Food and Recipes Recipes 38 Best Copycat Recipes from the Southern Living Archives By Mary Shannon Wells Mary Shannon Wells Mary Shannon is a Digital Associate Editor and has been on the Southern Living team since 2017. She helps run the brand's social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok, where she's happily behind the scenes. When she's not ruffling feathers with an etiquette poll via Instagram Stories, she's writing content for the website and assisting in various print projects like gift guides and home stories.She grew up in Mobile, Alabama, which she insists is home to the country's first Mardi Gras (not New Orleans) and now lives in Birmingham with her husband and rescue pup Rocky, whose name is unrelated to The University of Tennessee (Roll Tide). Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on June 16, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Jennifer Causey Raise your hand if you've ever heard some iteration of the statement: "We're not going out to eat; we have food here." If you're not raising your hand, you're either lying or very rich. Even as adults, it can be difficult to eat the kale salad in your fridge when you're fighting an overwhelming craving for your favorite local pizza spot. With this list of our best restaurant copycat recipes, though, "we have food here" is the best news a kid (or parent) can get. Whether you have a hankering for the fried goodness of a Bloomin' Onion or the sweet comfort of a Pop Tart in the morning, we have copycat recipes you'll love. With nostalgic copycat recipes like homemade Bomb Pops and Cookie Cake, little ones will want to get involved in cooking up their favorite treats with you. As someone who had carryout Thai food last night, I can't say I always subscribe to the "we have food here" mindset, but these incredible restaurant copycat recipes will have me and you both eating in more often. 01 of 38 Inspired By: Chick-fil-A Chicken Minis Southern Living Recipe: Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Minis We've all had a Chick-fil-A breakfast craving on a Sunday morning when they're closed. Instead of being disappointed, try this homemade recipe from Test Kitchen pro and Hey Y'all host Ivy Odom. 02 of 38 Inspired By: Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts Micah A. Leal Recipe: Homemade Pop Tarts We gave your favorite breakfast pastry from childhood a grown-up (but still oh-so-sweet) makeover in this from-scratch recipe. This would be a fun recipe to get the kids or grandkids involved in baking. 03 of 38 Inspired By: Outback Steakhouse Bloomin' Onion Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel Recipe: Air Fryer Bloomin' Onion Is there anything the air fryer can't do? It just might be a miracle to be able to enjoy this famous appetizer at home without a greasy mess. Don't skip making the homemade sauce, y'all. 04 of 38 Inspired By: Chocolate Moon Pie Shelbie Tunnell Recipe: Homemade Moon Pies The Chattanooga brand has been serving up these treats for more than 100 years, but Southerners mostly recognize them from Mardi Gras, where they're often thrown to crowds in parades. Watch Test Kitchen pro and Hey Y'all host Ivy Odom try her hand at recreating the chocolate Moon Pie flavor at the recipe link. 05 of 38 Inspired By: TGI Fridays Loaded Potato Skins Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop styling: Claire Spollen; Food styling: Chelsea Zimmer Recipe: Mini Potato Skins This TGI Fridays appetizer is so popular, they started selling it in the frozen section of the grocery store. But don't go store-bought without trying our homemade version first. We promise it will be worth it. 06 of 38 Inspired By: Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Karen Rankin Recipe: Lemon Loaf Cake Don't turn into that drive thru! This week, try our homemade iced lemon loaf cake. It's the perfect companion to your morning coffee, and one reviewer even remarked that, "I think its [sic] better than S******ks (coffee chain) lemon loaf cake that everyone raves about." 07 of 38 Inspired By: Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp Micah A. Leal Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp Bonefish Grill made these sweet-and-spicy shrimp famous as an appetizer, but there are countless ways to enjoy them at home with our copycat recipe. Put them in lettuce wraps, tacos, or sandwiches, too. 08 of 38 Inspired By: Chick-fil-A's Carrot & Raisin Salad Chick-fil-A, Inc. Recipe: Carrot & Raisin Salad We miss Chick-fil-A's Carrot & Raisin Salad. So much so that we even wrote a plea begging them to bring it back. And even though they didn't put it back on the menu, they did share the recipe for it online, for which we're grateful. 09 of 38 Inspired By: Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Southern Living Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole You won't attend a Southern potluck that doesn't have hashbrown casserole on the sideboard. Both our recipe and Cracker Barrel's contain the usual suspects, but ours is topped with a crunchy cornflake cereal topping that we can't resist. 10 of 38 Inspired By: Buc-ee's Jalapeno-Cheddar Kolaches Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Recipe: Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches Recipe Of all the Southern food you can find at Texas-favorite road trip stop Buc-ee's, kolaches are up there on our list of favorites. If you forget to grab one on your next trip to Buc-ee's, try making them at home with coffee and fruit salad for a delicious weekend brunch. 11 of 38 Inspired By: Panera Bread Broccoli-Cheddar Soup Southern Living Recipe: Broccoli-Cheddar Soup It might seem easier to run to Panera to pick up a bowl of warm Broccoli-Cheddar Soup, but this 30-minute recipe will be ready even quicker than that. Serve in a Toasted Bread Bowl for the ultimate Panera-at-home experience. 12 of 38 Inspired By: Starbucks Sous Vide Egg Bites Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Margaret Dickey, Prop Styling: Kay E Clarke Recipe: Instant Pot Egg Bites The secret to perfectly cooked egg bites with a soft center is, of course, your do-it-all Instant Pot. Our version of this protein-packed breakfast includes bacon, broccoli, and Cheddar cheese, but you can swap those out for whatever fillings you have on hand. 13 of 38 Inspired By: Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Southern Living Recipe: Homemade Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Looking for a fun way to keep the kids or grandkids occupied while they're out of school for the holidays? This baking challenge should do the trick! Layers of soft sponge cake and Swiss meringue buttercream knock Little Debbie's version out of the park (no offense, Deb). 14 of 38 Inspired By: Frosted Wild Berry Pop Tarts Southern Living Recipe: Homemade Berry Pop Tarts Leave it to Test Kitchen pro and Hey Y'all host Ivy Odom to create this adorable copycat version of the berry Pop Tarts you remember from school mornings. She opted for assorted sprinkles that fit a Valentine's Day theme, but you can include a streak or two of blue icing to mimic the store-bought version. 15 of 38 Inspired By: California Pizza Kitchen The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza Photographer: Will Dickey Prop Stylist: Missie Crawford Food Stylist: Erin Merhar Recipe: BBQ Chicken Pizza California Pizza Kitchen's Original BBQ Chicken Pizza has been on their menu since 1985. There's a reason it's been around so long—it's just that tasty. Our iteration makes for a family-fun night at home. 16 of 38 Inspired By: Great American Cookies Cookie Cake Micah A. Leal Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Since 1977, the arrival of a Great American Cookies Cookie Cake has automatically been a sure sign of a celebration. Cement your status as a party starter with our homemade version. 17 of 38 Inspired By: Houston's Spinach & Artichoke Dip Caitlin Bensel Recipe: Spinach-Artichoke Dip Houston's menu is full of fancy items like sushi and elegant entrées, but regulars know that classic, comforting Spinach & Artichoke Dip is a must-try appetizer at the restaurant. Our version will keep party guests coming back until the whole dish is scraped clean. 18 of 38 Inspired By: Starbucks Protein Boxes Sara Tane Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Bistro Boxes When you're on a road trip, Starbucks Protein Boxes are often a saving grace for drivers who want something lighter than burgers and fries. These copycat recipes make great work snacks or after-school bites for kids, pre-portioned and ready to go. 19 of 38 Inspired By: Panera Bread Bread Bowls Jennifer Davick; Styling: Rose Nguyen Recipe: Toasted Bread Bowls It's so much easier to recreate your Panera order than you thought. Simply buy bread rounds from your local bakery, cut the tops and scoop the centers, and toast. Our secret to making them even more delicious than takeout? A sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. 20 of 38 Inspired By: The Original Bomb Pop Jennifer Causey Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Popsicles Can't you just hear the ice cream truck's song coming down your street? Relive the wonder of Southern childhood summers with homemade Bomb Pops at home. Mamas will love that our version is made with fresh strawberries and blueberries and no food dye. 21 of 38 Inspired By: Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo Micah A. Leal Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo You don't have to go out to eat to indulge in a creamy, comforting Alfredo pasta dish. You don't even have to buy a jar of sauce at the store. This lightened-up, elevated recipe will raise your bar for shrimp Alfredo. 22 of 38 Inspired By: DeMet's Turtles Southern Living Recipe: Homemade Turtles These delightful clusters of caramel, pecans, and chocolate make wonderful food gifts during the holidays. While your friends will be wowed with the homemade treats, these candies are actually pretty easy to master, so they just might turn into a Christmas tradition for you. 23 of 38 Inspired By: The Masters Egg Salad Sandwiches Recipe: The Masters Egg Salad Sandwiches Augusta National is home to one of the world's most famous golf tournaments, the Masters. Perhaps even more well-known than some of the golfers who play in it are the unique Masters traditions. Though the $1.50 pimiento cheese sandwiches get the spotlight, the egg salad sandwiches are the real favorite of regulars. 24 of 38 Inspired By: Pillsbury Crescent Rolls Beau Gustafson Recipe: Hurry-Up Homemade Crescent Rolls Even though we're huge proponents for making most things from scratch, there are plenty of store-bought shortcuts even our Test Kitchen pros use on the regular. It's safe to say we probably all have a can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls in our freezers right now. But for the holidays or a special occasion, try our easy homemade version that will impress your guests. 25 of 38 Inspired By: Stuckey's Pecan Log Rolls Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner Recipe: Old-Fashioned Pecan Logs The original Stuckey's Pecan Logs were homemade by Mrs. Stuckey herself back in the 1930s. Recreate this Southern go-to road trip snack at home with our recipe that one five star reviewer wrote: "Wonderful recipe! A new Christmas favorite for sure!" 26 of 38 Inspired By: Chick-fil-A's Peach Milkshake Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Loren Wood; Prop Styling: Christine Keely Recipe: Peach Milkshake Each summer, Chick-fil-A fans eagerly await the moment when the news will break that the chain's beloved peach milkshake is back on the menu for a limited time. Instead of being on Chick-fil-A's timeline, make one yourself with this easy recipe. 27 of 38 Inspired By: Popeye's Classic Chicken Sandwich Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Recipe: Homemade Fried Chicken Sandwich The "Chicken Sandwich War" of 2019 was so viral and inescapable, it got its own Wikipedia page. Since the hype has slowed considerably in the past few years, why not throw your own version of the fried chicken sandwich in the ring with our recipe? 28 of 38 Inspired By: YORK Peppermint Patties Southern Living Recipe: Homemade Peppermint Patties YORK Peppermint Patties have been in the picture since 1940, and we're bringing that refreshing taste to your kitchen with this homemade recipe. For a festive holiday look, we topped our version with crushed peppermints. 29 of 38 Inspired By: Buffalo Wild Wings Honey BBQ Wings Recipe: Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Honey BBQ is one of the wing chain's most popular sauce flavors among dozens. Our homemade sauce will convince you to leave the bottle on the store shelf and forget that online order to BWW. 30 of 38 Inspired By: Café du Monde Beignets Micah A. Leal Recipe: New Orleans Beignets This simple and surprisingly easy beignet recipe will give you a delicious taste of New Orleans. However, we can't promise you the French Quarter atmosphere to go along with it. 31 of 38 Inspired By: Ruth's Chris Steak House Sweet Potato Casserole Micah Leal Recipe: Sweet Potato Soufflé This New Orleans-founded steak house is famous, of course, for its steaks. But a steak is nothing without some delicious sides to complement it, as any Southerner who's ever been to a potluck knows. Like Ruth's Chris fan-favorite sweet potato casserole, our Sweet Potato Soufflé is topped with an irresistibly crumbly and sweet topping that contains brown sugar and pecans. 32 of 38 Inspired By: Sonic Cherry Limeade Southern Living Recipe: Homemade Cherry Limeade The drive-in restaurant is famous for its roller-blade clad staff, cool drinks, and corndogs. This recipe from Nashville entertainer Katie Jacobs is her go-to for the annual Fourth of July Party. If you're preparing it for an adults-only party, try our Vodka Cherry Limeade on for size. 33 of 38 Inspired By: Chicken Salad Chick's Cranberry Kelli Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad Chicken salad has long been a Southern favorite for quick, delicious lunches, and Stacy Brown turned that concept into a Southern chain of fast-casual restaurants called Chicken Salad Chick. Her menu has plenty of sweet and savory options for you to get your chicken salad fix, and this Southern Living recipe is most like the Cranberry Kelli variety. 34 of 38 Inspired By: The Cheesecake Factory's Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake Hector Manuel Sanchez Recipe: Red Velvet Cheesecake-Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting These beauties combine layers of red velvet cheesecake and white cake for a stunning presentation that's ready for a holiday. Both The Cheesecake Factory's version and ours are encased in a classic cream cheese icing. 35 of 38 Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Meatloaf Southern Living Recipe: Easy Boarding House Meatloaf Just like Cracker Barrel's meatloaf recipe, ours includes tomatoes, onions, and green peppers. However, if we do say so ourselves, our meatloaf sauce on top is truly something special. 36 of 38 Inspired By: Pillsbury Funfetti Micah A. Leal Recipe: Classic Birthday Cake Funfetti products are some of the most nostalgic options on the baking aisle, but y'all know Mama won't bake with a boxed mix. This homemade version of a Funfetti cake will make any occasion feel like a party. 37 of 38 Inspired By: Chick-fil-A's Cole Slaw Courtesy chick-fil-a.com Recipe: Chick-fil-A Cole Slaw Among the discontinued Chick-fil-A items we wish they'd bring back is the chicken restaurant's beloved cole slaw. Luckily, Chick-fil-A shared their real recipe, so you can relive the magic at home. 38 of 38 Inspired By: Zaxby's Fried Pickles Alison Miksch Recipe: Fried Pickle Chips Fried pickles were once a limited-time offering on Zaxby's menu, but fans are rejoicing that the fast food chain has officially added them to the menu full time. If we're being honest, though, our Roundhouse Kick Sauce is so much better with them. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit