The “I Can’t Cook” Cookbook: 19 Restaurant Dupes That Even a Caveman Could Master

Ever wish you could whip up those mouth-watering restaurant dishes without setting off the smoke alarm? This cookbook is your ticket to recreating those favorites without any kitchen disasters. It’s got no-nonsense recipes that even your clumsy cousin could follow. Forget about culinary jargon; we’re talking straightforward steps that even a caveman could manage. So, whether you’re a kitchen newbie or just want to impress without the stress, these restaurant dupe recipes will have you cooking like a pro, minus the panic.

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Heather.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

This Chicken and Dumplins recipe gives you that warm, comforting experience just like your favorite restaurant. It’s straightforward to make and perfect for a cozy dinner. You get the same texture and flavor at home without any hassle. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting meal any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Alfredo Sauce that’s rich and creamy, just like from your favorite Italian place, but made easily in your kitchen. It’s a great addition to pasta for a quick and delicious meal. You’ll love how simple it is to recreate that restaurant taste at home. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you crave something satisfying without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Chili has the robust flavor you love, and it’s easy to whip up at home. It’s hearty and perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch. You won’t believe how easy it is to replicate that signature taste. A warm bowl of this is a comforting treat you can enjoy anytime.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

A tray of loaded tater tots topped with Alfredo sauce, scallions, and green onions on a wooden table next to plates and utensils.
Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

These Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots bring the taste of your favorite pizza joint straight to your table. They’re quick to prepare and offer a fun twist on classic loaded tots. The combination of flavors makes for a satisfying snack or side dish. Perfect for a casual meal or game night with friends.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Alice Springs Chicken offers the same great taste you enjoy at your go-to steakhouse. It’s simple to make and features all those familiar flavors. You can easily whip this up for a weeknight dinner. A delicious way to enjoy a restaurant favorite without leaving home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Kung Pao Chicken in a bowl with a bowl of rice in the background.
Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Shrimp Alfredo that’s creamy and flavorful, just like you get at the Olive Garden, but made easily in your kitchen. This recipe is a quick way to elevate your pasta nights. It’s simple to recreate that restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for a special dinner without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

A plate of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp served on a white rectangular dish.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

These Baby Carrots are sweet and tender, just like at Cracker Barrel, but made at home. They’re a breeze to prepare and a great side for any meal. You’ll love how easy it is to get that same flavor. A simple and delicious addition to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Salisbury Steak that tastes just like your favorite diner’s version, but it’s easy to make at home. This recipe offers a rich, savory flavor and a satisfying meal without the effort. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting dinner with minimal fuss. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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 Heather.

Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots that bring the taste of Domino’s right to your kitchen. They’re simple to make and a perfect snack or side dish. You’ll enjoy the combination of flavors without the need for takeout. A great addition to any casual meal or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup, accompanied by two spoons, a black pepper grinder, and a napkin.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Sicilian Chicken Soup that’s hearty and full of flavor, just like at Carrabba’s, but made at home. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a warming, comforting meal. You’ll appreciate the simplicity of creating this delicious soup in your kitchen. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This NY Steamer Sandwich offers the same robust flavors you love from Firehouse, but you can make it at home. It’s easy to put together and perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. You’ll enjoy the familiar taste without needing to leave the house. A great option for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Sausage and Peppers that taste just like at Maggiano’s, but made in your kitchen. It’s simple to prepare and full of those familiar flavors you love. You can enjoy this delicious dish without the restaurant trip. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Creamy Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Jalapeno Dip is creamy and flavorful, just like at Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant, but made easily at home. It’s a quick and easy appetizer for any occasion. You’ll love how simple it is to create this tasty dip. Ideal for game nights or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rigatoni Alla Vodka that’s rich and flavorful, just like at Il Fornaio, but made in your kitchen. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a special pasta night. You’ll appreciate the simplicity of creating this restaurant favorite at home. A delicious dish for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

A plate of cottage cheese toast with blueberries, next to a honey dipper.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

These Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes are a perfect copycat of the ones from HelloFresh, but made at home. They’re easy to prepare and make a great addition to your meal rotation. You’ll enjoy the familiar taste without the delivery. Ideal for a tasty weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A plate of Mexican carne molida with lime wedges served on a wooden table with a striped cloth on the side.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup that’s creamy and delicious, just like at your favorite Italian spot, but made at home. This recipe is easy to whip up for a comforting meal. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to create this flavorful soup. Perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Eggs benedict with ham and avocado on an English muffin served on a black plate.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Honey Walnut Shrimp that’s sweet and crunchy, just like at Panda Express, but made easily in your kitchen. This recipe offers the same great taste without the need for takeout. You’ll love how quick and simple it is to recreate this dish at home. A perfect addition to your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Kung Pao Chicken that’s spicy and flavorful, just like at Panda Express, but made at home. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick and tasty meal. You’ll enjoy the familiar flavors without the need for takeout. Ideal for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup that’s hearty and full of flavor, just like at your favorite Italian place, but made at home. This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a warming meal. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to recreate this comforting soup. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Simmering with corn, black beans, and a touch of spice, this soup is a burst of summer flavors. Recreate a Panera Bread favorite at home with this light and flavorful lunch or satisfying starter.
Get the Recipe: Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup

Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Jason's Deli Irish Potato Soup on a wooden table.
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

This creamy potato soup is packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. Packed with chunks, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal the whole family will love. Think Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup, but made in your own kitchen. |
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

These Beef Tips offer the same rich flavor you love from your favorite steakhouse, but you can make them at home. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal that feels special. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to get that familiar taste without dining out. A great option for a hearty dinner any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

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