We Skipped The Takeout—29 Of My Best Recipes Were Better

Takeout can feel like the easy answer after a long day. But sometimes the food shows up cold, late, or just not that great. Skipped the takeout 29 of the best recipes were better. Each one brought warm, fresh flavor without the wait. The kitchen smelled amazing, and every bite felt worth it.

Bang Bang Shrimp

Skip the takeout and make a bold choice with Bang Bang Shrimp at home. It’s crispy and coated in a sauce that packs a little heat and sweetness. Perfect for any occasion, this dish always feels like a fun indulgence. Serve it up and watch it disappear faster than you’d think.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

French Onion Soup

Sometimes, you just need the warmth and comfort of French Onion Soup in your life. The flavors are all about layers, with every bite being better than the last. It’s hearty and feels like something you’d get from a cozy corner restaurant but made in your own kitchen. Toss on that cheesy topping, and it’s hard not to feel impressed!
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Asparagus Casserole

Making Asparagus Casserole is a great choice when you want something hearty without ordering in. It’s fresh, creamy, and surprisingly easy to whip up at home. One pan is all it takes to create something worth sharing at the table. A quick bake and you’ll have a dish that balances comfort and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Give yourself a reason to skip the drive thru by crafting a Grilled Chicken Sandwich at home. Juicy chicken paired with toppings that add crunch, it’s so simple but so good. You’ve got control of every element, which beats anything you’d find wrapped up fast food-style. Perfect for busy days but still feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Ice Cream Cake

Save yourself a trip to the store and whip up a fun Ice Cream Cake right at home. Layers, texture, and frozen goodness come together in the kind of dessert everyone loves. It’s surprisingly easier than you’d expect you’ll have a homemade hit with minimal effort. Perfect for any sweet tooth craving without going out.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake

Hamburger Casserole

Keep things easy without ordering takeout by trying Hamburger Casserole. Comfort in a dish that brings everything together in a way that’s hearty and filling. It’s the kind of meal that feels nostalgic but still manages to impress anyone at the table. Great for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Garlic Knots

Forget ordering pizza just for the sides you can make Garlic Knots yourself with ease. Soft, warm, and with that pop of garlic flavor, they feel homemade but better than anything you’d grab from the counter. They’re perfect to pair up with any meal or just enjoy as they are. A quick bake and they’re ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Avocado Toast

Skipping the café run is easy when you have Avocado Toast on your plate. Creamy and with the perfect crunch, it’s simple enough for any morning but feels like you’re treating yourself. You can adjust it however you like, making every slice something unique to you. Great for a quick bite or a relaxed brunch.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Pasta alla Norma

Bring restaurant flavors into your kitchen with Pasta alla Norma. It’s all hearty comfort and rich flavor packed into one bowl. Skip the takeout you don’t need it when you’ve made something this rewarding from scratch. Pasta never felt more tasty to eat at home.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Baked Chicken Thighs

Scratch the idea of grabbing takeout and put together Baked Chicken Thighs instead. They’re juicy and full of flavor, yet barely take any effort. It’s perfect for when you want something homemade but easy to get right. Pair it with sides, and you’ve got a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Say goodbye to packaged meals and hello to Easy Meatloaf Recipe for something fresh and filling. It’s all about simple prep that gives you something hearty and flavorful. A dish that tastes so good, yet doesn’t keep you standing in the kitchen all day. Bring it to the table and watch it become an instant favorite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Rhubarb Pie

Forget about ordering dessert when you can quickly whip up Rhubarb Pie at home. Tangy and fresh, it’s the kind of slice that feels special every time you bite into it. With just a simple bake, you’re left with something that stands out among sweet options. Great for wrapping up your homemade meal with something unique.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Pie

Chicken Alfredo

Keep it simple but perfect by putting together Chicken Alfredo at home. Creamy and loaded with flavor, it’s a dish that always makes dinner feel like a treat. Making it on your own is surprisingly quick no need for that restaurant-quality upcharge. It’s rich, filling, and perfect for nights in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo

Lamb Chops

Skip the reservations and serve up Lamb Chops that feel fancy but are easy to prepare. Tender and full of flavor, they’re impressive without needing hours of work in the kitchen. Perfect for when you want a more tasty meal without grabbing takeout. Pair it with a side and you’ve created something worth staying in for.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Chops

Italian Sliders

Put those cravings for a sub sandwich aside and make Italian Sliders from scratch. It’s all about bold flavors packed into bite-sized portions that are great for any meal. They’re quick, easy, and hit all those flavor notes you’d expect from delivery. Homemade has never been so convenient or fun.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Dubai Chocolate

Skip waiting in line for dessert and treat yourself at home with Dubai Chocolate. Rich layers of chocolate goodness come together effortlessly. It’s a perfect recipe for anyone craving something sweet after dinner. Indulging in homemade treats always beats going out.
Get the Recipe: Dubai Chocolate

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Forget hitting the drive-thru when you can make Chick-fil-A Nuggets right in your kitchen. These bite-sized pieces are crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. They’re ideal for family meals or lazy evenings at home. Eating homemade nuggets feels way better than stopping for takeout!
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Leg of Lamb

Bring a restaurant-quality dish to your table by preparing Leg of Lamb yourself. Its tenderness and homemade flavors make it a dinner worth enjoying. Perfect for quiet evenings, it’s a dish that stands out without needing much effort. Nothing beats the satisfaction of creating such a hearty meal yourself.
Get the Recipe: Leg of Lamb

Mushroom Stroganoff

A comforting plate of Mushroom Stroganoff can easily replace ordering takeout. Creamy and flavorful, this dish pairs beautifully with a side of your choice. Enjoy a plate filled with earthy flavors that you created from scratch. Once you make it at home, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered it out.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Orange Chicken

Ditch the usual takeout and make Orange Chicken right where you are. Its bold, tangy sauce pairs perfectly over a bed of rice. Cooking this at home is quicker than waiting for delivery, and it’s packed with flavor. Homemade dinners don’t just taste better—they make you proud too!
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Sometimes you need a treat, and making Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup is the way to go. It’s layered chocolate with sweet strawberries that feels indulgent yet easy to make. Enjoy taking bites of dessert knowing it’s crafted by you. Why pick store-bought when you can mix it up at home?
Get the Recipe: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Salmon Caesar Salad

Fresh and enjoyable, Salmon Caesar Salad is both fulfilling and simple. Toss together classic Caesar ingredients with deliciously cooked salmon. It’s wholesome and feels like you put genuine effort behind it. Meals like this redefine skipping takeout altogether.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Caesar Salad

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Recreate that Asian-inspired favorite at home with Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Its glazed chicken and smoky flavors taste great when paired with steamed rice. Making it yourself gives you so much control over flavor and texture. It’s all about the satisfaction of serving an iconic meal straight from your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

French Onion Dip

Don’t settle for store-bought when you can whip up French Onion Dip easily. Creamy, rich, and ideal for snacking, it’s a step above anything pre made. Perfect for pairing with chips or veggies during any downtime. It’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to when avoiding grocery store alternatives.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip

Easy Chicken Casserole

Bring comfort food to your table with Easy Chicken Casserole made right at home. It’s warm, flavorful, and ideal for family dinners after busy days. Skip ordering anything online and enjoy a classic dish that fits any evening. Cooking doesn’t always require too much fuss to taste better than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Mushroom Pizza

Get creative and put together Mushroom Pizza for your next slice craving. Packed with flavor and freshness, it’s far better than ordering delivery. Great as a snack or meal, it’s versatile enough for any time of the day. Homemade pizzas always feel more special with toppings you can tailor to your taste.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

7 Layer Dip

Make hosting easier by preparing 7 Layer Dip yourself. Perfectly stacked layers guarantee flavor in every bite, whether paired with chips or veggies. It’s simple to put together and packs a punch as a party favorite. You’ll skip the store bought version every single time after trying this.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

Hashbrown Casserole

If you’re craving something hearty, Hashbrown Casserole fits the bill. It’s cheesy, filling, and perfect to make ahead when you’re busy. Forget picking up fast food this homemade option hits differently. You’ll love how effortless it is to bring such comfort to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Cooking up Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is a way to recreate that wholesome restaurant vibe at home. The soft dumplings and perfectly seasoned chicken make it a cozy dinner choice. It’s a reminder that comfort food can come straight from your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings