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Pasta Nachos! Churro Milkshakes! These Are Our Favorite New Menu Items at Chain Restaurants

Pasta Nachos! Churro Milkshakes! These Are Our Favorite New Menu Items at Chain Restaurants

PEOPLE editors tasted all the latest, buzziest foods—and these are the ones worth ordering

By Shay Spence

September 28, 2018 05:01 PM

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OLIVE GARDEN'S LOADED PASTA CHIPS

Credit: Olive Garden

Lightly fried pasta dough is topped with meat sauce, three Italian cheeses, Alfredo sauce and hot peppers.

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CHILI'S QUESO BURGER

The newest riff on its classic patty comes with white queso, tortilla chips and pico de gallo.

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BONEFISH GRILL'S LOBSTER FRITTERS

Credit: Bonefish grill

A mixture of sweet corn and lobster gets deep-fried and served with honey Sriracha sauce in this appetizer.

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CARL'S JR. & HARDEE'S FROOT LOOP DONUTS

Credit: Carls. Jr

Yes, these colorful rings taste (and smell) exactly like the breakfast cereal.

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THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY'S MAPLE BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON

Credit: The Cheesecake Factory

This savory-sweet side is debuting on the restaurant’s fall menu, and we have a deliciously easy at-home recipe.

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APPLEBEE'S STUFFED RIGATONI

Credit: Applebees

Tube-shaped pasta filled with ricotta and Romano cheeses is tossed in tomato-basil beef sauce. It's one of six new pasta dishes launching on Oct. 8.

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WHITE CASTLE'S IMPOSSIBLE SLIDERS

Credit: WHITE CASTLE

The vegetarian version of its classic mini burgers has a surprisingly meaty flavor that could fool any carnivore.

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CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN'S CAULIFLOWER CRUST PIZZA

Credit: California Pizza Kitchen

CPK was the first national chain to introduce this lower-carb pie (above), which now comes in a 7-in. size for kids.

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DAIRY QUEEN'S REESE'S OUTRAGEOUS BLIZZARD

Credit: Dairy Queen

It's a decadent combo of peanut-butter cups, Reese's Pieces, peanut butter and caramel sauce blended with vanilla soft-serve.

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SUBWAY'S CUBANO SANDWICH

Credit: Subway

America's largest chain restaurant is now offering its version of a Cuban sandwich with Black Forest ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard.

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DUNKIN'S DONUT FRIES

Credit: Dunkin Donuts

These fried, cinnamon-sugar-dusted treats have a buttery, croissant-like texture.

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IHOP'S BURGERS

Credit: IHOP

After the restaurant caused an uproar by temporarily changing its name to IHOb in honor of the new steak patties, its burger sales quadrupled.

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KFC'S HOT HONEY CHICKEN

Credit: KFC

The colonel's newest flavor has a floral sweetness with just the right amount of heat in the finish.

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DEL TACO'S CHURRO DIPPER SHAKE

Credit: Del Taco

A vanilla shake with chocolate swirls is served with an entire cinnamon-sugar churro in it.

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PANERA'S BAJA MAC 'N' CHEESE

Credit: Panera Bread

A new twist on its creamy classic comes topped with pico de gallo, avocado and cilantro.

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ARBY'S SMOKEHOUSE BEEF SHORT-RIB SANDWICH

Credit: Arbys

Tender pulled meat is topped with cheddar, crispy onions and barbecue sauce and stuffed between two slices of Texas toast.

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RED LOBSTER'S CHILLED LOBSTER & SHRIMP ROLL

Credit: Red Lobster

This double helping of seafood comes with mayo dressing on a buttery toasted bun.

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RED ROBIN'S BOTTOMLESS HOP SALT FRIES

Credit: Red Robin

The all-you-can-eat tater deal gets upgraded with a seasoning that's a beer lover's dream.

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MCDONALD'S HONEY-GLAZED BBQ TENDERS

Credit: Mcdonalds

The buttermilk crispy chicken tenders (which debuted in 2017) are now available tossed in a sweet-and-spicy sauce.

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SCHLOTZSKY'S BRISKET SANDWICH

Credit: Schlotzkys

Slow-cooked beef is the newest protein option at this chain known for its crispy-yet-airy house-made bread.

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Pasta Nachos! Churro Milkshakes! These Are Our Favorite New Menu Items at Chain Restaurants

1 of 20

OLIVE GARDEN'S LOADED PASTA CHIPS

1 of 20

2 of 20

CHILI'S QUESO BURGER

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3 of 20

BONEFISH GRILL'S LOBSTER FRITTERS

3 of 20

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CARL'S JR. & HARDEE'S FROOT LOOP DONUTS

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5 of 20

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY'S MAPLE BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON

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APPLEBEE'S STUFFED RIGATONI

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WHITE CASTLE'S IMPOSSIBLE SLIDERS

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CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN'S CAULIFLOWER CRUST PIZZA

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DAIRY QUEEN'S REESE'S OUTRAGEOUS BLIZZARD

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SUBWAY'S CUBANO SANDWICH

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DUNKIN'S DONUT FRIES

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IHOP'S BURGERS

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KFC'S HOT HONEY CHICKEN

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DEL TACO'S CHURRO DIPPER SHAKE

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PANERA'S BAJA MAC 'N' CHEESE

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ARBY'S SMOKEHOUSE BEEF SHORT-RIB SANDWICH

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RED LOBSTER'S CHILLED LOBSTER & SHRIMP ROLL

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RED ROBIN'S BOTTOMLESS HOP SALT FRIES

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MCDONALD'S HONEY-GLAZED BBQ TENDERS

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SCHLOTZSKY'S BRISKET SANDWICH

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