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Next Up

Comforting Diner Recipes from Amanda Freitag

Got a craving for chicken and waffles but don't feel like leaving the house? You've come to the right place.

Amanda Freitag's Buttermilk Pancakes with Apple Cranberry Compote, Terrific Turkey Burger, Sweet Hot Fried Chicken and Waffles, and Brisket Melt with Steak Sauce for Year of Oats/Drunk Pies/Diners, as seen on Food Network
Photo: Renee Comet ©
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Diner Staples Made at Home

What's more comforting than classic diner fare? Classic diner fare you can enjoy without ever having to leave your house, of course! Chopped judge and American Diner Revival host Amanda Freitag makes it easy with these straightforward recipes for diner menu staples, like buttermilk pancakes, brisket sandwiches and classic apple pie.

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Amanda Freitag's Buttermilk Pancakes with Apple Cranberry Compote for Year of Oats/Drunk Pies/Diners, as seen on Food Network
Photo: Renee Comet ©
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Buttermilk Pancakes with Apple-Cranberry Compote

Pancakes, hotcakes, flapjacks — no matter what your local diner calls them, this homemade rendition will give them a run for their money. Skip the maple syrup in favor of Amanda's sweet apple-cranberry compote.
get the recipe

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Amanda Freitag's French Onion Soup with Bagel Bread Pudding Croutons for Year of Oats/Drunk Pies/Diners, as seen on Food Network
Photo: Renee Comet ©
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French Onion Soup with Bagel Bread Pudding Croutons

There's not much more anyone could do to improve classic French onion soup that's loaded with caramelized onions and nutty Gruyère cheese. But Amanda recommends one mouthwatering adjustment: Instead of topping each bowl with a toasted baguette, use a scoop of everything-bagel bread pudding.
get the recipe

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Amanda Freitag's Terrific Turkey Burger for Year of Oats/Drunk Pies/Diners, as seen on Food Network.
Photo: Renee Comet ©
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Terrific Turkey Burger

You'll get the same big meaty bites from Amanda's turkey burger as you would from the signature burger at your local greasy spoon, but not the excessive fat. Not only does Amanda opt for lean turkey over beef, but she also works chives, shallots and finely diced red bell pepper into the patties. Once they're grilled, top each burger with delicate watercress and a roasted tomato half.
get the recipe

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Amanda Freitag's Doughnut Holes with Caramel Sauce for Year of Oats/Drunk Pies/Diners, as seen on Food Network.
Photo: Renee Comet ©
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Doughnut Holes with Caramel Sauce

Crisp on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside, these old-fashioned doughnut holes are the perfect indulgence for a weekend at home. The minute they've cooled slightly, shower them with confectioners' sugar and serve with a light drizzle of caramel sauce.
get the recipe

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Amanda Freitag's Waldorf Salad for Year of Oats/Drunk Pies/Diners, as seen on Food Network.
Photo: Renee Comet ©
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Waldorf Salad

This classic Waldorf salad is chock-full of tender poached chicken, crunchy walnuts, grapes, golden raisins and, of course, sliced apple. Serve it all over a bed of soft Bibb lettuce, then finish the salad with a spoonful of creamy lemon-yogurt dressing.
get the recipe

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Amanda Freitag's Seven Layer Lasagna for Year of Oats/Drunk Pies/Diners, as seen on American Diner Revival, Rock 'N Roll Railcar.
Photo: Renee Comet ©
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7-Layer Lasagna

Amanda's incredible seven-layer creation is just as comforting as any blue-plate special — maybe even more so with its generous assembly of tender noodles, creamy ricotta and savory roasted zucchini. Keep it in mind the next time you're hosting a dinner party for a big, hungry crowd.
get the recipe

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Amanda Freitag's Sweet Hot Fried Chicken and Waffles for Year of Oats/Drunk Pies/Diners, as seen on American Diner Revival, Reviving Southern Soul.
Photo: Renee Comet ©
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Sweet-Hot Fried Chicken and Waffles

Amanda serves her buttermilk fried chicken over a hot cheddar waffle and tops the whole thing off with a drizzle of her Sweet-Hot Maple Glaze: a combination of honey and maple syrup that's enhanced with chili powder, paprika, cayenne and more spices.
get the recipe

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Amanda Freitag's Apple Pie for Year of Oats/Drunk Pies/Diners, as seen on American Diner Revival, Degreasing the Greeks.
Photo: Renee Comet ©
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Apple Pie

This is apple pie like it was meant to be served: a mountain of tart Granny Smiths surrounded by sweet, buttery crust. Prepare the dough a day ahead of time and make assembling the pie as easy as rolling out the dough, fluting the edges and piling in the apples. And whatever you do, don't skimp on the apples.
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Amanda Freitag's Brisket Melt with Steak Sauce for Year of Oats/Drunk Pies/Diners, as seen on American Diner Revival, Degreasing the Greeks.
Photo: Renee Comet ©
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Brisket Melt

No need to cook brisket from scratch — last night's leftovers will work perfectly in this comforting melt. Build the sandwiches high between two slices of rye bread, and don't forget the melted mozzarella. 
get the recipe

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Amanda Freitag's "Born to Run" Savory Breakfast Hand Pies for Year of Oats/Drunk Pies/Diners, as seen on American Diner Revival, Rock 'N Roll Railcar.
Photo: Renee Comet ©
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"Born to Run" Savory Breakfast Hand Pies

You won't go back to frozen store-bought hand pies once you've tried this savory mix of scrambled eggs, diced ham and melted cheese stuffed inside a pizza dough pocket.
get the recipe

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Amanda Freitag's Classic Fish and Chips for Year of Oats/Drunk Pies/Diners, as seen on Food Network.
Photo: Renee Comet ©
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Classic Fish and Chips

Amanda's recipe for batter-fried fish yields the same crisp, buttery coating you would anticipate at a diner or pub. Pair the fish with a side of fries — or "chips" — and creamy tartar sauce, for dipping.
get the recipe

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