17 better-than-takeout recipes you can make in your kitchen

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Tired of waiting for your takeout order to arrive, only to find that it’s cold, soggy, or just not quite what you expected? Well, put down that delivery app and get ready to become your own chef with these 17 better-than-takeout recipes!

A shredded beef sandwich with melted cheese on a bun, served with curly fries on a tray.
Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Asian Spare Ribs

Two ribs on a tray with sesame seeds and sesame seeds.
Asian Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Asian spare ribs are slow-cooked to absorb a blend of aromatic spices and sauces, resulting in a mouthwatering meal you can easily make at home. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe lets you enjoy takeout-style flavors with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Asian Spare Ribs

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli and carrots.
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring Panera’s beloved broccoli cheddar soup to your home with this copycat recipe. With its rich, cheesy, and velvety texture, this cozy dish allows you to enjoy the comforting flavors of Panera without having to step outside.
Get the Recipe: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich

Copycat Chick-fil-A sandwich with tomato, lettuce and cheese.
Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Prepare a juicy air fryer chicken sandwich at home using this copycat Chick-Fil-A recipe. When you’re craving a crispy chicken sandwich, this easy-to-make recipe allows you to enjoy the fast-food favorite without the drive-thru.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich

Chicken Shawarma

A close-up of a pita bread sandwich filled with spiced chicken, tomatoes, and green peppers, served on a white plate with a side salad.
Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Spice up your kitchen routine with this Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma recipe, a flavorful twist on a weeknight classic. Ready in minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you’re craving takeout flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma

Taco Bell Fiesta Potatoes

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes in a white ramekin topped with sour cream and green onions.
Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Recreate Taco Bell’s Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes at home in minutes with this copycat recipe. Enjoy crispy, spicy potatoes covered with nacho cheese sauce, giving you the opportunity to indulge in your favorite fast-food side dish without leaving your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Recreate the popular P.F. Chang’s dish at home with this air fryer Mongolian beef recipe. Crispy beef is coated in a sweet and salty sauce, resulting in a kid-friendly meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Beef

Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Egg roll cut in half and dipped into sweet chili sauce.
Air Fryer Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Satisfy your takeout cravings at home with these crispy homemade egg rolls made in an air fryer. Filled with a flavorful combination of pork and cabbage, these egg rolls offer a crispy exterior without the hassle of deep-frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar

A shredded beef sandwich with melted cheese on a bun, served with curly fries on a tray.
Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Skip the drive-thru and make a copycat Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar recipe in your slow cooker for effortless, delicious sandwiches at home. With tender roast beef, creamy cheese sauce, and toasted buns, your family will love this budget-friendly comfort food that rivals the restaurant version.
Get the Recipe: Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar

Orange Chicken

Plate of orange chicken in a metal bowl from the top.
Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Instant Pot orange chicken is a delicious Asian-inspired meal that you can easily make at home. Every bite is bursting with flavor, reminiscent of Panda Express Orange Chicken, and it’s ready fast..
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Crab Rangoon

Crab rangoon in the air fryer basket.
Crab Rangoon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring the takeout experience to your kitchen with these air fryer crab rangoon. These crispy crab bites combine succulent crab with creamy cheese in a fried dumpling, making for a surprisingly easy-to-make side dish.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork

Tray of shredded pork tacos in flour tortillas, garnished with cilantro and served with lime wedges.
Cafe Rio Sweet Pork. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring the delicious flavors of Cafe Rio’s Sweet Pork to your home with this easy slow cooker recipe. Just toss a few ingredients together and let it simmer, creating a perfect filling for tacos, burritos, or bowls that rivals the restaurant version and makes for a weeknight dinner win.
Get the Recipe: Cafe Rio Sweet Pork

Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the comfort of Chick-fil-A’s famous Tortilla Soup in your own home with this copycat recipe. This homemade version captures the essence of their renowned taste in every spoonful, giving you the opportunity to savor the flavors without takeout.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Homemade mini pizza topped with cheese, tomatoes, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream, surrounded by bowls of ingredients.
Taco Bell Mexican Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Create a copycat Taco Bell Mexican pizza at home with tortillas, meat, beans, cheese, and toppings. This recipe can be baked in the oven or made as an air fryer Mexican pizza, giving you the flexibility to enjoy this fast-food favorite in your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Popeyes Strawberry Biscuits

Stack of strawberry biscuits on a plate with berries in the background.
Popeyes Strawberry Biscuits. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the taste of Popeyes strawberry biscuits at home with this copycat recipe. These fluffy, buttery biscuits are infused with strawberry goodness and can be ready in just 30 minutes, allowing you to skip the drive-thru and savor the flavors in the comfort of your own home.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Strawberry Biscuits

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Copycat starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffin in someones hand.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring the cozy autumn goodness of Starbucks’ famous Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins to your kitchen with our easy copycat recipe. These irresistible muffins are a perfect treat to enjoy at home without the need for a coffee shop run.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Beef and Broccoli

Stir-fried beef and broccoli garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions in a pan.
Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Easy Panda Express Copycat Beef and Broccoli is a weeknight dinner win. Ready in 20 minutes and packed with flavor, this healthy and kid-friendly meal is perfect for busy nights when you’re craving takeout.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

Chicken Katsu

Air fryer chicken katsu topped with katsu sauce on a plate with rice and cucumbers.
Chicken Katsu. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a crispy, restaurant-style meal at home with this air fryer chicken katsu recipe. Thin cutlets are coated in panko and air fried to perfection, accompanied by a homemade Katsu sauce.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Katsu

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