17 copycat dishes that won’t have you checking restaurant opening hours

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No need to dress up or wait in line—these 17 copycat recipes are here to play your favorite chef. With flavors reminiscent of top restaurant picks, each dish feels like you’re grabbing a bite at your favorite spot, minus the tab. Restaurant-inspired meals bring that familiar flair right to your table, making weeknights feel like you’ve hit the jackpot of meal choices. Why bother with restaurant hours when these recipes are ready whenever you are?

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.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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

When you’re in the mood for something comforting, creating a pot of Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home is the way to go. No need to wonder if the local Italian restaurant is open when you can whip up this favorite yourself. Gather your family and friends for a warm and inviting meal that reminds everyone of cozy dining-out experiences. Plus, homemade means you can enjoy seconds without asking for another serving.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce in a black skillet.
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Craving that rich and creamy pasta coated in Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce? Say goodbye to waiting for a table at Olive Garden because making this sauce at home is straightforward. You’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time, and the best part is you get to control the creaminess to your liking. Share a meal that feels like a treat; it’ll be a hit with both adults and kids.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

Forget about waiting in line for a hearty bowl of Pasta e Fagioli Soup. You can now capture the essence of this classic dish in your own kitchen, and it’s perfect for those chilly days when you need a little warmth. Making it at home also allows you to adjust the seasoning to your preference, ensuring every spoonful is just how you like it. Linger over the dinner table with this stew just a ladle away.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli 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.

Who doesn’t love digging into a generous serving of Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo? Now, imagine that same enjoyment without leaving the comfort of home. This easy-to-follow recipe means you can treat everyone to a fancy dinner without the fancy price tag. Plus, you can customize the amount of shrimp to your heart’s content—something you can’t do at the restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

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.

Bringing the homestyle goodness of Cracker Barrel into your kitchen is simple with Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. These sweet and tender carrots are great as a side for any meal and will surely be a hit with the kids. Skip the drive and recreate this classic at home where you can ensure everyone gets their favorite portions. These carrots add a splash of color and a hint of sweetness to your dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

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.

Take your palate back to the classic American diner with your own twist on Diner Style Salisbury Steak. This dish brings the comfort of a diner meal right into your dining room without having to find the nearest eatery. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a family favorite and reminisce about those simple diner meals. And the joy of making it at home? You can have as much gravy as you like.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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.

Fancy a lush pasta night without a reservation? Whip up some Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka and you can serve up an Italian feast in no time. This dish brings the bold flavors and creamy satisfaction of a restaurant meal to your own table. Invite friends over and wow them with your homemade version that’s sure to please every palate.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Copycat Animal Sauce

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

Transform your homemade burgers and fries with the magic of Copycat Animal Sauce. There’s no need to head out to the fast-food joint when you can top your dishes with this iconic sauce. Making it at home not only saves a trip, but it also adds a personal touch to your cookout. Have it ready for your next barbecue and watch as it becomes the star condiment among your guests.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Animal Sauce

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.

Enjoy the robust flavors of a Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich without the noise of a sandwich shop. Prepare this mouthwatering sandwich for a lunch that’s guaranteed to keep you full and satisfied. Get the deli experience at home and feel free to pile on the meat as high as you want. Sharing this crowd-pleaser will make you the hero of any lunch gathering.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots on parchment paper, topped with Alfredo cheese, green onions, and a drizzle of white sauce, placed on a dark rectangular slate plate.
Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Indulge in a plate of Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots right from your oven. It’s an ideal dish for game nights or whenever you need a hearty snack. You get to enjoy the flavors of a cheesy Philly cheesesteak combined with the crispness of tots—all in the comfort of your living room. Plus, there’s the added bonus of not having to deal with pizza delivery times.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Master the art of making Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips and you might just forget about dining out entirely. You can achieve that savory goodness at home where your meals are exactly to your liking. It’s perfect for a down-home dinner that doesn’t require boots and a cowboy hat. This dish’s bold taste will have your family requesting it over and over again.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich on a white plate with chips.
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Ever wish you could whip up a Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich on a whim? Now, it’s possible to recreate the magic of this unique sandwich without chasing down the nearest Maid-Rite. You can enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this iconic sandwich anytime you want. Making it at home means endless sandwiches at your disposal, which is perfect for backyard picnics or casual dining.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

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.

Spice up your mealtime with the warm embrace of Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Having this dish on your home menu means your favorite chili is available no matter the season. It’s great for gathering around the table on a cool evening and sharing stories. Homemade also means you can have all the toppings you want without restraint.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

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.

Imagine being able to fulfill your cravings for a Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito whenever you desire. This dish lets you recreate the experience of a grab-and-go burrito without the need to hop in the car. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures just like Taco Bell’s but with your spin on it. Burrito night will have a whole new meaning when you can roll them out fresh from your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

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.

Longing for a sandwich with perfectly dipped bread and juicy meat? Well, making a Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich at home saves you the trip downtown. You will have everyone thinking you’ve brought home takeout from Cole’s when, in fact, it’s your creation. It’s a fulfilling meal to savor on a lazy weekend or busy weeknight, complete with that dip we all love.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

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.

Get ready to impress at your next casual gathering with Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots fresh from your kitchen. This recipe provides a fulfillingly crunchy snack without the need for a pizza delivery app. Perfect for late-night munchies or afternoon snacks, these loaded tots will have everyone asking for your secret. And, you can enjoy them any day of the week without worry about delivery times.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

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.

You don’t need a trip to the mall for some Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. It’s simpler than you might think to recreate this popular dish at home. This means you can enjoy those flavors whenever you want, no matter if the local Panda Express is open or not. It’s a great way to impress guests or treat yourself when you’re feeling fancy.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

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