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17 Recipes Restaurants Don’t Want You To Make At Home

Have you ever wondered if there are certain dishes that restaurants secretly hope you don’t learn to make at home? It turns out, there are about of these recipes. Restaurants often have special dishes that keep customers coming back, and they like to keep the exact recipes a bit of a mystery. This is because having unique, tasty dishes gives them an edge over the competition. So, next time you dine out and fall in love with a dish, remember, that it might be one of those 17 recipes restaurants don’t want you to make at home.

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.

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.

Shake up your dinner routine with the Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. These croquettes offer a crispy outside, tender inside dream. They’re a little fancy, a lot delicious, and surprisingly easy to whip up. It’s like bringing a gourmet restaurant experience to your dining table. Be warned; you’ll be asked to make these again and again.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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

On those days when you need a hug in a bowl, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup has got you covered. Think of soft, pillowy gnocchi and tender chicken waiting for you in a creamy embrace. It’s like your favorite sweater but in soup form. It warms you up from the inside out, making any day feel a bit brighter. Seriously, who needs a blanket when you have this soup?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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.

Nothing says comfort food quite like a big bowl of Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Packed with bold, smoky flavors, it’s like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s so good, that you’ll want to get your cowboy hat out. Perfect for feeding a crowd or just making sure you have plenty of leftovers. Get ready for your house to smell amazing.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

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.

Ever crave that deli sandwich goodness at home? Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich is your ticket to sandwich paradise. Juicy meat, melty cheese, and that perfect bite of mustard—it’s all here. It’s hearty, it’s satisfying, and it makes lunch the best part of your day. Be prepared to make it a lot, because after the first bite, you’ll be hooked.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

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.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins brings the comfort of a home-cooked meal right to your table. It’s like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. The dumplings are so soft, they’ll melt in your mouth, and the chicken is just divine. Who knew staying in could taste so good?
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

This Pasta e Fagioli Soup is like that cozy Italian village you dream of visiting, in a bowl. It’s hearty with a hint of tomato goodness, and every spoonful feels like home. Perfect for when you need something filling but want to keep it light. It’s a meal on its own, no side dish needed. Get ready to twirl your spoon; it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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.

These Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are more than just a side dish—they’re about to become your main obsession. They’re soft, they’re sweet, and just might steal the spotlight. Perfect for when you need to sneak some veggies onto the menu. Trust us, even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

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

If you’re all about that kick with your chips, the Creamy Jalapeno Dip doesn’t shy away from flavor, making every bite a bold adventure. It’s creamy enough to take the edge off, but spicy enough to keep things interesting. Whether it’s taco night or game day, this dip is ready to steal the show. Everyone’s going to ask you for the recipe, guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

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

If you’re all about that creamy pasta life, the Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is your nirvana. This sauce is rich, cheesy, and makes any pasta feel like a fancy Italian restaurant dish. It’s so good, you might just forget about your fork and go straight for the spoon. There’s no judgment here. Ready your breadsticks; you’re in for a treat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Zuppa Toscana Soup

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

If you’re dreaming of the Tuscan sun, let a bowl of Zuppa Toscana Soup bring a piece of Italy right to your kitchen. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it has just the right amount of kick. Plus, it’s pretty much guaranteed to impress anyone who tries it. It’s the vacation you need, no passport required.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup

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.

Want to make your favorite takeout at home? The Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is crispy, sweet, and utterly unforgettable. It’s a little bit of crunch, a touch of sweetness, and a whole lot of delicious. It’s the kind of dish that makes any dinner feel like a special occasion. Who knew you could be a gourmet chef with this up your sleeve?
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Burrito Sauce

A jar with a lime and cilantro next to it.
Burrito Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget about those bland, dry burritos. This Burrito Sauce is here to change your burrito game forever. It’s got just the right amount of kick and a depth of flavor that makes every bite better. It’s the secret weapon your kitchen arsenal was missing. Seriously, you might start putting it on everything.
Get the Recipe: Burrito Sauce

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.

Craving a taste of Italy? The Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka is your first-class ticket. It’s got that rich tomato flavor with a creamy twist, and it’s just outright irresistible. Perfect for when you want to impress but don’t want to stress. Light those candles; it’s about to get romantic in here.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

For seafood lovers, the Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is a dream come true. It’s all about tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and that perfect pasta twirl. It’s sophisticated enough for date night but easy enough for a weeknight. Dig into a plate of this, and you’ll swear you’re dining out. This dish is a love letter to shrimp and pasta lovers everywhere.
Get the Recipe: 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 Heather.

With the Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken, imagine combining sweet honey mustard with savory bacon—and it gets even better. This dish is where comfort meets decadence. It’s sweet, it’s savory, and it’s going to be your new favorite. Perfect for when you want to mix things up but keep everyone happy. Once you try this, there’s no going back.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish. The meal is set on a white wooden table beside silver cutlery and a floral napkin.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

The Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings that diner-style goodness right into your home. Smothered in gravy and mushrooms, making it utterly savory. It’s a taste of nostalgia on a plate. Perfect for a cozy dinner that brings back all the good memories. You might just start a new tradition with this one.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Copycat Animal Sauce

Copycat Animal Sauce in a bowl with fries around it.
Copycat Animal Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Love a good mystery? This Copycat Animal Sauce is the secret behind those iconic fast-food burgers we can’t get enough of. It’s tangy, a tiny bit sweet, and transforms any ordinary burger into an extraordinary one. Add it to fries, dip your nuggets, or just spoon it—no judgment here. This sauce might just become your fridge staple.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Animal Sauce

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