The Copycat Chronicles: 13 Recipes That Will Have You Saying “Why Go Out?”

So you love eating out but your wallet and comfy pants don’t? No sweat. Here are 13 copycat recipes from popular spots that’ll get you cooking like a pro at home and have you saying “Why go out?”. It’s pretty cool learning how you can recreate those familiar flavors with your own hands. Plus, it’s a sweet chance to show off a bit when you have friends or family over.

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.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

If the cozy comfort of a hearty meal is what you crave, then Pasta e Fagioli Soup recipe will make you ditch the idea of dining out. This classic Italian soup brings the warmth and rich flavors of traditional cooking right to your table. With every spoonful, you’ll wonder why anyone would choose a restaurant over this homemade treat.
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.

Spicy, savory, and utterly satisfying, Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken makes dining-in an event to look forward to. Recreating this popular dish at home saves you a trip and lets you control the spice level to suit your palate. You’ll get all the zing of eating out without leaving your kitchen. It’s a no-brainer for those who love to add a little kick to their meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

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.

Bring a touch of gourmet into your routine. Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes recipe is all about upgrading your home dining experience. This dish is proof of how you can achieve restaurant-quality flavors with a bit of effort and the right recipe. You’ll find yourself enjoying the taste and texture, impressed by your own skills.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

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 Heather.

Think about the creamy, comforting embrace of Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo without needing to leave your cozy dining room. This recipe captures the essence of what makes the classic so loved, with the added satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself. Luxurious and rich, it invites you to an evening that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

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.

This Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is a sweet invitation to ditch the takeout menus and make your own crispy, flavorful meal. It’s surprisingly simple to whip up a batch of this crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory that’s better than the drive-thru. Plus, it lets you tweak the recipe to your liking.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

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 Heather.

For pasta lovers, Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka offers a trip to Italy without leaving your kitchen. This dish is a showcase of how simple ingredients can create deeply satisfying flavors, convincing you that homemade is the way to go. The rich vodka sauce over perfectly cooked rigatoni will have you patting yourself on the back.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

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.

The bold flavors of Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken prove that you don’t need to dine out to enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. Recreating this favored dish allows you to bring a piece of the restaurant experience into your own dining space. It’s all about capturing that perfect blend of seasoning and cooking techniques.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

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.

Sweet, tender, and oh-so-easy to love, Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots recipe turns a simple side dish into the star of the show. This dish proves that sometimes, the simplest ingredients can make the most memorable meals. It’s a quick and easy way to add some sweetness to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

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

Treat yourself to the savory, comforting taste of Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips without stepping foot outside. This recipe brings the bold flavors and tender bites of the steakhouse favorite directly to your plate. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your craving for a meaty, flavorful dish with all the comforts of home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

A roast beef sandwich with melted cheese on a hoagie roll, accompanied by crinkle-cut fries and a bowl of brown dipping sauce on the side.
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich is about bringing that iconic, savory sandwich experience into your kitchen. It’s a game-changer for sandwich lovers, offering a way to enjoy this classic without waiting in line. Juicy, flavorful, and dipped in rich au jus, this recipe turns an ordinary meal into a mouth-watering event.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

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.

Bite into the heartwarming goodness of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. This recipe is a shortcut to soul-satisfying flavors, capturing the essence of what makes this dish a comforting classic. It’s a taste of nostalgia that’s easy to recreate, making any dinner feel like a special occasion. It begs the question, why go out at all?
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

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.

Upgrade your snack game with Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots. This recipe turns the humble tater tot into a flavor-packed feast, marrying the richness and crispy goodness. It’s the perfect way to turn snacking into an experience, proving that staying in can be just as fun as going out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Zuppa Toscana Soup

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

Zuppa Toscana Soup is your ticket to a comforting, flavorful bowl that rivals your favorite Italian eatery’s offering. With every sip, you’ll appreciate the layers of flavor that make this soup a standout. It’s a blend of creamy, spicy, and savory that will have you patting yourself on the back for choosing to dine at the home bistro. It’s the kind of meal that makes you wonder why you’d ever choose to eat anywhere else.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup

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