Skip waiting in long lines this summer—these copycat recipes mimic your favorite seasonal eats.
23 Summer Copycat Recipes
Inspired by: KFC Original Recipe
If you’ve wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Inspired by: Dairy Queen Banana Split
In 1904, the first banana split recipe was made here in Latrobe, Pennsylvania by David Strickler, an apprentice pharmacist at a local drug store. We still use his original formula when we make banana splits in our restaurants. —Melissa Blystone, Valley DairyInspired by: Olive Garden Toasted Ravioli
While visiting a friend who had just moved to St. Louis, Missouri, I tried these toasted ravioli at almost every restaurant! When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and this recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, WisconsinThese Olive Garden copycat recipes taste just like the real deal!
Inspired by: State Fair Deep-Fried Candy Bars
Why wait in line at the state fair for deep-fried candy bars when you can satisfy your curious taste buds in your very own home? Be sure to make a lot—these novelties go fast! —Taste of Home Test KitchenFind more deep-fried favorites with our state fair copycat recipes.
Inspired by: Panda Express Orange Chicken
My husband loves this orange chicken stir-fry, so we have it quite often. I’m delighted with the ingredients as we have six orange trees in our backyard. —Bunny Bronson, Lake Placid, FloridaGive these other copycat chicken recipes a try, too.
Inspired by: Dunkin' Iced Coffee
When my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I didn’t think I’d like it. Not only did I like it, I decided I could learn how to make an iced coffee recipe of my own. My fast-to-fix version is a refreshing alternative to hot java. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, MinnesotaInspired by: Sonic Corn Dog
Bring the county fair home to your kitchen with these summer-ready corn dogs. A tip for dipping: Pour the batter in a tall Mason jar and dunk your dogs to create an even coating all around. —Taste of Home Test KitchenInspired by: Beer Garden Soft Pretzels
These homemade pretzels never last long around our house. My kids love to make them…and eat them! I serve them to company with a variety of dips, such as pizza sauce, ranch dressing, spinach dip or hot mustard. —Elvira Martens, Aldergrove, British ColumbiaInspired by: Culver's Vanilla Custard
I think my most memorable summertime dessert for get-togethers has always been homemade ice cream. This recipe is so rich and creamy and the perfect indulgence on a hot summer afternoon. —Martha Self, Montgomery, TexasInspired by: McDonald's Big Mac
These sliders are super easy to put together and are always a hit! I love that they are “fast food” without having to go to a restaurant. Take them to a party, make them for dinner or serve them on game day. The meat can also be made ahead of time in preparation for your gathering. —April Lee Wiencek, Chicago, IllinoisInspired by: Cracker Barrel Old-Fashioned Lemonade
This sweet-tart lemonade is a traditional part of my Memorial Day and Fourth of July menus. Folks can’t get enough of the fresh-squeezed flavor. —Tammi Simpson, Greensburg, KentuckySip on more refreshing copycat drink recipes.
Inspired by: Panera Bread Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, MichiganInspired by: Starbucks Iced Lemon Pound Cake
My family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon pound cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, MinnesotaInspired by: Applebee's Quesadilla Burger
This combo gives you a tender burger, crisp veggies and a crunchy shell, plus fajita flavor. Kids love it. —Antonio Smith, Canal Winchester, OhioLearn how to make a copycat frosty, too!
Inspired by: Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
My biscuits won the prize for best quick bread at my county fair. One of the judges liked them so much, she asked for the recipe! These buttery, savory biscuits go with just about anything. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, OhioInspired by: Chipotle Carnitas
We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They’re so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I’m reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, ConnecticutInspired by: KFC Coleslaw
For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This creamy coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, IllinoisInspired by: Ice Cream Truck Ice Cream Sandwiches
If you’re tight on time, you can use store-bought cookies, but I highly recommend making these oatmeal chocolate cookies from scratch. The dessert sandwiches are pure fun. Sometimes I decorate the sides of the sandwiches with colorful jimmies, too. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, TexasCool off with these other ice cream truck copycat recipes.