Forget The Drive-Thru: 13 Copycat Recipes That Are Faster, Cheaper, And Tastier

Think about enjoying your favorite restaurant meals without ever leaving your house. This collection of 13 copycat recipes teaches you how to create those beloved dishes faster, cheaper, and tastier than ever before. It’s a fantastic way to bring the joy of dining out into your own kitchen, saving you both time and money while still indulging in the foods you crave. You might forget that driving thru is an option with these dishes.

Copycat Applebee's Spinach-Artichoke Dip on a skillet next to chips.
Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Pasta E Fagioli Soup

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

Who says you need to dine out for classic Italian soup when you can cook this Pasta E Fagioli Soup faster than finding a parking spot at your favorite restaurant? This is the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why drive-thrus even exist when you can have a hearty bowl of comfort at home. Get your spoon ready for a rustic taste sensation that keeps your cash right where it belongs—in your pocket. It’s the homemade hack your Italian cravings have been waiting for.
Get the Recipe: Pasta E Fagioli 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 Heather.

Ever found yourself craving that Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp but can’t be bothered to drive-thru? Well, you’re in luck, because this Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a game-changer. Whip up this oh-so-sweet and delicously crunchy dish quicker than your local Panda Express can say “Would you like to upgrade to a bigger plate?”. Plus, your wallet will thank you for a version that’s more delicious and less exorbitant than the original!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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

How about a soul-warming bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup without the trip to your favorite soup joint? This homemade wonder cooks up quicker than you could park at the restaurant, and every spoonful is a cozy hug to your palate. Plus, your bank account will be just as comforted, knowing you’ve skirted those over-the-top prices. So, next time the craving hits, remember: the best soup doesn’t come through a drive-thru window!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi 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.

Do Texas Roadhouse dreams have you considering the drive-thru? Put the car in park, because this Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe is about to rock your world. This spiced-up, simmered-down bowl of goodness is here to show you that the best chili doesn’t require takeout bags or waiting for a table. Ladle up a heaping helping of this homemade treasure and ride into flavor town without the hefty bill!
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

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.

Remember those cozy diner vibes and that classic Salisbury steak that came with them? Now, you can recreate that magic sans the wait with this Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Slide this delicious goodness onto your plate, complete with that luxurious gravy, faster than you can say “check, please!”. It won’t just be your palate rejoicing – your wallet will have a little celebration of its own, thanks to all the money you’ll save!
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.

Sometimes you just need pasta, and not the kind that comes after a 30-minute wait at a fancy restaurant. This Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka answers all your carb cravings with none of the fuss of a dine-out night. Think about the rich, creamy, and boasting perfect flavors, ready in a flash and utterly delicious. Say ‘arrivederci’ to overpriced Italian joints and ‘hello’ to fabulous, wallet-friendly home-cooked meals.
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.

Forget about waiting for that appetizer order at the restaurant when you can dip into this Creamy Jalapeno Dip in no time. Whip up this easy, peasy, perfectly spicy and creamy concoction that’s so good, your chips will be double-dipping in no time. And the best part? You get all that bold taste with minimal spend, making those drive-thru jaunts seem totally unnecessary.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Zuppa Toscana Soup

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

Craving that rich Italian restaurant soup but not feeling the drive-thru energy? This Zuppa Toscana Soup will swoop in to save your day—and your dinner plans. This heartwarming bowl is a cinch to make and costs way less than the menu price, plus it’s packed with even more flavor. So go ahead, give your local Italian spot a wave goodbye—you’ve got the best seat in town and an endless bowl of soup to prove it!
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana 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.

Do meal kits have you intrigued but their prices not so much? Meet this Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes, the recipe that’s sure to impress without the stress. Cook up a storm with these crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside bites of joy, and wave goodbye to those pesky delivery subscriptions. Who knew skipping the drive-thru could lead to such a fantastic homemade treat that’s both easier on your schedule and your wallet?
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

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.

If you’ve got a craving for that Firehouse sub, but not for their prices or the drive to get there, then this Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich is calling your name. Whip this bad boy up with all the meaty, melty goodness you know and love, and maybe even throw on an extra slice of staples – because hey, you’re not paying per topping here! You’re about to make sandwich history right in your kitchen, and all without waiting in line. So long, overpriced subs; hello, delicious savings!
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Craving a little taste of Little Italy but not the wait times and restaurant tabs? This Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers is a sure bet to bring you all the gusto with none of the fuss. Sizzle up this bold and delicious classic, and transport yourself to an Italian feast that’s both easy on your time and your budget. Look at you, skipping the drive-thru and crafting restaurant-caliber meals right in your own cucina!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

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.

Are you a fan of Panera’s soups but not their lines or prices? Say hello to this Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup, the homemade answer to your prayers. Corn lovers rejoice, because this easy recipe captures all the creamy, dreamy flavors you love without the drive-thru hassle. Stay in those comfy pants and enjoy a potful of this delicious soup that tastes better than the original and protects your wallet from fast food prices.
Get the Recipe: Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup

Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Copycat Applebee's Spinach-Artichoke Dip on a skillet next to chips.
Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Next time you’re tempted by that Applebee’s appetizer, flip the script with this Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it’s got all the cheesiness you desire without the need to sneak out to a drive-thru. Dig into a dish that comes together in a snap and costs a fraction of the restaurant tab. Why settle for less when you can make the best right at home and have everyone dipping for joy?
Get the Recipe: Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip

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