15 copycat recipes that’ll become your new signature dishes

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Ever caught yourself thinking that some dishes simply taste better when you eat out? Well, time to put that thought to rest. These 15 homemade versions are so spot-on that your friends might start thinking you’ve got a hidden stash of takeout boxes somewhere. You can decide whether to share or keep the recipe details under wraps—after all, every chef needs a little mystery.

Kung Pao Chicken in a bowl with a bowl of rice in the background.
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You know that cozy, heartwarming feeling you get from sipping on something warm and filling? That’s exactly what happens when Pasta e Fagioli Soup hits the table at dinner. Loaded with hearty goodness in every spoonful, it’s one of those bowls that make people reach for seconds without hesitation. If you’re after a recipe that makes you look like a pro chef with minimal effort, this one’s got your back.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

A roast beef sandwich with melted cheese on a hoagie roll, accompanied by crinkle-cut fries and a bowl of brown dipping sauce on the side.
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Think about this scene: everyone goes silent as they take their first bite of Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich, enjoying every bit. It’s one of those sandwiches that makes people believe you’ve got some secret stash of flavors hidden away. Each bite delivers a blend that’s destined to become the star of your meal lineup. Watch how fast it sneaks its way into your signature recipe collection without you even trying.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Got a dish that can make everyone around the table smile with just one taste? That’s exactly what Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins brings to your kitchen. It has a comforting, down-home vibe that makes everyone feel instantly at ease with each bite. This classic will quickly become the one everyone asks for every time they walk through your door.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

An open-face NY Steamer sub copycat on a plate with Italian dressing.
Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re looking to bring big flavors that impress, Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich always answers the call. It’s packed with so much goodness that it’ll have everyone asking, “Wait, where did you order this from?” Only you’ll know it’s a copycat, not some takeout special. Soon enough, this will be the sandwich people can’t stop associating with your kitchen skills.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

Copycat Animal Sauce

Copycat Animal Sauce in a bowl with fries around it.
Copycat Animal Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever needed a sauce that makes everyone wonder what kind of magic you’ve put into it? Copycat Animal Sauce is exactly that secret weapon for burgers, fries, and pretty much anything else. It’s that sauce people will keep coming back to, turning it into “your sauce” like you invented it yourself. Before long, they’ll be begging you to bottle and sell it!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Animal Sauce

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

A plate of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

So you want to be a meal-prep master? This Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl is just what you need to make those busy nights feel like a breeze. It’s got that perfect grab-and-go vibe, making it a favorite even when you’re short on time. Once your friends get a taste, they’ll be convinced you’ve opened up a fast-food joint in your own kitchen!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

A plate of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp served on a white rectangular dish.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When it’s time for takeout but you want to show off your cooking skills, Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is the perfect choice. It brings together that sweet and savory mix that everyone can’t resist with every bite. Serve this up, and they’ll start wondering if you’ve secretly teamed up with the restaurant. After a few bites, it’ll earn a top spot on your “signature dishes” list for good.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Creamy Jalapeno Dip in a bowl with chip nearby.
Creamy Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Got chips and craving a way to step up the snack game? Creamy Jalapeno Dip comes in with a smooth, spicy kick that upgrades every chip it touches. It’s one of those dips that people keep circling back for, shamelessly double-dipping because they just can’t get enough. You’ll know it’s a winner when folks start requesting it at every single gathering you host!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

A close-up of a hand holding a copycat Taco Bell Cantina chicken burrito.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Burrito nights are about to reach a new level with Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito on the menu. It’s packed just right, giving off those fast-food vibes while keeping things totally homemade. Serve this up, and you’ll be hearing, “When are you making this again?” before they’ve even made it halfway through their first bite. Trust me, it’s going to become a household favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

Zuppa Toscana Soup

Low Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup in a white round bowl with small handles.
Zuppa Toscana Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re aiming to bring that restaurant-level soup experience to your dinner table, Zuppa Toscana Soup is the one to try. It has that rich flavor profile that fools everyone into thinking you’ve been cooking up a storm all day. Add this to your regular meal rotation, and it’ll become the soup they beg for whenever the weather turns chilly. You’ll be the one known for serving up bowls of pure comfort.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Need a pasta dish that’s guaranteed to wow your guests? Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo delivers a crowd-pleasing experience every single time. It’s the kind of meal that makes people believe you’ve got some real chef-level skills hiding in that kitchen of yours. Watch how quickly it turns into the “famous” dish everyone requests when they know you’re cooking.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

A bowl of Texas roadhouse chili with jalapenos and beans.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want to be the go-to person for serving up some seriously bold chili? Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe is packed with that flavor punch that’ll make you the reigning chili champion in your circle. It’s hearty, filling, and has just the right amount of kick to keep everyone reaching for more. Pretty soon, you’ll hear, “Nobody makes chili like you do!” at every get-together.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Your dinner parties are about to get a serious upgrade with Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka in your recipe arsenal. It’s got that creamy richness that turns any pasta night into something special without the extra effort. Slip this one into your menu, and suddenly, you’re the pasta expert everyone looks to for the best dishes. Don’t be shocked when people start begging for “your rigatoni recipe” after the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish. The meal is set on a white wooden table beside silver cutlery and a floral napkin.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

In the mood for some comfort food that brings back memories of classic diners? Diner Style Salisbury Steak serves up that nostalgia on a plate, with flavors that make everyone sit back and enjoy the moment. It’s meaty, savory, and packed with that goodness that’ll have folks asking for your secret recipe. Before you know it, this will become a regular request at your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken in a bowl with a bowl of rice in the background.
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Looking to add some spice to dinner without relying on takeout? Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken has just the right kick to keep things interesting without the fuss. It’ll have everyone thinking you’ve mastered the art of stir-fry and are holding out on your kitchen secrets. Don’t be surprised when it becomes one of your most requested weeknight dishes!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

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