Todd Wilbur’s Hack That Dish is an engaging, well‑organized cookbook that delivers exactly what fans of restaurant copycat recipes crave. The table of contents is grouped by restaurant and dish, making it easy to jump straight to favorites such as:
- Applebee’s Spinach & Artichoke Dip
- Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup
- Lazy Dog Crispy Deviled Eggs
- P.F. Chang’s Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
- Panda Express Blazing Bourbon Chicken
- Walkers Shortbread
The book even includes a helpful tutorial on how to “hack” recipes yourself—a fun and empowering addition for home cooks who want to go beyond the provided dishes.
Each recipe includes background information on the restaurant that inspired it, clearly highlighted ingredient lists, and numbered step-by-step instructions. I especially appreciated the “Top Secret Hack Sheet” and “Field Notes,” which add depth, guidance, and behind-the-scenes insight into the recreation process. Many recipes also feature beautifully plated photos of the finished dish.
The layout is exceptionally user-friendly. Prep time, difficulty level, and serving size are all clearly labeled, making planning effortless. Overall, this is a very well-designed cookbook that is easy to read, easy to use, and packed with clever culinary inspiration.
My only suggestion would be to include more photos—because the ones that are included are gorgeous, and additional images would only enhance the experience.
A fantastic cookbook. Buy the hard copy and display it proudly in your kitchen.
I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

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