13 copycat recipes you haven’t seen before

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Ever wish you could enjoy that special dish from your favorite restaurant any time you like? With our selection of 13 lesser-known copycat recipes, now you can. We’ve taken some classic favorites and given them a new life at home. Whether you’re missing that one dish from your go-to eatery or just looking to experiment, these recipes are here to satisfy those cravings.

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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

If you’re fond of comfort in a bowl, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a warm embrace on a cool day. Just like that cozy sweater, it’s got all you need to keep your spirits up, from tender pieces to a creamy base that holds it all together. It’s a spoonful of home, and whipping up this version brings a familiar restaurant classic right to your kitchen table. No need to ask for seconds, there’s plenty to go around.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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 Heather.

Think of a dish that combines home-cooked comfort with a touch of elegance. Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes accomplish just that, turning an ordinary meal into an experience. Each piece is a discovery of flavors and textures, making sure dinner is never dull. This version at home might just rival the original kit version, and you’ll be proud to say “I made this.”
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

Who needs a passport when you can travel to Italy with a spoon? Pasta e Fagioli Soup offers that trip, enveloping your senses in layers that just get better with every bite. It’s a hearty welcome to Italian flavors, where pasta marries beans in a broth that’s rich without being heavy. You’ll find yourself learning Italian just to say ‘delicious’ in the language it deserves.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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 Heather.

Love a meal with a sweet and savory edge? Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is all about that balance. Here you have succulent seafood with the unexpected crunch of walnuts, all tied together with a honey glaze that hits the spot. It’s an easy ticket to the flavors of your favorite fast-food joint, without the drive-thru.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Copycat Animal Sauce

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

For those who swear by that special, tangy sauce at the burger place, Copycat Animal Sauce is your secret weapon. It’s a game-changer for homemade burgers, turning them from mundane to “wow, what’s in this?” It’s all about being bold and playful, much like its namesake, and it’ll have you reconsidering plain ketchup and mustard ever again. Trust us, your fries are also begging to take a dip.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Animal Sauce

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.

Some say beans don’t belong in chili, but with Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe, let’s just agree to disagree. This dish comes loaded with all the heartiness of a Lone Star meal, plus the beans. It’s a meaty, bean-full bowl of richness that’ll have you feeling like you’re at your favorite steakhouse. So grab a spoon and leave the debates for another day.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

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 Heather.

Ever wanted to snack on your veggies like they’re candy? Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots let you do just that. These sweet little gems are a side dish that often steals the show. They’re so good, you might even forget about the main course.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

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

Sometimes you just need a little kick to liven things up. Creamy Jalapeno Dip is that burst of flavor that does just the trick. Smooth yet spicy, it’s a companion to chips and veggies that refuses to be bland. Make it once, and watch it become a staple at every game day or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

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 chill hits the air, Zuppa Toscana Soup is the bowl you’re reaching for. It’s warmth and comfort with just enough tang to keep things interesting. It’s like bringing a Tuscan sunset to your dinner table—soothing, yet full of life. This one’s not just a soup; it’s an escape.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana 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.

When you bite into the Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich, it’s all about layer upon layer of satisfaction. With every mouthful, you’ve got a combination that just works so well together. It’s like the city itself, bold and unapologetic in flavor, and a homage to the brave firefighters it’s named after. Step aside, deli counter; there’s a new favorite in town.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

If pasta could talk, Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka would tell a tale of richness and subtle flair. It’s a dish that dresses up dinner without the hassle. It’s comfort food with a side of sophistication, turning any night into a special occasion. You might just pour yourself a glass of wine to celebrate the creation of this dish.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

If you’ve ever longed for Sunday at grandma’s table, Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins is the next best thing. Each spoonful is a little bit of nostalgia, no matter the day of the week. It’s a hug in a bowl, with all the soothing textures and flavors you remember. And the best part? No waiting until the weekend to enjoy it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

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

Craving a bowl of creamy pasta goodness? Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo brings the restaurant experience home without the reservation. It’s a blend of rich sauce and sea-fresh shrimp that feels like a treat any day of the week. Clear your evening, because it’s time for a pasta night done right.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

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