21 Refreshing Copycat Recipes to Kick Off Summer Early

Ready to shake up your spring cooking? These copycat recipes are perfect for mid-May, with restaurant-inspired favorites that feel fresh, fun, and satisfying. From Long John Silver’s crispy fried fish to Little Caesars’ buttery Crazy Bread and Furr’s nostalgic Millionaire Pie, this collection brings big flavor home without the takeout bill. Whether hosting friends or treating yourself, these dishes deliver that perfect blend of comfort and convenience.

Long John Silvers Fish Recipe

Long John Silvers Fish Recipe
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Recreate the iconic Long John Silver’s batter at home! This simple recipe delivers that signature crispy, airy coating that made their fish famous. Perfect for weekend fish fries or whenever you’re craving that distinctive fast-food flavor without leaving your kitchen.

Get the recipe -> Long John Silvers Fish Recipe

Furrs Cafeteria Pineapple Millionaire Pie

Furrs Cafeteria Pineapple Millionaire Pie
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This creamy pineapple delight transports you back to Furr’s cafeteria. A luscious filling studded with juicy pineapple chunks and crunchy pecans rests in a buttery graham crust. Best of all, this nostalgic favorite comes together in just 20 minutes.

Get the recipe -> Furrs Cafeteria Pineapple Millionaire Pie

Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanada

Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanada
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

These decadent empanadas bring Taco Bell’s cinnamon treats to your kitchen. Crisp, flaky pastry encases a warm cinnamon apple filling that melts in your mouth. They’re surprisingly easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings at home.

Get the recipe -> Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanada

Homemade Little Caesars Crazy Bread: Better Than the Original

Homemade Little Caesars Crazy Bread: Better Than the Original
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

These homemade breadsticks deliver all the buttery, garlic-parmesan goodness of Little Caesars’ Crazy Bread but with an irresistibly fresh twist. Warm from your oven, they’re the perfect accompaniment to pizza night or Italian dinners.

Get the recipe -> Homemade Little Caesars Crazy Bread: Better Than the Original

Beer Battered Fried Shrimp

Beer Battered Fried Shrimp
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Unlock the secret to perfectly crispy beer-battered shrimp that maintains its crunch long after it leaves the fryer. Our foolproof technique delivers impossibly light, golden shells that shatter with each bite, making restaurant-quality results achievable right in your kitchen.

Get the recipe -> Beer Battered Fried Shrimp

Taco Bell Meximelt

Taco Bell Meximelt
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Bring back the joy of Taco Bell’s beloved classic right in your kitchen. Our copycat recipe features savory seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and zesty homemade pico de gallo, all enveloped in a soft, warm tortilla for that perfect handheld delight.

Get the recipe -> Taco Bell Meximelt

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This mouthwatering meatloaf recreates Cracker Barrel’s beloved classic with its perfect balance of savory meat and that signature sweet-tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. Comfort food at its finest!

Get the recipe -> Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Cheesecake Factory Chicken Piccata with Pasta

Cheesecake Factory Chicken Piccata with Pasta
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Savor a creamy, flavorful delight with this homemade version of Cheesecake Factory’s beloved Chicken Piccata. The mushrooms and rich sauce transform this classic dish into an unforgettable meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare in your own kitchen.

Get the recipe -> Cheesecake Factory Chicken Piccata with Pasta

Cracker Barrel Chocolate Pecan Pie: A Decadent Dessert for All Seasons

Cracker Barrel Chocolate Pecan Pie: A Decadent Dessert for All Seasons
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in the heavenly blend of chocolate and pecans with this easy copycat Cracker Barrel pie recipe. Each bite offers a perfect balance of gooey filling and crunchy nuts, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Get the recipe -> Cracker Barrel Chocolate Pecan Pie

Newks Chicken Salad

Newks Chicken Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in the perfect blend of tender chicken, juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and crisp veggies with this easy homemade version of Newk’s famous chicken salad. You’ll love how the sweet and savory flavors come together in every bite.

Get the recipe -> Newks Chicken Salad

Walkers Shortbread Cookies

Walkers Shortbread Cookies
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

These buttery shortbread cookies melt in your mouth with each blissful bite. Made with just four simple ingredients, they rival the taste of expensive Walkers brands while being incredibly easy to prepare at home.

Get the recipe -> Walkers Shortbread Cookies

Make-Ahead Refrigerator Coleslaw: A Crisp, Tangy Side That Gets Better With Time

Make-Ahead Refrigerator Coleslaw: A Crisp, Tangy Side That Gets Better With Time
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Discover our crunchy make-ahead coleslaw that stays fresh for weeks! The secret? A simple oil and vinegar dressing instead of mayo. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, and anytime you need a reliable side dish that won’t wilt or turn soggy.

Get the recipe -> Make-Ahead Refrigerator Coleslaw: A Crisp, Tangy Side That Gets Better With Time

Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists

Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Discover the unexpected key to Taco Bell’s iconic cinnamon twists right in your pantry. These crispy, airy treats get their distinctive spiral texture from a surprising pasta base, then transform into sweet, cinnamon-sugar coated delights when fried to golden perfection.

Get the recipe -> Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists

Burger King Whopper

Burger King Whopper
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Experience the iconic flame-grilled taste of Burger King’s Whopper in your own kitchen. This authentic copycat recipe uses fresh ingredients to create a juicy, flavorful burger that might just make you skip the drive-thru forever.

Get the recipe -> Burger King Whopper

Burger King Zesty Sauce

Burger King Zesty Sauce
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Elevate your fast food experience with a homemade version of Burger King’s famous zesty sauce. This tangy, creamy concoction adds the perfect kick to onion rings, crispy fries, and juicy burgers, bringing that signature restaurant flavor right to your kitchen table.

Get the recipe -> Burger King Zesty Sauce

Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings

Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Recreate the irresistible zesty punch of Wingstop’s legendary lemon pepper wings right in your kitchen. This spot-on copycat captures that perfect balance of bright citrus and bold pepper that keeps fans coming back for more.

Get the recipe -> Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings

Sugar Donuts Chinese Buffet Style

Sugar Donuts Chinese Buffet Style
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Experience the joy of homemade Chinese buffet-style donuts with this effortless recipe. Using just three ingredients, you’ll create perfectly crispy exteriors with cloud-like, fluffy centers that rival your favorite restaurant versions.

Get the recipe -> Sugar Donuts Chinese Buffet Style

Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad

Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Delight your guests with this eye-catching layered masterpiece! Crisp, colorful vegetables stacked between tangy dressing create a refreshing salad that’s perfect for gatherings. The best part? Prepare it ahead of time and enjoy the compliments later.

Get the recipe -> Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad

15-Minute Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

15-Minute Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Craving that classic BBQ flavor without the hassle? This air fryer chicken breast recipe delivers juicy, charred perfection with all the saucy goodness of traditional barbecue in just minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want that smoky satisfaction fast.

Get the recipe -> 15-Minute Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Wingstop Garlic Parmesan Wings

Wingstop Garlic Parmesan Wings
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in the savory delight of homemade Garlic Parmesan Wings that taste just like Wingstop’s famous dish. Our simple copycat recipe reveals the secret to achieving that perfect flaky parmesan coating, delivering restaurant-quality wings without leaving your kitchen.

Get the recipe -> Wingstop Garlic Parmesan Wings

Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese

Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Craving that creamy, cheesy goodness from Chick-fil-A? Our simple copycat recipe delivers restaurant-quality mac and cheese in your own kitchen. This quick 30-minute side dish pairs perfectly with any meal and satisfies those comfort food cravings.

Get the recipe -> Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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