17 copycat recipes you won’t find in any restaurant’s cookbook

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Ever wonder why some dishes taste better when you make them at home? These 17 copycat recipes are proof that you can whip up your favorites without leaving the house. Skip the line and make meals that are just as good as what you’d find in any restaurant—maybe even better. Who needs a fancy menu when you’ve got these tricks up your sleeve?

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

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Every bite of this Chicken Gnocchi Soup transports you to a cozy evening at home, even if you’re miles away. The warmth wraps around you like a blanket, offering comfort after a long day. It’s the kind of meal you talk about when reminiscing about your favorite homemade dishes. It’s hearty, filling, and brings a smile to anyone’s face with its home-cooked charm.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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.

Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich is a beast of its own, known for a bold taste that packs a punch. Casual lunch meet-ups turn into memorable moments when this sandwich steps into the scene. It’s like that one friend who can light up any gathering by simply being there. There’s never a dull moment from the first bite to the last.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

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.

This recipe is your ticket to hosting dinners that your friends won’t stop talking about. It brings the restaurant experience into your home without the hassle of reservations. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka proves that sophistication lies in simplicity. It’s a sure-fire way to impress anyone looking for a taste of high dining with homely warmth.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

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

If you thought dips were just a side show, this Creamy Jalapeno Dip is here to prove you wrong. It’s that unexpected hit at the party, stealing the spotlight from the main course. Bold, creamy, with just the right kick, it turns snack time into an event. It’s the guest that gets invited back every time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos

Two pieces of Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos served on a black slate plate.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos upgrade your taco night to a whole new level. Suddenly, your kitchen feels like the window to a fast-food world, but with the added pride of making it yourself. It’s casual dining taken up a notch, made for those who love a good taco but want the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal. Despite being a copycat, it brings its original joy to the table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos

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.

For those who dream of creamy pasta, Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is a dish that doesn’t hold back. It’s perfect for evenings when you’re looking to treat yourself but skip the restaurant wait. Each forkful is a whisper of restaurant-quality dining without stepping out of your door. Relishing this dish feels like stealing secrets from the chef’s notebook.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Zuppa Toscana Soup

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

When the weather calls for something warm and soothing, Zuppa Toscana Soup answers with a hearty hello. It’s the bowl you reach for on rainy days or when you need a hug from the inside. It combines rustic charm with the comfort of a well-loved recipe. Sharing a pot feels like sharing stories, making it more than just soup.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup

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.

If there’s a dish that tastes like nostalgia, it’s this Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. It takes you back to childhood dinners, where simplicity was the secret ingredient to happiness. This dish is a reminder that sometimes, the most straightforward meals are the ones that stick with us the longest. It’s all about bringing back those uncomplicated yet unforgettable meal times.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

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.

Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings the charm of neon-signed dineries right to your dining table. It’s the throwback you didn’t know you needed, perfect for shaking up the routine with something different. It gives you the feeling of a night out while being cozily tucked in at home. Go ahead, put your feet up and enjoy this classic; no reservation required.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

A bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a sweet twist on a side, Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots dish does the trick. It’s as much a conversation starter as it is a side dish. It adds a pop of color and a pinch of sweetness to any meal, proving that vegetables can steal the show too. It has a way of rounding out dinner with a soft, sweet note.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

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.

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp brings the buzz of a bustling street market to your plate. It’s as if you’re walking through an open-air market, sampling the best without the crowds. This dish creates a bridge between the familiar and the adventurous. It’s for those nights when you’re craving something out of the ordinary without a passport.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’ve been missing the comfort of a classic dish from the Outback, this homemade Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken will hit the spot. It brings the warm, inviting flavors of the restaurant right to your table. This recipe is a shout-out to all the fans who have been looking for their fix of this hearty meal. You’ll be convincing your friends you’ve got ties to the original kitchen with this spot-on remake.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Rolling up your sleeves to make these Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes at home brings the charm of a chef’s touch without needing a meal kit subscription. It’s a genius way to remix your dinner routine with a playful twist on a classic. No more waiting for delivery boxes—you can whip up this comforting favorite any day. Trust me, friends and family will be asking where you got the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

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.

For those of you who secretly crave that late-night Taco Bell run, this Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl is your ticket to bliss without the drive-through. Now you can nail the taste that draws the crowds and keeps ’em coming back for more. This recipe is a casual nod to everyone’s guilty pleasure but made right in your own kitchen. It’s all about bringing that signature quick-hit satisfaction to your table, no fast-food uniform required.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up.
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Ever find yourself daydreaming about those insanely good game-day snacks? Well, Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots throw it right back and you don’t need a referee to call the shots. Make any occasion feel like a mini celebration with these irresistible bites that are a nod to everyone’s favorite pizza-chain sides. Your couch is the new best seat for enjoying this not-so-secret menu item any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

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.

When that spicy kick and the craving for quick Asian cuisine hits, Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken has you covered. No more waiting in line to soothe your craving; with this recipe, you’re the chef, and your kitchen’s the new hotspot. You’ll feel like you’ve just scored the insider’s secret to making an all-time favorite at home. Grab your wok, because it’s all about recreating that fiery experience right where you are.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

On those chilly evenings when only a rustic Italian soup will do, Pasta e Fagioli comes to the rescue. This classic comfort dish is like getting a hug from an Italian grandma, bringing warmth and joy to any meal. You don’t have to travel far to get a taste of Italy; it’s the perfect recipe for a cozy night in. Get your ladle ready, because this soup’s hearty embrace is just a stovetop away.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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