Few things are more comforting than a bowl of your favorite restaurant soup. The problem? A single cup can cost as much as a whole pot made at home, and some favorites have disappeared from menus altogether.
These 15 copycat soup recipes bring the flavors of Panera, Olive Garden, Outback, Chili’s, Red Lobster, and more right to your kitchen. Many are made in the Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi, so you can have a restaurant-quality bowl on the table in a fraction of the time.
Panera Copycat Soups
1. Instant Pot Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This is the soup that keeps Panera lines long. The homemade version captures that creamy, cheesy flavor with tender broccoli and carrots in a rich, velvety broth, and the Instant Pot does most of the work. Serve it in a bread bowl for the full café experience. Fork To Spoon
👉 Get the recipe: Instant Pot Copycat Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
2. Instant Pot Copycat Bistro Panera French Onion Soup
Caramelized onions and a savory broth give this soup its rich flavor with a touch of sweetness, and it comes together in under an hour. Top it with toasted bread and melted cheese for that bistro-style finish. It also freezes well for 2 to 3 months if you store the soup separately from the bread and cheese. Fork To SpoonFork To Spoon
👉 Get the recipe: Instant Pot Copycat Bistro Panera French Onion Soup
3. Instant Pot Panera Baked Potato Soup
Yukon Gold potatoes give this soup a naturally buttery, creamy texture, while crispy bacon and sharp cheddar deliver that loaded baked potato flavor. It stores and reheats well, making it a smart pick for meal prep. Fork To SpoonFork To Spoon
👉 Get the recipe: Instant Pot Panera Baked Potato Soup
4. Copycat Instant Pot Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup
A classic for cold and flu season. This copycat works in an Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi pressure cooker, with slow cooker and stovetop directions included too. Pair it with garlic bread or focaccia for a complete meal. Fork To Spoon
👉 Get the recipe: Copycat Instant Pot Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup
Olive Garden Copycat Soups
5. Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)
This creamy soup combines tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth, and it’s one of the most requested Olive Garden soups for good reason. Add a side of breadsticks and you’ll never miss the restaurant. Fork To Spoon
👉 Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Copycat
6. Instant Pot Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
This hearty minestrone has a flavorful tomato-based broth and is completely vegetarian, making it a great option for meatless meals. It’s a simple dump-style Instant Pot soup, and you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Fork To SpoonFork To Spoon
👉 Get the recipe: Instant Pot Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Steakhouse and Casual Dining Copycat Soups
7. Copycat Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Soup
This rich, creamy onion soup is loaded with caramelized onion and sharp cheddar and is ready in about 25 minutes. It even tastes better the next day since the onion flavor deepens overnight, and it freezes for up to 2 months. Fork To SpoonFork To Spoon
👉 Get the recipe: Copycat Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Soup
8. Instant Pot Chili’s Baked Potato Soup
This creamy loaded potato soup is finished with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and fresh green onions. Set out a toppings bar with sour cream and extra cheese so everyone can build their own bowl. Fork To Spoon
👉 Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chili’s Baked Potato Soup
9. Red Lobster Bacon Potato Soup
Tender potatoes, savory bacon, and a velvety cheesy broth make this copycat taste just like the restaurant favorite. It’s a great make-ahead soup, since the flavors meld even more by the next day. Fork To SpoonFork To Spoon
👉 Get the recipe: Red Lobster Bacon Potato Soup Copycat Recipe
10. Instant Pot Copycat Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup
Savory sausage, hearty lentils, and Italian-inspired herbs like bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme come together in this warming soup. Lentils add plenty of protein and fiber, making it one of the most filling soups on this list. Serve it with corn muffins or cornbread on the side. Fork To SpoonFork To Spoon
👉 Get the recipe: Instant Pot Copycat Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup
11. Ninja Foodi Copycat Cheesecake Factory Chicken & Rice Soup
This comforting soup brings together tender chicken, savory rice, and aromatic herbs and vegetables, all made in the Ninja Foodi. Want to switch it up? Try adding lemon zest and fresh dill for a brighter version, or a splash of heavy cream for extra richness. Fork To SpoonFork To Spoon
👉 Get the recipe: Ninja Foodi Copycat Cheesecake Factory Chicken & Rice Soup
Café and Deli Copycat Soups
12. Copycat Nordstrom Tomato Basil Soup
This silky, lightly sweet tomato bisque can be made three ways (Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop) using just seven ingredients. The surprise secret ingredient is shredded carrots, and one pot makes about eight generous bowls. Fork To SpoonFork To Spoon
👉 Get the recipe: Copycat Nordstrom Tomato Basil Soup
13. Copycat Jason’s Deli Tomato Soup
This rich, velvety tomato soup needs only a handful of ingredients and is perfect alongside a grilled cheese sandwich. It pressure cooks for just 8 minutes before being blended smooth and finished with heavy cream and basil. Fork To SpoonFork To Spoon
👉 Get the recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Tomato Soup
Chicken Noodle Copycat Soups
14. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Noodle Soup
This hearty soup is packed with tender chicken, egg noodles, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich broth. Serve it with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls and a simple side salad for a cozy, complete meal. Fork To SpoonFork To Spoon
👉 Get the recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Noodle Soup
15. Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup (Copycat Recipe)
Tender chunks of chicken, noodles, and vegetables in a well-seasoned broth make this a spot-on match for the fast food favorite. It’s family-friendly, easy to customize, and a great pick for picky eaters. Fork To Spoon
👉 Get the recipe: Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup
Tips for Making the Best Copycat Soups at Home
Use a pressure cooker to save time. Many of these recipes use the Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi, which builds deep, slow-simmered flavor in a fraction of the time.
Store toppings separately. For soups like French onion or loaded potato, keep bread, cheese, and bacon separate until serving so nothing gets soggy.
Add dairy at the end. Cream, milk, and cheese are best stirred in after pressure cooking to keep the soup smooth and prevent curdling.
Make a double batch. Most broth-based and tomato soups freeze beautifully, so you can stash extras for busy nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these soups without an Instant Pot?
Yes. Most pressure cooker soups can be simmered on the stovetop instead; just plan for a longer cook time. Some recipes, like the Nordstrom Tomato Basil Soup, include stovetop and slow cooker directions.
Which copycat soups freeze best?
Broth- and tomato-based soups like minestrone, tomato basil, and French onion freeze best. Cream-heavy soups can separate, so reheat them gently and stir well.
Are homemade copycat soups cheaper than eating out?
Almost always. One pot of homemade soup typically costs about the same as one or two restaurant bowls and feeds the whole family.
What should I serve with copycat soup?
Grilled cheese, breadsticks, crusty bread, a side salad, or cornbread all pair well. Match the side to the restaurant for the full experience.
Final Thoughts
With these 15 copycat soup recipes, you can enjoy your restaurant favorites any night of the week without the wait or the price tag. Start with a classic like Panera Broccoli Cheddar or Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi, then work your way through the list.
