Waffles can be customized with additional toppings or paired with savory breakfast meats for a complete meal.
Lunch and Dinner
IHOP’s menu extends far beyond breakfast, offering a diverse selection of lunch and dinner options to satisfy cravings throughout the day. The restaurant’s expanded offerings include hearty burgers, fresh salads, and comforting entrees.
Burgers and Sandwiches
IHOP’s burger lineup features classic favorites and innovative creations. The Big Brunch Burger combines breakfast and lunch flavors with a beef patty topped with bacon, egg, and hash browns. For a lighter option, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich offers a juicy chicken breast with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
Sandwich enthusiasts can enjoy the Philly Cheese Steak, packed with thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese. The Turkey, Bacon & Avocado Wrap provides a convenient handheld meal with fresh ingredients wrapped in a soft tortilla.
Salads and Soups
IHOP’s salad selection caters to health-conscious diners without sacrificing flavor. The Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad features crisp romaine lettuce, grilled chicken breast, and Parmesan cheese tossed in Caesar dressing. For a southwest flair, the Crispy Chicken Cobb Salad combines mixed greens with bacon, hard-boiled egg, and crispy chicken strips.
Soup options include the hearty Chicken Gnocchi Soup, reminiscent of Olive Garden’s popular offering. This creamy soup blends tender chicken, potato gnocchi, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. IHOP also serves a classic Tomato Basil Soup, perfect for pairing with sandwiches.
Hearty Entrees
IHOP’s dinner menu boasts satisfying entrees for those seeking a full meal. The Sirloin Steak Tips offer tender pieces of steak served with sautéed onions and mushrooms. Seafood lovers can enjoy the Tilapia Florentine, featuring a flaky fish fillet topped with creamy spinach sauce.
For comfort food enthusiasts, the Country Fried Steak delivers a crispy breaded steak smothered in country gravy. The Roasted Turkey Dinner provides a taste of Thanksgiving any day of the year, complete with turkey breast, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
IHOP Ham, Swiss and Mushroom Loaded Hash Browns serve as a unique side dish or standalone meal, combining crispy hash browns with savory ham, melted Swiss cheese, and sautéed mushrooms.
Sides and Additions
IHOP’s sides and additions elevate any breakfast or brunch experience. From hearty potato dishes to fresh fruit options, these accompaniments complement main courses perfectly.
Loaded Hash Browns
IHOP’s Loaded Hash Browns transform a simple potato side into a flavorful masterpiece. Crispy shredded potatoes form the base, topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and diced green onions. The Swiss cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor that balances the salty bacon.
For a homemade version:
- Shred potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture
- Cook in a hot skillet until golden and crispy
- Add toppings and broil until cheese melts
This dish pairs well with eggs or can stand alone as a hearty breakfast option. For a vegetarian twist, substitute bacon with sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
Fresh Sides
IHOP offers lighter options to balance out heavier breakfast fare. Fresh fruit cups feature a mix of seasonal berries, melon, and citrus. These provide a refreshing contrast to savory dishes.
Other fresh sides include:
- Sliced tomatoes
- Mixed green salad
- Steamed broccoli
These options cater to health-conscious diners or those seeking a more balanced meal. The fruit cup makes an excellent palate cleanser between bites of pancakes or waffles.
For best results at home, choose ripe, in-season fruits. A light honey-lime dressing can enhance the natural sweetness of the fruit without overpowering it.
Decadent Desserts
IHOP’s dessert menu offers indulgent treats that satisfy any sweet tooth. From pancake-inspired delights to classic cakes and sundaes, these desserts bring the restaurant’s signature flavors home.
IHOP Cheesecake Pancakes
IHOP Cheesecake Pancakes combine two beloved desserts into one irresistible dish. The recipe features fluffy buttermilk pancakes studded with cheesecake pieces. A generous drizzle of strawberry topping adds a fruity touch.
To recreate this at home, cooks can fold small cubes of chilled cheesecake into pancake batter. The key is to keep the cheesecake pieces cold so they don’t melt completely during cooking.
The pancakes are then topped with a warm strawberry compote and a dollop of whipped cream. This dessert offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the soft pancakes to the creamy cheesecake and tangy fruit.
Cakes and Crepes
IHOP’s cake selection includes rich chocolate cakes and fruit-filled crepes. The Double Chocolate Pancake Stackers feature layers of chocolate chip pancakes with chocolate mousse between each layer.
For a lighter option, fruit-topped crepes offer a delicate sweetness. Popular varieties include strawberry cream cheese crepes and banana caramel crepes.
To make crepes at home:
- Use a thin batter
- Swirl the pan to create a thin, even layer
- Cook until lightly golden on both sides
Fill crepes with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate hazelnut spread for an authentic IHOP experience.
Ice Cream Sundaes
IHOP’s ice cream sundaes provide a cool, classic finish to any meal. The signature Butter Pecan Syrup Sundae features vanilla ice cream topped with warm butter pecan syrup and whipped cream.
For a fruity twist, the Strawberry Banana Sundae combines fresh strawberries and bananas with vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of strawberry syrup and a sprinkle of chopped nuts complete the sundae.
To recreate IHOP sundaes at home:
- Use high-quality vanilla ice cream
- Warm syrups before drizzling
- Add fresh fruit for texture and flavor
- Top with whipped cream and a cherry
These sundaes offer a customizable dessert option that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
Crafting Copycat Classics
Recreating beloved restaurant dishes at home allows food enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite meals without leaving the house. This section explores popular copycat recipes and techniques for replicating restaurant-quality food in your own kitchen.
Favorite Recipes Recreated
Many cookbooks and online resources offer copycat versions of famous restaurant dishes. IHOP’s buttermilk pancakes, Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte, and Olive Garden’s breadsticks are among the most sought-after recipes.
Home cooks can find detailed instructions for recreating these classics, often with readily available ingredients. Some popular copycat recipes include:
- Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice
- Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Sandwich
- The Cheesecake Factory’s Avocado Egg Rolls
These recipes allow food lovers to enjoy restaurant-quality meals at a fraction of the cost. They also provide an opportunity to customize dishes to personal preferences or dietary needs.
Mastering the Art of Copycat Cooking
Successful copycat cooking requires attention to detail and specific techniques. Key factors include:
- Ingredient quality: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is crucial for achieving authentic flavors.
- Proper equipment: Investing in the right tools, such as a good quality skillet or stand mixer, can make a significant difference.
- Timing and temperature: Following cooking times and temperatures precisely helps replicate restaurant-style results.
Experimenting with different spice blends and cooking methods can help home cooks perfect their copycat recipes. It’s also important to taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Many copycat recipes benefit from preparation techniques like marinating meats or allowing doughs to rest. These steps can significantly enhance the final product’s taste and texture.
The Home Cook’s Guide to Breakfast Mastery
Mastering breakfast at home requires skill with key ingredients and techniques. Perfecting pancakes and eggs forms the foundation for delicious morning meals.
Pancake Perfection
Achieving fluffy, golden pancakes starts with the batter. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately before combining to prevent overmixing. Let the batter rest 5-10 minutes to allow the flour to absorb liquid.
Preheat the griddle or pan over medium heat. Test readiness by sprinkling water droplets – they should dance and evaporate quickly.
Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top, then flip once. The second side cooks faster.
For buttermilk pancakes, substitute buttermilk for regular milk. The acidity creates a tender texture. Add 1/4 teaspoon baking soda to balance the pH.
Egg-cellent Advice
Crack eggs on a flat surface to prevent shell fragments. Separate whites and yolks by gently passing the yolk between halves of the shell.
For fluffy scrambled eggs, whisk thoroughly before cooking. Add 1 tablespoon milk or cream per egg. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring gently.
Poached eggs require fresh eggs and simmering water with a splash of vinegar. Create a gentle whirlpool before sliding in the egg. Cook 3-4 minutes for set whites and runny yolks.
Fried eggs benefit from a preheated nonstick pan over medium heat. Add butter or oil, then crack in eggs. Cover for over-easy eggs.
Additional Resources
Expand your IHOP recipe repertoire with these valuable resources. Discover new ways to recreate your favorite restaurant dishes at home.
Cookbooks and Magazines
Several cookbooks feature IHOP-inspired recipes. “Copycat Restaurant Favorites” by Taste of Home includes an IHOP Bacon Temptation Omelet recipe. This book offers over 100 restaurant-inspired dishes to make at home.
Food magazines often publish restaurant copycat recipes. Look for issues featuring breakfast and brunch recipes to find IHOP-style dishes. Cooking Light and Bon Appétit occasionally include pancake and waffle recipes similar to IHOP’s offerings.
Online recipe databases like AllRecipes and Food Network also have sections dedicated to restaurant copycat recipes. These often include IHOP-inspired breakfast items.
Online Communities
Reddit’s r/MimicRecipes subreddit is a goldmine for restaurant copycat recipes. Users share and discuss their attempts at recreating popular dishes, including IHOP favorites.
Facebook groups dedicated to copycat recipes are another great resource. Join “Copycat Recipes” or “Restaurant Recipes – I want to make that!” to connect with others passionate about recreating restaurant dishes.
Pinterest boards focused on restaurant copycat recipes often feature IHOP-inspired dishes. Search for “IHOP copycat recipes” to find user-curated collections of breakfast and brunch recipes.
