Takeout-inspired recipes that are better than the real thing: 13 must-tries

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Have you ever tried making your favorite takeout meals at home? It’s pretty fun to mix it up with better ingredients and a healthy twist. Plus, it usually ends up tasting even better than the restaurant version. You should definitely check out these 13 must-try takeout-inspired recipes that are better than the real thing!

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.

There’s a little bowl of soup that’s been whispering your name, and it’s chunky, comforting, and just the ticket after a long day. Ladle up our Chicken Gnocchi Soup and watch how a simple meal turns a Tuesday into the best day of the week. No more takeout menus; this is the taste you’ve been missing out on, but made by you, for you, and yes, it’s better than the real deal. No side of guilt here, just full-on flavor that hugs you from the inside.
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.

Ever had one of those moments where you’d give anything for a towering, deli-style sandwich? Bringing the Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich into your life means you’re the boss of your lunchtime destiny. Thick slices, bold flavors, and absolutely no standing in line – just a quiet victory dance in your kitchen. This is a must-try that’s better than any takeout, and it’s a high-five to your savvy sandwich skills.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

Pasta E Fagioli Soup

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

Ever tossed and turned at night, thinking about that bowl of Pasta E Fagioli Soup from your favorite Italian spot? Yeah, me too. But guess what? Bringing this gem into your kitchen means comfort food doesn’t have to be a splurge—it’s a Tuesday night treat. Dive into the simple joys of cooking, and let’s turn those diner dreams into dinnertime reality.
Get the Recipe: Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Copycat Animal Sauce

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

Who says you can’t have your favorite burger joint’s secret sauce anytime the craving hits? Our Copycat Animal Sauce is a triumph, turning every meal into an “oh wow” moment right at your dining table. It’s the VIP ingredient your barbecue was waiting for – trust me, you’re about to get everyone talking. And the best part? It’s your ticket to that takeout taste without the drive-thru.
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.

There’s something empowering about serving up a Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe that rivals the original. On those evenings when the couch is calling your name, this chili whispers, “I got you.” It’s hearty, it’s heartwarming, and hey, it’s surprisingly wallet-friendly, showing off that home-cooked meals can indeed taste like they’re straight out of a kitchen in Texas.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Burrito Sauce

A jar with a lime and cilantro next to it.
Burrito Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Taco Tuesdays just got a major upgrade with a dollop of homemade Burrito Sauce that kicks any takeout version to the curb. It’s all about wrapping your favorite meals in love, and a bit of spice, proving that yes, we really can have it all – flavor, zest, and a little more cash in our pockets. Let’s face it, when you’re blending up this sauce, you’re not just spicing up dinner; you’re sprinkling a bit of magic on your whole week.
Get the Recipe: Burrito Sauce

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.

The Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is your ticket out of the takeout cycle, offering a homemade twist on a favorite that’s both kinder to your wallet and a hit with the family. It’s about making those little moments of triumph a regular part of your week, turning “what’s for dinner?” into a chance to shine. Here’s to the magic in your kitchen, and to dishes that bring more than just flavor, but a sense of achievement.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

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 Heather.

Ever thought comfort food couldn’t possibly come from your own pot? The Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins beg to differ. It’s the kind of meal that turns a rough day around, showing that yes, we can recreate those cherished flavors with our own hands—and perhaps a little more love. Here’s to reclaiming our time, our kitchens, and our comfort, one dumpling at a time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

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 life feels like a whirlwind, a bowl of Zuppa Toscana Soup can be your anchor. It’s the recipe that turns “I can’t even boil water” into “I’ve got this,” transforming your kitchen into the best seat at the Italian restaurant. This is about more than soup; it’s about gathering, sharing, and savoring each spoonful amid the chaos of life. Step into your power, one pot of soup at a time.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup

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.

Sneak in the veggies with Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots that are so sweet and buttery that even the pickiest of eaters will ask for seconds. It’s about small wins in the kitchen, proving that we don’t have to be chefs to whip up dishes that are both nutritious and applause-worthy. Let’s turn the ordinary into something extraordinary, proving to ourselves we’ve got this parenting thing down.
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.

Say hello to Creamy Jalapeno Dip, the bold, zesty sidekick that turns snack time into an experience. This isn’t just about dunking those chips; it’s a journey to the more daring side of delicious. For every parent doubting their culinary skills, this dip laughs and says, “Watch this.” It’s a declaration of victory over the mundane, one bite at a time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

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.

Real talk: the last time you craved that creamy, dreamy vodka pasta, didn’t you wish you could snap your fingers and have it right at your kitchen table? With the Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka, that’s what we’re talking about – a must-try and a game-changer for your dinner routine. It’s that dish that makes everyone ask for seconds, and it’s all from the heart of your home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

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.

Who needs a fancy night out when the Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo can grace your dining table any day of the week? This dish is a love letter to all the single parents out there making it work, one creamy, dreamy plate at a time. It’s proof that gourmet doesn’t have to mean out of reach, and that perhaps, just maybe, the best table in town is right at home. Dive in; it’s your moment to turn the ordinary into extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

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