15 copycat recipes that won’t have you waiting for a table

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Save yourself the awkward “your table’s not ready yet” moments, where you awkwardly hover near the bar, pretending you’re not counting the minutes. With these 15 homemade versions of your favorite restaurant meals, the wait time drops to zero, and your table is always ready. Plus, you won’t have to worry about tipping anyone except yourself for a job well done—who else deserves the credit anyway?

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

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.

Instead of waiting for the delivery person, now you can bring the ultimate comfort of Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots straight from your oven. Imagine crispy tots topped with all the savory goodness you expect from a restaurant, but without ever leaving home. It’s perfect for game nights, lazy weekends, or whenever that takeout craving hits. No waiting for a table or delivery time—just grab a plate and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

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.

Don’t let long lines at Cracker Barrel keep you from enjoying this classic side dish. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots bring that buttery, tender flavor you know and love, but now you can have them any night of the week. They’re the perfect addition to any meal, offering that homey, comforting touch without the wait. Your kitchen just became your favorite homestyle restaurant—minus the need to leave the house.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

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

Forget the crowded Olive Garden lobby, because Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is now something you can whip up anytime. This creamy, smooth classic brings the same rich texture to your pasta dishes that you would expect from the restaurant. Perfect for a quick dinner, a special date night, or when you just want to indulge at home. The best part? No need to fight for parking or wait for breadsticks.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo 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.

Why wait in line at Firehouse Subs when you can enjoy a Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich right at home? It’s got that same smoky, savory goodness you love from the shop, but without the long line at lunch hour. Perfect for a quick and fulfilling meal, whether it’s lunch, dinner, or just a snack between meals. Now you can satisfy those sandwich cravings without even leaving the house, and the best part is it’s always served fresh and fast.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

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.

Skip the line and make Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp part of your regular dinner rotation. You’ll get that perfect blend of crispy shrimp and sweet flavors. It’s great for a quick meal that feels special, or whenever you’re in the mood for something a little indulgent. And best of all, no waiting for takeout or worrying if your order is correct—just dig in whenever the craving hits.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

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.

No need to call ahead for a table at Texas Roadhouse when you’ve got Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe on your menu at home. The hearty, rich flavor of this chili makes it a perfect option for cozy nights in. It’s ideal for those moments when you want something filling and comforting without the hassle of leaving the house. Now you can enjoy the taste of the restaurant without the need to tip or wait for your name to be called.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Copycat Animal Sauce

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

You don’t need to head out to get your hands on this secret menu favorite anymore. With Copycat Animal Sauce, all that tangy, savory flavor is right at home, ready to upgrade any meal. It’s perfect for fries, burgers, or anything you want to give a little extra kick to, no drive-thru required. The best part? You can make it anytime you want without having to memorize the secret menu.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Animal Sauce

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.

No reservations needed to enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka delivers that creamy, rich sauce you crave, but now you can enjoy it whenever you feel like it. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or even just a weekday indulgence when you don’t feel like cooking something complicated. It’s a simple way to have a restaurant experience without leaving the comfort of your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

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.

If you’re missing the crispy, crunchy texture of a restaurant-style croquette, Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes will be your new favorite at-home recipe. These savory bites are perfect for a snack or a light dinner. Best part? No waiting for a box to arrive—just whip them up when you’re ready for something delicious. Enjoy restaurant-quality without waiting for the doorbell to ring.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

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

Next time you’re craving a flavorful dip, skip the restaurant and go for Creamy Jalapeno Dip at home. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and spicy, ideal for pairing with chips, veggies, or anything you like to dip. With no need to wait for a server to bring it to your table, you can enjoy this snack anytime. Great for gatherings or just keeping it all to yourself for a solo movie night in.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

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.

Instead of making a reservation at Olive Garden, you can enjoy Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo right from your own kitchen. The creamy, indulgent sauce, combined with tender shrimp, makes it feel like a night out without leaving home. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to feel a little fancy. Now you don’t have to wait for a table, and you get to control the portion size.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

A plate of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Why bother with the drive-thru when you can have Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl right at home? It’s got all the bold, familiar flavors you love, but without the wait in line or mixed-up orders. Perfect for when you need something quick and fulfilling, this bowl delivers on convenience and flavor. Plus, no more asking for extra sauce packets—you can make it just how you like it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Zuppa Toscana Soup

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

Instead of waiting in line at Olive Garden, you can enjoy Zuppa Toscana Soup from the comfort of your own kitchen. This hearty, comforting soup has all the same flavors you love, but you can skip the hassle of reservations. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, especially when you want something rich and filling. Now you can enjoy a warm bowl whenever the craving strikes, no need to check wait times.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup

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.

Why wait for takeout when you can have Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken ready whenever you want? This dish brings that signature mix of bold flavors and a little kick right to your dinner table. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or whenever you’re in the mood for something flavorful. With no delivery fees or long wait times, this one’s a winner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

Olive Garden’s Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a fan favorite, but now you can skip the wait and make it at home. This comforting soup is hearty enough for a meal on its own and brings the familiar flavors right to your kitchen. Perfect for those nights when you want something filling without leaving the house. Enjoy it whenever the mood strikes, and you’ll never miss the wait for a table again.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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