15 Copycat Recipes The Kids Always Want Me To Make

Kids can be the toughest food critics, but some recipes are such hits that they keep asking for more. These dishes have that special something that makes them irresistible to the little ones. From homemade versions of their favorite fast-food meals to treats that beat store-bought every time, these copycat recipes are sure to be family favorites.

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 Six.

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.

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka brings the allure of fine dining into the casual setting of your home kitchen. This dish is a hit for its creamy, rich flavors that perfectly mimic the restaurant version, making it a requested favorite for family dinner nights. It combines ease with a touch of elegance, offering a meal that’s both approachable and appealing to all ages.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

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.

When the craving for something spicy and savory strikes, Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken answers the call. This dish recreates the popular restaurant favorite, bringing bold flavors to your dining table. It’s a perfect pick for those who love a little adventure in their meal, offering a blend of spices that kids and adults alike will adore.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

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 Six.

Enjoy this any time you need a dose of comfort, guaranteed to be met with enthusiastic approval from the younger crowd. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins are all about a comforting, homemade taste that soothes the soul on any day. This dish is an all-time favorite, capturing the essence of Southern cooking with tender dumplings and chicken in a thick, hearty broth.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

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.

For a seafood twist on a classic, Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo offers the rich flavors of a beloved Italian dish. This recipe is perfect for when you want to bring a bit of the Olive Garden experience home. It’s particularly popular among older kids who appreciate a more sophisticated dish. This Alfredo is proof that restaurant-quality cuisine can be recreated where it matters most—at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

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.

Bringing a gourmet touch to family dining, Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes are as fun to make as they are to eat. These croquettes offer a crunch and are always a hit at the dinner table, especially with the younger set. They’re a wonderful way to introduce a variety of textures and flavors to children, wrapped up in a neat, hand-held package.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

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.

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken is known for its juicy flavors and hearty presentation, making it a requested favorite in households across the board. This dish replicates the original’s charm, providing a comforting, protein-rich meal that’s perfect for a casual family dinner. Serve this chicken and watch it disappear as quickly as it was prepared, a sure sign of a meal well made.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s 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 Six.

This meal is a nod to the timeless American diner, offering rich, savory flavors that everyone at the table will appreciate. Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings the classic diner experience right to your kitchen table. Each serving is like a step back to a simpler time, making this dish a popular request for its familiarity and the hearty satisfaction it delivers.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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 Six.

Whether it’s served during a large family gathering or a simple weekday dinner, this French dip will not disappoint. Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy a restaurant favorite from the comfort of your home. This sandwich is all about the tender slices of meat and the rich, savory dip that accompanies it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

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.

When you’re looking to recreate a restaurant favorite at home, Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a standout choice. This dish brings a touch of gourmet to your kitchen without the complexity often associated with seafood. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a beloved menu item from the comfort of your home, offering a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

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.

Dig into the creamy, comforting world of Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip, a guaranteed hit for any gathering or family night. This recipe replicates the popular restaurant appetizer, allowing you to bring a piece of the dining-out experience into your home. It’s a fantastic way to kick off a meal or to serve at a party where you want to impress without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip

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.

On a chilly evening, nothing comforts quite like a bowl of Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. This recipe is a warm, inviting option that fills the room with its hearty aroma. It replicates a familiar favorite from Jason’s Deli, known for its rich texture and comforting taste. It’s an excellent choice that promises a cozy dining experience that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Zuppa Toscana Soup

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

For a soup that feels like a journey to Italy, Zuppa Toscana Soup offers a robust and hearty experience that’s hard to resist. This dish is a favorite for its rich flavors and comforting warmth, making it a staple during the colder months or when you simply crave something nourishing. Whether as a main course or a side, it’s a versatile choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

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

Creamy Jalapeno Dip is the go-to recipe when you want to add a bit of spice to your snack time or party spread. This dip is famous for its creamy texture combined with just the right kick of heat, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a little kick in their food. It’s a perfect companion for chips, veggies, or even as a spread on sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

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.

Bring the flavors of a New York deli to your kitchen with this Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich. This recipe captures the essence of a beloved Firehouse Subs classic, known for its hearty and satisfying nature. It’s perfect for a lunch that needs to be both filling and flavorful, and it’s just as suitable for a weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

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 Six.

If you’re in the mood for a fun and hearty snack, Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots is your answer. This dish takes a beloved fast-food favorite and brings it into your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak combined with the crispy charm of tots. It’s a fantastic choice for movie nights, game days, or any casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

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