Some nights, calling for delivery feels easier than facing the kitchen, but homemade versions can surprise you. In this collection, 19 copycat dinner recipes bring familiar favorites closer to home. They’re a good fit for busy evenings or when you want to skip the app and still enjoy restaurant-style meals. Making your own can be fun, and it’s a nice change of pace when you’re looking for comfort.
Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Cravings can really sneak up in the evening, especially when only something hot and cheesy will do. Serving up these Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls means you get that just-right mix of comfort and flavor that makes takeout feel unnecessary. The soft centers and golden edges are always a hit. Expect everyone to reach for seconds, especially when it’s cold outside.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp
A night at home starts to feel more fun when this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp comes to the table. That crunchy bite delivers a little spark that brightens even the quietest dinner. Friends who usually stick to their favorite restaurants press for the recipe after just one taste. Trying these shrimp is like bringing your favorite appetizer right to your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp
Perfect Sushi Rice
Sushi at home feels extra special with this Perfect Sushi Rice as the base for rolls or bowls. Each bite brings back memories of dining out, but with the comfort of pajamas and your favorite show nearby. I love how the subtle flavor keeps everyone going back for more, even without all the extras. Nothing beats watching proud smiles after a homemade sushi night.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Sushi Rice
Sweet General Tso’s Chicken
Few takeout favorites light up the table the way this Sweet General Tso’s Chicken does. Its rich glaze has a way of pulling people in for bite after bite. No one seems to miss their usual order once they’ve tried a homemade version with so much flavor packed in. Boring weeknights become ones you actually look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Sweet General Tso’s Chicken
Chipotle’s Perfectly Seasoned Black Beans
Hungry bellies feel happy and full after a spoonful of these Chipotle’s Perfectly Seasoned Black Beans. Rich flavor and soft texture work wonders on even the busiest nights. People are quick to notice how close this comes to their restaurant favorite. Home-cooked burrito bowls suddenly become the most exciting meal of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle’s Perfectly Seasoned Black Beans
Chicken Tikka Masala
Nothing compares to a cozy night in with a big bowl of this Chicken Tikka Masala. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make dinner feel like an occasion without leaving the house. I reach for this recipe when comfort is a must and outside meals just won’t cut it. Those first few bites always get quiet approval around the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala
Rich Coconut Ramen
Nights that call for a little extra comfort feel complete with this Rich Coconut Ramen. Creamy broth and chewy noodles make for a cozy meal you want to curl up with. Every bowl brings a comforting break from busy routines. By the end, those who try it start dreaming up their own bowl combinations for the future.
Get the Recipe: Rich Coconut Ramen
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
After a long day, few things bring as much relief as this Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Silky broth and tender bites just melt away the stress. People often say it feels like a special dinner out but cozier. Every spoonful is proof you don’t need to leave the house for old-fashioned comforting food.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Fluffy Mexican Rice
Even the simplest dinners get a major boost from a scoop of this Fluffy Mexican Rice. With each forkful, familiar flavors shine through that remind you of your favorite casual spots. I like making extra because it always vanishes fast on burrito or taco nights. No takeout menu is needed when sides taste this good.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Mexican Rice
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Memories of favorite restaurants flood back as soon as this Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara hits the table. Every creamy forkful brings pure comfort and makes you forget about delivery. People often wonder how homemade can be so close to the real thing. It’s a winner for anyone who craves something both simple and special.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Plant-Based Copycat Impossible Burger
That burger craving gets shut down fast with this Plant-Based Copycat Impossible Burger piled high on a bun. The meaty bite and smoky flavor win over even the biggest skeptics. Bringing this recipe to dinner puts smiles on everyone’s faces, whether plant-based eaters or not. Home kitchens get to feel a little trendier for the evening.
Get the Recipe: Plant-Based Copycat Impossible Burger
Copycat Honey Baked Ham
Slicing into this Copycat Honey Baked Ham means leftovers will actually be something you want to eat. The juicy center and sweet finish taste just like a holiday treat, without the line at the store. I’ve seen plates empty fast when this makes an appearance at the table. No one misses takeout when home cooking hits this level of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Honey Baked Ham
Savory Mushroom Tacos
Taco night at home gets an upgrade from these Savory Mushroom Tacos, packed with earthy flavor and a soft bite. Every taco disappears fast once dinner starts, making you forget those pricey taco stand runs. The hearty filling works for both meat lovers and veggie fans. I love how a simple meal like this can turn into something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Savory Mushroom Tacos
Sweet Orange Chicken
Those familiar cravings for crunchy, sweet, and sticky are solved quickly with this Sweet Orange Chicken. Smiles always show up right as the first bites are served. Dinner tends to get quiet for a while, which is a sure sign of a winning recipe. Anyone testing it out will find themselves skipping delivery just to have it again.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Orange Chicken
Copycat Chipotle Sofritas
Burrito bar favorites are easy to recreate thanks to this Copycat Chipotle Sofritas. Every spoonful brings a smoky, savory bite, making it perfect for bowls or wraps at home. I turn to this recipe when dinners need a little excitement but quick prep. Many people don’t believe it’s homemade until they watch it all disappear so quickly.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Sofritas
Flavorful Chicken Fried Rice
Boredom quickly drifts away at dinner when this Flavorful Chicken Fried Rice shows up on the menu. The fluffy rice and bits of chicken have a habit of bringing everyone to the table. Leftovers go fast, especially when packed for next-day lunches. Restaurants just can’t compete with a homemade meal as comforting as this one.
Get the Recipe: Flavorful Chicken Fried Rice
Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Dinner starts to feel like a treat with a basket of these Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits on the table. Soft, warm, and savory, they turn a regular evening into something a little special. Most people can’t believe how close these get to the restaurant version. I always make a double batch because there are never enough to go around.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Soft Fluffy Naan Bread
Homemade bread sometimes steals the show, especially with this Soft Fluffy Naan Bread. Pull-apart pieces let people dip and scoop to their heart’s content. I share it for potlucks and easy dinners because it pairs with almost anything. If you’re tired of the plastic-wrapped version, this bread delivers a restaurant feel every time.
Get the Recipe: Soft Fluffy Naan Bread
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta
Feeling fancy without spending on dinner out becomes easy with this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta. Every forkful bursts with creamy, tangy flavor, leaving everyone ready for seconds. People always ask if it’s really homemade, thanks to how close it feels to a restaurant meal. Weeknight dinners get a much-needed upgrade when this is on your table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta