Still Ordering Takeout? Try The 21 Recipes My Family Keeps Begging Me For!
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Still reaching for your phone to order takeout? These recipes are so easy, delicious, and family-approved, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner. With simple ingredients and flavors that rival your favorite restaurants, these are the dishes my family keeps begging me to make—and yours will too.
Potato Skins
These loaded potato skins are a hit at every gathering and the kind of recipe my family keeps begging me to make instead of ordering out. Each crispy potato half is brushed with garlic butter, baked to perfection, and topped with bacon, melty cheese, and fresh green onions. Whether it’s movie night or game day, these are guaranteed to impress—and you don’t even have to leave your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins
Sweet Potato Fries
These air fryer sweet potato fries are the snack my family turns to when we want something better than takeout. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned, they’re irresistible. Whether you serve them with burgers, chicken, or just on their own, you’ll feel like you’ve found the ultimate fry recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Pumpkin Pasta
My family always lights up when I serve this creamy pumpkin pasta, and they’ve officially declared it better than ordering out. Tossed with a luscious pumpkin and cream cheese sauce, it’s topped with gooey mozzarella and fresh basil for a dish that feels both cozy and gourmet. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s one of the recipes they keep asking me to make.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
This copycat Longhorn Steakhouse rice is a restaurant-style side dish that my family keeps asking me to recreate. Fluffy rice cooked with bell peppers and onions in savory chicken broth delivers big flavor in a simple way. It’s so good, it might just become your favorite takeout replacement for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
When I make this copycat Ruth’s Chris stuffed chicken, my family says it’s like we brought the restaurant home—and that’s exactly the point. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, this dish has completely replaced our takeout cravings. It’s a simple recipe that feels fancy and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
Baked Potato Soup Chilis
This Chili’s-inspired baked potato soup is the comfort food my family prefers over restaurant takeout. Creamy and loaded with tender potatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, and chives, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Whenever I make it, they’re thrilled—and it’s so simple, I don’t mind making it again and again.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato Soup Chilis
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air fryer pork chops are juicy, perfectly seasoned, and the recipe that proves homemade beats takeout every time. Golden on the outside and tender on the inside, they cook in just 9 minutes. Whether it’s a busy evening or a relaxed dinner, these chops will leave everyone asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops
Broccoli Rice Casserole
Every time I make this cheesy broccoli rice casserole, my family tells me it’s so much better than anything we could order out. The tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and creamy cheddar sauce make it a comforting dish that’s impossible to resist. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour—perfect for satisfying those takeout cravings without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole
Herb-Crusted Chicken
This herb-crusted chicken has become a family favorite that feels restaurant-worthy without leaving home. Juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful herb crust deliver big flavor in a surprisingly easy way. Whether paired with veggies or salad, it’s a dish my family keeps requesting instead of ordering takeout.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Bruschetta Al Pomodoro
Bruschetta al pomodoro is proof that simple, fresh recipes can rival your favorite takeout appetizers. Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crispy bread come together in minutes for a snack that’s as easy as it is delicious. My family loves it so much, it’s become a staple for parties and quiet nights alike.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Al Pomodoro
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Whenever I make these creamy, make-ahead mashed potatoes, my family jokes that we don’t need takeout when we have dishes like this at home. Fluffy, buttery, and loaded with cheesy goodness, they’re the perfect holiday side. Preparing them in advance means less stress and more time for everyone to enjoy the meal together.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Lobster
Cooking lobster at home might sound intimidating, but trust me—this recipe makes it easy to ditch takeout and still feel fancy. With simple tips for perfect preparation and serving suggestions, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. It’s a showstopper my family always gets excited for.
Get the Recipe: Lobster
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
These air fryer zucchini fries are the crispy snack my family begs for instead of fried takeout options. With a parmesan coating and a golden crunch, they’re healthier and just as satisfying. Serve them as a side or appetizer, and you’ll see why they’ve become such a hit in our house.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip
When I whip up this Lawson’s chip dip, my family can’t believe it’s homemade—it’s that good, and so much better than ordering out. Creamy, tangy, and full of flavor, it’s perfect with chips, veggies, or crackers. This 5-minute recipe is always a winner, especially on family movie nights.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip
Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders
These copycat Popeyes blackened chicken tenders are so good, my family doesn’t even think about the drive-thru anymore. Spicy, juicy, and full of Cajun flavor, they’re perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner. Once you make them, you’ll see why they’ve become such a regular request at my house.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders
Wingstop Ranch Dressing
Every time I make this copycat Wingstop ranch dressing, my family insists it’s better than anything they’ve had with takeout. Creamy, tangy, and ready in minutes, it’s perfect for dipping wings, veggies, or fries. They love it so much, I’m always keeping a jar in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Ranch Dressing
Slow Cooker Applesauce
This slow cooker applesauce is the sweet treat that makes you look like you’ve mastered meal planning. Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples turn into a perfectly cozy sauce that’s great as a snack or dessert. Serve it to your family, and they’ll think you’ve been working on it all day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Applesauce
