Ditch The Reservations: 13 Copycat Recipes That Are Perfect For Date Night In

Turn your home into the ultimate date night venue with these 13 copycat recipes. Forget about the wait times and the rush, and enjoy a relaxed evening cooking and dining with your partner. These dishes bring the essence of a night out to the comfort of your home, making your evening truly special. Cooking together can be an exciting experience, allowing you to connect and create something wonderful together, right in your kitchen.

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 Heather.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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

For a soup that serves as a warming, hearty starter or a light main course, Chicken Gocchi Soup is ideal. It features soft, pillowy gnocchi and tender chicken in a creamy broth that’s comforting at every spoonful. It’s a soothing dish perfect for colder evenings or when you want something a little nurturing. Enjoy bowls of this soup for a snug night in with your partner.
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.

For a playful twist on dinner, try these HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. They’re perfect for a hands-on meal that’s both fun and flavorful. You and your date can enjoy assembling these bites, indulging in the crispy exterior and succulent meat inside. It’s a joyful way to engage with your food and each other, making dinner more than just a meal that you will surely remember.
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.

Bring the rustic charm of Italian cuisine to your dinner table with Pasta e Fagioli Soup. This classic dish is hearty and filled with the goodness of pasta and other favorite kitchen staples. Perfect for a chilly evening, it lends a sense of warmth and comfort that you can share with your date. It’s like a hug in a bowl, offering both nourishment and taste with each bite that will earn you some points with your partner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli 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 Heather.

Think about a perfect blend of spicy, savory flavors to spruce up your next stay-at-home date night. Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken offers a popular restaurant favorite right from your own kitchen, eliminating the need for a takeout menu. This recipe recreates that well-loved balance of tender chicken pieces with a fiery kick, making it a thrilling choice for an adventurous home-cooked meal. It’s a game-changer for those who love a little heat paired with hearty flavors.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Bring the comfort of a classic diner into your home with Diner Style Salisbury Steak. This dish captures the essence of simple, comforting food with rich flavors that are deeply fulfilling. It’s an ideal way to enjoy a low-key, intimate evening with someone special. Pair it with other favorite kitchen staples to truly mimic that beloved diner experience with your partner.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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.

Set the scene for an Italian dinner that feels as if you’ve stepped into a restaurant in Rome. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka brings a smooth, rich flavors and cream fusion to your dining table, offering a lush and cozy meal for a romantic night in. Forget about waiting for a table; serve this alongside your favorite wine for an evening that feels both intimate and relaxed. This dish promises a restaurant-quality experience without stepping foot outside your home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

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

Kick off your date night with a dip that brings a bit of spice. Creamy Jalapeno Dip is perfect for pairing with your favorite chips or fresh veggies. It’s smooth, with just enough kick to keep things interesting, and it’s a great way to start the evening. This dip sets a playful tone for the rest of your meal with the person you are with. Maybe, it can even set the tone for your next date night too.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

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 Heather.

If you’re aiming for a meal that feels both special and familiar, Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken is a superb choice. This recipe replicates a favorite from the restaurant menu, featuring juicy chicken with a delicious topping. Easily executed at home, it allows for a laid-back yet charming dinner that will earn you a smile from your date. You get to enjoy the process of creating a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

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.

Recreate the bold, robust flavors of a New York deli with Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich. This recipe brings the heartiness of perfectly seasoned staples stacked between slices of fresh bread. It’s fulfilling and provides a taste of New York’s famous delis, ideal for an informal yet flavorful dinner. Turn your kitchen into a deli for a night where quality and comfort meet.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

Zuppa Toscana Soup

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

Enjoy a touch of Tuscany with the rich and creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup. It’s an enjoyable option for those who appreciate a creamy base balanced with hearty ingredients. This soup is both invigorating and soothing, making it a perfect starter or a main course on a night spent indoors. Let this soup transport you to Italy while you cozy up at home with the love of your life.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup

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.

Nothing says comfort like a big bowl of chili. Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe delivers all the robust, deep flavors of a well-simmered chili that you can enjoy from your own kitchen. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, filling your home with enticing aromas and providing a fulfilling meal. It’s a dependable favorite that never fails to please.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

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 Heather.

Why settle for ordinary when you can indulge in Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesecake Loaded Tots for your movie night? This dish is all about enjoyment and comfort, featuring a beloved combination of flavors, textures, and staples in one irresistible snack. Give your evening an upgrade with this playful, fulfilling treat. It’s a casual yet memorable part of any date night.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican street style corn soup in a white bowl on a white plate.
Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food to your kitchen with Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup. This soup is a standout with its unique and exciting flavors that are perfect for spicing up any date night. It combines the essence of sweet corn with a creamy texture, capturing the spirit of a festive Mexican dish. Enjoy a taste of summer any time of the year with this soup.
Get the Recipe: Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup

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