15 Budget Copycat Recipes You’ll Never Get Sick Of

Craving your favorite restaurant dishes but tired of the hefty price tag? These 15 budget-friendly copycat recipes are here to save the day! If you’re ready to enjoy gourmet flavors on a budget, these copycat recipes are just what you need. They’re fun to make, delicious to eat, and guaranteed to become regulars in your meal rotation.

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 Six.

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.

Anyone looking for a gourmet meal without the hefty price tag will enjoy Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. This recipe brings a touch of sophistication to your kitchen, replicating a popular meal kit favorite while keeping costs down. This dish demonstrates that you can create fancy meals at home that are both economical and a pleasure to serve.
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 Six.

Bringing the essence of Italian dining to your table, Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo offers a creamy, comforting experience. This recipe allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality pasta at a fraction of the cost, perfect for family dinners or date nights at home. It’s a simple solution for anyone craving a rich, flavorful meal without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

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 Six.

Reimagining restaurant favorites has never been easier with Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. This recipe captures the essence of the popular dish, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home. This dish is a testament to how home cooking can rival even the best eateries, proving that great flavors don’t have to come at a high price.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

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 Six.

For a taste of Little Italy, try Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of an Italian feast right to your dining room, ensuring a delicious and budget-friendly meal. It’s great for large gatherings or a cozy family night, offering the warmth of traditional Italian cooking without the expense of dining out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

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.

Enjoy a slice of Italian luxury with Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka, a recipe that brings classic flavors to your table without the high dining costs. This dish serves as a perfect centerpiece for a romantic dinner or a comforting meal with friends. It showcases that you can achieve rich, enticing flavors through simple, cost-effective cooking methods.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

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.

Explore the sweet and crispy world of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. This version is not only wallet-friendly but also a crowd-pleaser, suitable for any occasion. It’s a smart choice for those who love bold flavors but prefer to spend wisely. The dish illustrates that you can recreate your favorite takeout meals economically, ensuring they’re enjoyable time and time again.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

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 Six.

Capture the essence of a classic diner with Diner Style Salisbury Steak, a recipe that brings nostalgic flavors into your kitchen. This meal is perfect for those seeking comfort food without the fuss or high cost of eating out. It’s particularly appealing for its ease of preparation and satisfying richness, making it a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip

A hand dipping a tortilla chip into a tray of Copycat Applebee’s spinach artichoke dip.
Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When craving a hearty appetizer, turn to Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip. This recipe mimics the popular restaurant version, allowing you to indulge in a creamy, delectable snack without the usual expense. It’s perfect for parties or as a treat during a family game night, proving that you can bring restaurant excitement into your home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip

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.

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken brings the thrill of dining out right to your kitchen table, without the added expense. This dish is celebrated for its bold flavors and its ability to replicate a restaurant favorite affordably. It’s a fantastic choice for a lively dinner that promises the punch of heat and umami you crave from your favorite takeout.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

A closeup of Jason's Deli Irish Potato Soup.`
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This recipe is a favorite for those cool days when you need something warming. Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup offers a creamy, comforting taste just like the restaurant version, but at a fraction of the price. It’s economical, making it a staple for anyone looking to stretch their grocery budget further. Plus, it’s hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

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.

With Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl, you can enjoy your fast-food favorite without leaving home. This dish is not only budget-friendly but also customizable to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile option for any meal of the day. It’s a wonderful way to satisfy your cravings while controlling what goes into your food.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

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 Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich and bring the deli to your dining room. This sandwich is a hit for its hearty fillings and robust flavors that mimic the popular Firehouse Subs offering. It’s an economical way to enjoy a filling meal that normally might cost twice as much at the sandwich shop. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and perfect for lunches or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

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.

Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup is a treat that brings the unique flavors of Panera right to your home. This copycat recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the taste of street corn in a creamy, comforting soup form. It’s rich in flavor and easy to make, which ensures it’s a popular choice among those who enjoy a gourmet touch without the gourmet price tag.
Get the Recipe: Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

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

Indulge in the spicy, tangy flavors of Creamy Jalapeno Dip without the restaurant markup. This dip is a favorite for its ease of preparation and the kick of flavor that rivals popular restaurant versions. It’s perfect for entertaining or as an accompaniment to your favorite dishes. It ensures that your snacks are as cost-effective as they are delicious.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

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 Six.

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup is your ticket to a comforting, rich soup that tastes just like it came from Carrabba’s Italian Grill. This recipe is a gem for its soothing flavors and simplicity, offering a way to enjoy Italian dining without the hefty price. It’s particularly appealing during the colder months or whenever you need a bowl of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

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