You Won’t Believe It’s Not Takeout: 13 Copycat Recipes That Will Fool Your Friends

Check out these 13 copycat recipes that’ll have you and your friends fooled thinking, “We sure we didn’t just order this?” These gems are made to nail the taste of some of your go-to restaurant picks, right from your own kitchen. Think about the looks you’ll get when you reveal that no, you didn’t sneak out to grab takeout, you actually whipped this up yourself. It’s a neat trick to have up your sleeve for any dinner occasion.

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.

Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

A bowl of Texas roadhouse chili with jalapenos and beans.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Surprise everyone at your next dinner with the bold flavors of Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. It’s packed with robust ingredients just like the restaurant’s, promising a fooling similarity. This hearty dish will have your friends question whether you made a quick run to Texas Roadhouse.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

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.

Whipping up this Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp in your kitchen can turn any meal into an event. The crispy shrimp, sweet honey glaze, and crunchy walnuts are a great combo that’s spot-on with the popular chain’s offering. Serve this dish and watch as disbelief play across your friends’ faces.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Bring a taste of Italy home with Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. This comforting pasta dish with its rich and creamy tomato vodka sauce will make your dining room feel like a little Italian bistro. Surprise your guests with its authenticity; they might just think you did takeout.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

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.

If you’re craving something unique, try this Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes at home. It’s a fun and delicious choice that captures the essence of the meal kit’s popular recipe. Your friends will be impressed, maybe even confused, how you matched it so perfectly without a HelloFresh box in sight.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

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

For a filling dinner, serve up these Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. These savory, tender bites mirroring the restaurant style will fool even your most Texas Roadhouse-loving friend. It’s all the comfort of dining out, conveniently enjoyed in your own dining room. Who would have thought home-cooked could be this close to the real thing?
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

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.

Prepare this Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken, a delicious dish that replicates a famous restaurant’s recipe with surprising accuracy. The juicy chicken with its unique topping will have everyone asking for your secret. They’ll never believe it’s not straight from Alice Spring’s kitchen. It’s a big taste from Down Under, minus the travel.
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.

Turn a simple side dish into a conversation starter with these Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. This sweet and buttery favorite is easy to replicate and just as delicious as what you’d get at Cracker Barrel. Watch as everyone digs in for seconds, marveling at how it tastes just like it does at the restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

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.

Warm up any dreary day with this Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. This soup is just bursting with flavors and textures, closely mimicking Carrabba’s cherished recipe. It’s Sicilian comfort in a bowl, no trip to Carrabba’s is required. It’s a must-try!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

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 Heather.

Serve the vibrant flavors of Italy straight to your dinner table with this Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. This dish captures the essence of Maggiano’s rustic and hearty dish with perfection. Have this at your next gathering and enjoy the magic of Italian dining with none of the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

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.

Comfort food doesn’t get more classic than this Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. It’s exactly what chilly evenings call for, and this recipe nails the Cracker Barrel taste home cooks love. Invite your friends over and cozy up with this ultimate comfort dish without stepping outside.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce in a black skillet.
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Sink into the creamy, dreamy Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce without leaving your house. This silky-smooth sauce rivals that of Olive Garden’s beloved classic. Prepare this for a simple pasta night and see if anyone can tell the difference. It’s rich, creamy, and utterly foolproof.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

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.

Nail the bold and spicy flavors of this Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. The perfect mix of heat and sweetness just like Panda Express serves it, is achievable at home. This dish will add some zing to your meal lineup, and your friends might just think it’s takeout. It’s spicy, it’s crunchy, it’s a dinner winner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

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.

Add a twist to your soup selection with this Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup. It’s a deliciously unique blend that has the spirit of Panera’s summery favorite. Gather your friends for a soup night and watch them be amazed at this replica. It’s a street food charm in the comfort of your home.
Get the Recipe: Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup

Leave a Comment