I Tried 10 Weight Watchers-Friendly Copycat Recipes—Here’s What You Should Make

There’s nothing quite as comforting as sitting down to a big plate of restaurant comfort food, but the toll it takes on our bodies and wallets is almost never worth the instant gratification. Fortunately, I discovered that there’s a way to enjoy all of my favorite dishes while still staying true to my diet goals and keeping well within my Weight Watchers points. These ten recipes will satisfy all of your cravings, and your bank account will be happy too.

1. Redrock Grilled Shrimp 

Longhorn Steakhouse’s Redrock Grilled Shrimp is one of the easiest dishes to prepare at home, and trust me when I tell you that it tastes light years better than the yummy restaurant version. This version is only four points per serving, too, which means that you can work it into your diet easily. Simple swaps, like adding in cauliflower rice, cut back on the carbs and points and give you a little nutrient boost at the same time. Jumbo shrimp gets an intense flavor kick from garlic, cayenne pepper, light BBQ sauce, and a squeeze of lime, and the combination of white and cauliflower rice is the ideal companion for these protein-packed treats. 

2. Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice

Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice is one of the menu’s tastiest options, and the winning combo of the two key ingredients can deliver a big boost of iron, fiber, and nutrients. Make them at home for only five Weight Watcher points per serving. You can use traditional white rice, or increase the nutritional benefit with a bit of brown rice, or a mixture of the two. Canned red beans are a great shortcut ingredient, and turkey or chicken bacon infuses plenty of smokiness into the dish without extra residual fat. The result is a good-for-you, comforting bowl of deliciousness perfect for a weeknight dinner treat.

3. Outback’s Bloomin’ Chicken

Outback’s inspired Bloomin’ Chicken is my favorite thing on the menu, but the restaurant version leaves me feeling overly full and way off my daily points. This copycat version is four points per serving, and gives me all of the flavor I crave without the calories I don’t want. Tender chicken breasts get that classic Bloomin’ Onion taste thanks to a combination of spices like garlic powder, cayenne, and coriander seeds with a hint of tang from white vinegar. I lightened up the creamy sauce by making it Greek yogurt-based, then adding Worcestershire for deep flavor, and plenty of spice for zing. You can also squeeze in a bit of lemon juice for extra brightness at the end.

4. Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese

Chick-fil-A has the gold standard of takeout mac and cheeses, and this version will satisfy your cravings for a fraction of the original calorie cost. At eleven points per serving, it’s a bit of a spluge, but you can still fit it in nicely with your goals, and it makes a great weekend treat. The key is to cook your macaroni to just al dente, so they absorb more of the cheesy goodness as they bake to perfection. I use skim milk and wholemeal flour to make it healthier, plus a touch of nutmeg for nuance, as well as Parmesan, Cheddar, and Romano cheeses. Sprinkle some panko on the top and bake it until it’s gooey and golden brown on top. 

5. Fiesta Lime Chicken

This four-point version of Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken is cause for celebration, especially since it perfectly hits on all of your flavor notes. I use low-calorie powerhouses, like non-fat yogurt, to make the sauce beautifully creamy, plus non-sugar marinara sauce for a tangy tomato flavor. Cauliflower adds some more nutrients, and the signature burst of lime in the marinade ties it all together. The combination of juicy marinated chicken, freshly-made pico de gallo, and cauliflower rice is an epic rendition that the whole family will enjoy.

6. Starbucks Instant Pot Egg Bites

Starbucks Egg Bites are an easy, quick-fix snack that can just as rapidly wreak havoc on your wallet. If you have an Instant Pot, you can skip the drive-thru and make this version at home. The flavors are on point and only one point per bite. You’ll need eggs, whole milk, some freshly shredded cheese, and chopped broccoli to mimic Starbucks’ favorite treat. I also add some salt and pepper to taste. These eggs are done in minutes, and you can eat them right away or store them in your freezer for those mornings when you need a quick protein boost before you head out the door. 

7. Whataburger Patty Melt

At twelve Weight Watchers points per serving, this Whataburger Patty Melt dupe might seem like a splurge, but not so much when you compare it to the caloric cost of the original. This copycat is the way to go when you’re craving a big, juicy burger sandwiched between crisp Texas toast. Each perfectly seasoned handmade ground beef patty gets a glow-up from crispy fried onions and gooey melted cheese before being nestled between two thick garlicky slices of Texas toast. Close your eyes and you won’t be able to tell the difference, but your diet will.

8. Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

When it comes to cheesy, homestyle Italian food, it’s tough to beat the Olive Garden, unless you’re making this copycat recipe in your own kitchen. Olive Garden’s Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are ten Weight Watcher points per large serving, and bound to keep you full for the long run. Cook your shells to al dente, then fill them with a mixture of cottage cheese, Parmesan, some freshly chopped chives, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, then bake on a thin bed of marinara sauce. Your homemade Alfredo sauce is simple: a mixture of milk, cheese, and freshly chopped garlic, thickened with cornstarch, and seasoned with pepper and salt. Combine your dish and sit down to a culinary masterpiece.

9. Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Skip the drive-thru and make this copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich at home for just five Weight Watchers points. Each bite is full of tender marinated chicken breast and briny pickles, and it tastes just like the real deal. The trick is getting the marinade right; a combination of celery salt, onion and garlic powder, oregano, paprika, pickle juice, and a dash of salt and pepper. Let your chicken breasts marinade for half an hour, and then the rest is just cooking and assembling your perfect sandwich. 

10. Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts

Red Lobster Brussel Sprouts are one of the restaurant chain’s most beloved side dishes, and this crispy, flavorful version is a three-point wonder that will bring the taste of Red Lobster to your home. Plus, it’s loaded with vitamins and high in fiber, so it’s a healthy and scrumptious choice. Beautifully-cooked Brussels get a big dose of flavor from an easy soy ginger glaze that’s sweetened with Stevia to cut down on the sugar, and each portion is topped with thinly-sliced, crispy onions.

Next time you’re craving some restaurant-style comfort food, remember that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor or derail your diet. There is another way, with these ten stand-out dishes that taste just like the originals, just without the guilt.