15 Copycat Meals That Are Cheaper, Better, and Don’t Come in a Soggy Paper Bag

Ordering takeout is easy, but making those same meals at home can be just as simple. There’s no waiting for delivery or dealing with cold food by the time it arrives. Instead, you get something fresh and made just how you like it. These recipes bring popular restaurant flavors straight to your kitchen without the extra cost.

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.

Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup

Two white bowls filled with Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup.
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Our version of Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup offers you all the comfort of the original without leaving home. This soup brings the classic French bistro right to your dining table with minimal effort and more control over nutritional content. Prepare a pot of this hearty soup to enjoy a relaxed meal any day of the week. It’s a meal worth sharing with family and friends, capturing the essence of a homemade touch.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

There’s something special about homemade Pasta e Fagioli Soup that far surpasses what you’d find at a restaurant. Each spoonful wraps you in warmth and rich flavors, making it ideal for a quiet evening in. Not only is it easy to whip up, but it’s also a cost-effective alternative to dining out. Gather around the table for a nutritious meal that promises to be as filling as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

The Backyard Table

An e-book titled "The Backyard Table: Recipes for Summer Cookouts" by Chef Jenn Allen is displayed on a tablet, featuring a bowl of potato salad on the cover.

Get it NOW and level up your outdoor dining! The Backyard Table - Recipes for Summer Cookouts features 34 of Chef Jenn's BEST recipes for outdoor eating and entertaining.

You'll get ad-free recipes like:

  • Grilled Corn Guacamole
  • Grilled French Onion Burgers
  • Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
  • Blueberry Grunt
  • and so many more!

Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!

Get it now, at a special introductory price of $7.99. That's over 50 pages of foodie love at your fingertips!

Buy Now!

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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

For a touch of comfort, try Chicken Gnocchi Soup, embodying the cozy warmth of a home-cooked meal. This soup pairs perfectly with your favorite crusty bread for a simple yet complete dining experience. Forget about the hassle of eating out when you can recreate your favorite flavors at home. It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles around the dinner table, proving that simple ingredients can create profound pleasure.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Copycat Panera Bread’s 10 Vegetable Soup

A spoonful of Copycat Panera Bread’s 10 Vegetable soup from a white bowl.
Copycat Panera Bread’s 10 Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Who says you need to go out to enjoy Copycat Panera Bread’s 10 Vegetable Soup? Bring the diverse flavor profile of Panera’s beloved dish into your own kitchen. This soup is packed with nutrients and colors, turning any meal into something special. It’s the ultimate option for anyone looking for a healthful dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Bread’s 10 Vegetable 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.

Bring a little flair to your kitchen with Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. This recipe captures the essence of the popular fast-food favorite without the need to drive through. Enjoy a fresh and fulfilling meal that’s easy on your wallet and heavy on enjoyment. It’s ideal for a fun and casual dinner option at home, especially when cravings strike.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

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.

Recreate a restaurant favorite with Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka, which promises all the pleasure without the hefty price tag. This dish is an ideal choice for those looking to impress guests or enjoy a special dinner at home. With this recipe, a memorable and elegant meal is just a pot away. Serving this to your guests or family is guaranteed to garner appreciation and requests for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

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.

Enjoy a New York deli classic at home with Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich. This hearty sandwich is sure to fill you up and please everyone who tries it. Making it yourself allows you to customize each component to your liking without stepping foot outside. Fire up your sandwich game with this tried-and-true recipe that’s bound to become a household staple.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

Zuppa Toscana Soup

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

Experience the rich flavors of Italy with a bowl of Zuppa Toscana Soup. This creamy soup combines simplicity with robust flavors, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s an excellent option for a light lunch or as part of a larger Italian feast. Turn your next meal into an Italian-inspired event that everyone will remember.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup

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.

Bringing Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins into your kitchen allows for a comforting meal without the fuss of a long wait at the restaurant. This dish is pure comfort in a bowl, perfect for any day that needs a boost. It’s cost-effective and surprisingly simple to make. Enjoy the flavors of a beloved classic from the comfort of your dining room with this easy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

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.

Whip up some Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers for a taste of Italian-American tavern fare. This dish balances hearty ingredients with bold flavors, creating a must-have for any dinner. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or a simple family meal, it’s bound to be a hit. Friends and family will appreciate the restaurant-quality taste with the comfort of home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

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 Six.

Brighten up your side dish options with Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. These carrots are not just an accompaniment but a show-stealer on their own, promising to light up any meal. They’re quick to prepare and are a delicious addition to any table. Introduce a splash of color and taste to your next meal with this simple yet fantastic recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon and fork on side.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Turn your dining area into an Italian restaurant with Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. This creamy, dreamy pasta dish offers the flavors you crave without the need for reservations. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting solo treat. Luxurious yet simple, this meal will keep you away from long lines and ensure a delicious experience.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

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.

Spice up dinner time with the bold and dynamic flavors of Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. This dish offers a spicy kick that rivals the original and is guaranteed to liven up any mealtime. It’s great for those who want to add a bit of excitement to their dinner routine. Plus, it’s quick to make, meaning you get to serve something impressive without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

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.

For those who enjoy a good starter, making Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip at home is a game changer. This creamy dip is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or a family snack night. It’s simple to prepare and even better than the restaurant version because you can tweak it to your taste preferences. Serve this at your next get-together, and watch it disappear faster than you can say ‘delicious’!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip

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.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet and savory, Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp will not disappoint. This dish combines crispy shrimp with a heavenly sauce that beats take-out any day. It’s a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that you can whip up in no time. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this exquisite dish at your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *