13 Copycat Classics That’ll Have Your Kids Begging For Your Version Instead Of The Original

Think about all those famous eats that kids go wild for—now think about making them right in your own kitchen with a few clever tweaks! Crafting these well-loved dishes at home not only lets you control what’s going in but also allows you to put love and creativity into every meal. These revamped classics might become the new household favorites over their original counterparts found outside or off-the-shelf! As autumn sets in, what better way than to spend cozy evenings trying out recipes everyone recognizes but makes special by being homemade?

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 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.

Prepare to be impressed by this Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka recipe. This dish combines the perfect balance of creamy sauce with a subtle vodka kick. The rigatoni pasta is an ideal vessel for the rich, flavorful sauce. Your family will love the restaurant-quality taste you can achieve at home. This recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.
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 Six.

You’ll love recreating these Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes in your own kitchen. The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, flavorful pork filling. The addition of shallots provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the croquettes. Serve these as an appetizer or main course for a crowd-pleasing meal. Your family will request these croquettes time and time again.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

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.

Experience the comfort of home cooking with these Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. The carrots are cooked to perfection, maintaining their natural sweetness and texture. A simple glaze enhances the vegetable’s natural flavors without overpowering them. This side dish pairs well with a variety of main courses. It’s an easy way to add a nutritious and delicious element to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

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.

Bring the classic diner experience home with this Diner Style Salisbury Steak recipe. The seasoned beef patties are smothered in a rich, tasty gravy. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, served alongside mashed potatoes or egg noodles. It’s a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Your family will appreciate this homemade version of a beloved diner staple.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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.

Prepare to impress with this Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken recipe. The juicy chicken breast is topped with a combination of mushrooms, bacon, and melted cheese. A honey mustard sauce adds a tangy sweetness to balance the spicy elements. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or when entertaining guests. It’s sure to become a requested favorite in your household.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

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.

Create restaurant-quality pasta at home with this Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo recipe. The creamy Alfredo sauce coats each strand of pasta perfectly. Tender shrimp add a protein element to the dish. This recipe allows you to control the ingredients while achieving that signature Olive Garden taste. Your family will be amazed at how close it is to the original.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Warm up with a bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. This hearty dish features tender chunks of chicken in a rich, flavorful broth. The dumplings are light and fluffy, soaking up the delicious flavors of the soup. It’s a comforting meal perfect for cooler days or when you need a pick-me-up. Your family will appreciate this homemade version of a classic comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Zuppa Toscana Soup

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

Enjoy a taste of Italy with this Zuppa Toscana Soup recipe. The combination of Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale creates a hearty and flavorful soup. A touch of cream adds richness without making the soup too heavy. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Your family will love dunking crusty bread into this delicious soup.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana 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 Six.

Bring the flavors of Little Italy to your kitchen with this Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers recipe. The tasty sausages are perfectly complemented by the sweetness of bell peppers and onions. A tasty tomato sauce ties all the flavors together beautifully. Serve this dish over pasta or on crusty rolls for a complete meal. Your family will be transported to their favorite Italian restaurant with each bite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

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.

Recreate a Chinese takeout favorite with this Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe. The shrimp are lightly battered and fried to crispy perfection. A sweet honey sauce coats the shrimp, while candied walnuts add crunch and flavor. Serve this dish with steamed rice for a complete meal. Your family will be impressed by your ability to recreate this restaurant favorite at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

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.

Warm up with a bowl of this Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. The hearty chili is packed with tender beef and a blend of spices. Beans add substance and nutrition to this filling dish. For a customizable meal, top with cheese, sour cream, or your favorite chili fixings. Your family will love gathering around the table for this comforting chili.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up.
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Indulge in these Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots as a side dish or snack. Crispy tater tots are topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits. Add some green onions for a fresh contrast to the rich toppings. These loaded tots are perfect for game day or family treats. Your kids will be begging for these instead of the delivery version.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

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 your dinner routine with this Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken recipe. The chicken is stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. The dish perfectly balances sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. Serve over rice for a complete meal that rivals your favorite takeout. Your family will be impressed by your ability to recreate this Chinese restaurant classic at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

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