My Kids Prefer These 19 Copycat Recipes Over the Drive-Thru

ByMandy

The drive-thru used to win every time, but these 19 copycat recipes completely changed that. They’re quick to make, get eaten without complaints, and often beat the originals. Even the picky ones ask for them again. The car stays parked, and dinner gets a little easier.

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

General Tso’s Chicken

Stir-fried chicken pieces in a spicy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions, served in a round metal dish on an orange placemat.
General Tso’s Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Skip the drive-thru and dig into a familiar favorite that’s always better at home. General Tso’s Chicken offers the perfect mix of bold sauce and crispy texture. Kids love how the flavors pop with every bite. It’s hard to beat this go-to meal at dinner time.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Dubai Chocolate

Close-up of sliced dessert bars with layers of chocolate, crumbly filling, and green topping, garnished with chopped pistachios.
Dubai Chocolate. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For those moments when dessert feels necessary, this rich option never disappoints. Dubai Chocolate is always a hit with its smooth texture and intense flavor. Kids love how it feels like a treat from a high-end dessert spot. It’s great for any sweet tooth craving.
Get the Recipe: Dubai Chocolate

Copycat Big Mac Salad

Close-up of a salad featuring ground beef, sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and diced onions, topped with a creamy dressing.
Copycat Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Swapping fast food for homemade is better when you whip up Copycat Big Mac Salad. It packs all the favorites without the bun, keeping things fresh and easy. This is perfect for families wanting the drive-thru feeling, made better. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Bang Bang Shrimp

A bowl of rice topped with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with cucumber slices, lime wedge, cilantro, and sliced green onions.
Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bring a popular seafood dish home with a flavorful punch. Bang Bang Shrimp always makes snack time or dinner more fun. Kids enjoy the mix of crunchy bites and dipping sauce with every serving. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any table.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Raising Cane Tenders

A breaded and golden-brown fried chicken tender being dipped into a white sauce in a bowl, with more chicken tenders in the background.
Raising Cane Tenders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Homemade always wins, especially with something this solid. Raising Cane Tenders gives you crispy chicken and a signature dipping experience. Kids can’t get enough of how this feels like the best fast-food treat without leaving the house. It’s a reliable favorite every time.
Get the Recipe: Raising Cane Tenders

Copycat Smash Burger

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Making burger night exciting is easy with Copycat Smash Burger. Thin patties with crispy edges give it that smash-hit quality kids rave about. Add all the classic toppings for the perfect fix. It’s an at-home version of a burger shop favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Sushi Rice

A bowl of steamed white rice topped with sliced green onions and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Sushi Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you’re craving perfect rice to pair with any meal, this one comes through. Sushi Rice stays light but is packed with the texture needed for rolls or bowls. Kids love building their favorite creations with it. Definitely worth skipping takeout for your favorite sushi dish.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Rice

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

A plate of spaghetti topped with grilled chicken strips and garnished with chopped parsley, bell peppers, and shredded cheese.
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy and smooth, Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta is a go-to for dinner that kids cheer for. Bringing restaurant vibes to home, it’s a crowd pleaser. Great for those who crave something rich yet comforting. It’s easy to serve with confidence every time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Korean Burgers

Close-up of a hamburger with a sesame seed bun, beef patty, green onions, and rich brown sauce.
Korean Burgers. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Packed with the kind of flavor you wouldn’t expect in a burger, this recipe really delivers. Korean Burgers combine a sweet sauce twist that kids can’t pass up. The textures make it extra fun for family meals. It’s easy to make and full of bold bites.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Looking for something with a little kick? Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta matches bold flavors with creamy pasta, making every bite fun. Kids love flavors that stand out, and this recipe hits the spot. It’s the kind of dish that gets fans talking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

A bowl of golden-brown, crispy fried arancini served in a white dish on a plain background.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring that snack-style fun right to the table. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites have the perfect crispy shell and cheesy middle that’s always a favorite. Kids enjoy dipping them into sauces for an extra twist. They’re great whether for dinner sides or snack cravings.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Chicken Tikka Masala

A close-up of chicken tikka masala served on rice, garnished with fresh cilantro, with lime wedges and naan on the side.
Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Bringing an Indian favorite home, Chicken Tikka Masala mixes rich sauce with bold, memorable flavors. Over rice, this dish feels complete and satisfying. Even picky eaters enjoy its creamy pairing with chicken bites. It turns dinner into something special every time!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Three slices of glazed meatloaf are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of brown sauce.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Make a home-cooked classic that’s well-loved for its comforting bites. Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe takes everything great about this traditional dish and perfects it. Kids enjoy the way this feels hearty without being too heavy. Pair it with simple sides for a crowd-pleasing dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Close-up of spiral cookies with red jam filling on parchment paper, reminiscent of Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, one partially eaten and surrounded by crumbs.
Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet and nostalgic, Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie is where dessert meets childhood favorites. Kids love the fresh spin on their favorite sandwich combo. It’s like reimagining PB&J in cookie form for snack moments. Familiar yet new in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Close-up of grilled chicken wings with a crispy texture, next to a red bowl of creamy dipping sauce.
Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Wings bring excitement to any meal, especially when they’re made fresh at home. Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings balance bold flavor without the overly spicy kick, keeping it fun for kids. Every wing feels special with the unique rub added. No need for takeout when these exist.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

A bowl of freshly made Copycat Chipotle corn salsa with a serving spoon in it.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add a versatile side to the table that upgrades the meal instantly. Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa brings crunch and sweetness to tacos, bowls, or snacks. Kids enjoy how simple this feels, yet absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect addition to just about any family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Tofu Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with grilled tofu, diced carrots, peas, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of dark sauce, served on a red cloth.
Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Leftovers or fresh takes both shine in Tofu Fried Rice, turning simple meals into tasty favorites. Kids appreciate the textures and mix of fresh elements throughout every bite. Easy to pair or serve solo, it’s endlessly flexible. Perfect way to shake up classic rice dishes.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe

Enjoy these delectable cookies topped with white frosting, chocolate chips, and small cookie dough pieces—a perfect Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie recipe.
Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert fans adore this cookie that feels indulgent without being overly sweet. Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe nails the mix between soft cookie and creamy dough filling. Kids love having that dessert shop vibe at home. It’s always the best way to finish a family meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe

Crunchwrap Supreme

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bring a fast-food hit home without waiting in line. Crunchwrap Supreme combines crispy layers and hearty fillings for maximum fun. Kids enjoy how every bite feels customizable and exciting. It’s perfect for busy nights or casual meals with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

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