Culinary counterfeits: 15 copycat recipes that’ll change how you feel about dining out

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Why wait for reservations? These 15 culinary counterfeits bring the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. Craving an all-time favorite or something new? These recipes capture everything you love from dining out—without leaving home. No fussy ingredients or complicated steps here; they’re straightforward and easy. Put on some music, get comfy, and let this collection change how you think about takeout!

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.

If you’ve ever craved the comforting richness of Chicken Gnocchi Soup without leaving home, you’re in luck. This recipe brings that cozy, slow-cooked feel right to your kitchen. You’ll have it ready whenever the mood strikes, and might even prefer it over the restaurant version. It’s the perfect way to unwind with a bowl of soup and your favorite show.
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 Six.

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes bring the restaurant experience right to your dining table. This copycat recipe gives you a way to whip up something extraordinary without stepping into a store for fancy ingredients. Make a batch of these and watch them disappear in no time during any family meal. They go great with a simple side dip or even just on their own.
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.

The rustic and hearty flavors of Pasta e Fagioli Soup can transform your dinner into an Italian-inspired feast. This recipe captures the essence of this beloved Italian dish, making it perfect for any day you feel like adding a little something special to your meal. Whip up a pot and the familiar aroma will fill your home, making it hard to wait until dinner. It’s a straightforward way to bring a touch of Italy into your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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.

Recreating the acclaimed Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken is easier than you might think. This dish takes the spotlight at any dinner and can easily become a weekly request from friends and family. Filled with flavors that meld perfectly together, it offers a restaurant-quality meal right from your stove. Invite some friends over and see how quickly it wins them over.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

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.

Indulge in Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo without needing to visit the restaurant. With this recipe, you pull together a smooth and creamy pasta dish that almost steals the show from the original. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re craving something special but staying in. The richness and simplicity are sure to impress any dinner guest.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

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 is the epitome of comfort food that brings nostalgia right onto your dinner plate. This recipe is your ticket to enjoying a classic, no-frills dish that everyone loves. It turns an ordinary weeknight into a themed dinner that feels like a blast from the past. Serve this up and watch it become a regular request.
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.

For a night when you’re feeling a bit fancy without the hassle, Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka hits the spot. This dish serves up a restaurant-style meal that combines both simplicity and sophistication in each bite. It’s the kind of dinner that impresses guests or even just treats yourself. Pair it with a simple salad, and your meal is complete.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Zuppa Toscana Soup

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

Embrace the rich, creamy goodness of Zuppa Toscana Soup right from your kitchen. This soup brings a touch of Italian cuisine to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for those chilly evenings or whenever you need a comforting meal, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure. Plus, it’s just as good, if not better, than the restaurant version.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup

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.

Change up snack time with Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. They’re just the thing when you need something crunchy, cheesy, and utterly delicious. Perfect for movie nights or as a side on game day, these tots bring the pizzeria right to your living room. It’s a fun and easy dish that gets everyone reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Copycat Animal Sauce

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

Want to up your burger or fries game? Whip up some Copycat Animal Sauce and watch simple dishes turn extraordinary. This sauce is all about adding that special kick to any meal, be it a late-night snack or lunch. It’s easy, quick, and definitely a game-changer in the kitchen.
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.

This Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich is legendary for its unique taste and satisfying nature. This recipe lets you replicate that signature sandwich without the need to run to the deli. It’s hearty, packed with flavors, and just what you need for a fulfilling meal. Just make, grab, and go on busy days or leisurely weekends.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer 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.

Bring the bold taste of Texas to your dining table with this Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. This hearty chili is perfect for feeding a crowd or just a cozy dinner with the family. It packs a punch and warms you up right when you need it, making it a fantastic choice for any meal where you want a little kick. Plus, everyone can customize their toppings.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

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.

Playing chef at home with Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken can spice up any weeknight dinner. This recipe takes all the beloved parts of the famous dish and delivers it with all the punch you expect. Ideal for those who love a bit of heat with their meal, it’s fast becoming a favorite in homes that crave a bit of excitement at dinner. With just the right amount of kick, it’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup

Two bowls of Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup were placed on a marble surface next to two spoons.
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Who says you can’t enjoy the creamy comfort of Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup without a trip to the cafe? This recipe brings the beloved dish right into your kitchen, offering a soup that’s rich in texture and taste. It’s particularly perfect on those days when you need a bit of comfort. Ready up a bowl and relax into the flavors that make it a fan favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato 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 Six.

Enjoy the sweet contrast of crispy shrimp and candied nuts in Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. This dish is a fantastic way to liven up your mealtime with something a bit out of the ordinary. Ideal for those days when you’re craving something sweet yet savory, it’s quick to become a regular in your meal rotation. The unique combination guarantees it always stands out at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

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