This copycat recipe gets you perfect nuggets every time, fried to just the right golden brown that you remember.
Method: deep fryer
Time: 1-2 hours
Appetizers and Snacks
Appetizers can be a casual snack, the center of attention at a cocktail party, or the precursor to an entree.
Find something for any occasion - from simple finger food to elegant hors d'oeuvres - dips, salsa, stuffed mushrooms, hot bites and cold nibbles, chicken wings and so many more tasty tidbits!
jump to the recipes
Copycat McDonald's Chicken McNuggets
Robert Duvall's Mother's Crab Cakes
Made with Ritz crackers, dry mustard, crab meat, mayonnaise, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, onion
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat Red Lobster's Pina Colada Dipping Sauce
Just three simple ingredients go into this copycat version of the popular dipping sauce served at Red Lobster. Goes great with coconut shrimp!
Time: under 30 minutes
Mustard Pretzels
A combination of mustard, honey, and vinegar is mixed with the pretzels. They are baked until crisp and golden brown.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat O'Charley's Three Cheese Shrimp Dip
Get ready for a dip that's cheese overload in the best possible way. This creamy, bubbly three cheese shrimp dip is the perfect party starter.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
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Deep Fried Broccoli
Deep-frying is a delicious way to enjoy this otherwise healthy vegetable. The broccoli is battered and then fried until it is crispy. Serve as an appetizer or side dish.
Method: deep fryer
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat Ruth's Chris Crab Cakes
Crab meat mixed with creole mustard and creamy mayo makes some absolutely scrumptious cakes. Great appetizer to turn a steak dinner into a surf and turf meal.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Simple Pickled Eggs
Eggs have long been pickled as a means of preserving. The eggs will take on the flavor of the brine used. This version uses a basic brine of vinegar, salt, pepper, and onions.
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Copycat Olive Garden's Fried Mozzarella
If you love Mozzarella cheese, then you'll go crazy for this copycat recipe from the Olive Garden. Slices of Mozzarella cheese are breaded and fried to...
Method: deep fryer
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat Bonefish Grill's Warm Mango Salsa
You're going to want to put this marvelous mango and charred onion salsa on everything from fish tacos to tortilla chips.
Method: outdoor grill, microwave
Time: under 30 minutes
Beau Monde Dill Dip
Dill and Beau-Monde seasoning pair up with mayo and sour cream for a creamy dip with a zing. Serve it with chips, bread, or crunchy veggies - you won't be disappointed!
Time: 2-5 hours
Wonton Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
These appetizers might look like normal egg rolls at first, but make no mistake. With mozzarella and pepperoni inside, they're pizza rolls all the way.
Method: deep fryer, stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Dogs
Hot dog pieces (or "lil' smokies") are wrapped in bacon, coated in brown sugar, and then slow cooked until the bacon caramelizes. The ultimate party food!
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Copycat Bonefish Grill Saucy Shrimp Appetizer
Shrimp is sauteed in butter with kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes, tossed with a tomato-garlic sauce, and topped with feta cheese.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Artichoke Balls
These crispy baked artichoke balls are the perfect appetizer or side dish. They are easy to make and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 2-5 hours
Copycat Bennigan's Broccoli Bites
Made with eggs, Monterey jack cheese, Colby cheese, frozen chopped broccoli, bacon, yellow onion, all-purpose flour, bread crumbs, sour cream
Method: deep fryer
Time: 1-2 hours
Homemade Granola
A delicious homemade granola recipe that can be eaten as a snack, mixed with yogurt for breakfast, used as an ice cream topping, or in any recipe calling for granola.
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Copycat Cracker Jacks Caramel Popcorn
Frederick William Rueckheim and his brother Louis created the first Cracker Jack treat in 1896. Their original recipe was a mix of popped popcorn and roasted...
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Slow Cooker Drunken Bourbon Dogs
These hot dog bites are made in the slow-cooker but they're ready fast. Sliced wieners cooked with bourbon, brown sugar, and onion are all ready to be stuck on a...
Method: crock pot
Time: 1-2 hours
Baked Chinese Dumplings
Traditional Chinese pork dumplings are either fried or steamed. If you love the crispy flavor of the fried version but don't want the extra calories, try this oven-baked recipe.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat Buca Di Beppo Bruschetta
Bruschetta is the way to go for easy appetizers. This Buca Di Beppo copycat is a keeper - tomatoes, onion, and fresh basil on top of garlic-toasted bread.
Method: oven, outdoor grill
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat California Pizza Kitchen's Tuscan Hummus
Love hummus? Try this delicious copycat recipe of California Pizza Kitchen's popular appetizer made from cannellini beans instead of the typical...
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Honey Roasted Almonds
These candied almonds make for an irresistible snack. The nuts are oven-baked before being stirred into a sweet honey mixture and cooled. They store well and make a great homemade...
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Fried Chitlins
Who doesn't love fried chitlins? They're salty, greasy, and delicious. Some people say they're an acquired taste, but we think anyone can enjoy them.
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Copycat TGI Friday's Pot Stickers
Potstickers make a great lunch or snack. Make them at home just like they do at TGI Friday's and save yourself a trip to the crowded restaurant.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Copycat Red Lobster's Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Everyone's favorite stuffed mushrooms from Red Lobster is easy to copy at home.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Deviled Crab Meat Croquettes, Ybor style
Made with salt, bay leaf, sugar, parsley, tomato sauce, nutmeg, crab meat, dry sherry, eggs
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Don Pablo's Queso Dip
Made with Corn chips, Triscuits or sliced vegetables, cheddar cheese, onion, butter, diced tomatoes with green chilies, stewed tomatoes, processed cheese
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Baked Blooming Onion
You can have your beautiful bloomin' onion without breaking out a deep fryer. This baked version cuts the calories down a bit making it a less guilty indulgence.
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Easy Oysters Rockefeller
Oysters Rockefeller was created at Antoine's restaurant in New Orleans in 1899. This version uses the same original ingredients but with a simplified process.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Peanut Butter Meatballs
The peanut butter adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor to these tender meatballs. Serve as is or with your favorite dipping sauce (try bbq!).
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Pickled Salmon
Use this pickled fish for canapes or other finger sandwiches (or, just as a snack straight from the jar!).
Time: over 5 hours
Copycat McDonald's Honey Mustard Sauce
It's all about the ratio in this copycat Micky D's sauce. Make up a big batch so you can always have honey mustard on hand for chicken fingers, chicken...
Time: under 30 minutes
Catupiry Cheese Substitute
Looking for a cheese that tastes like soft, mild Catupiry cheese, but without the hassle of sourcing it from Brazil? Look no further than this delicious substitute.
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Copycat Zio's Artichoke Spinach Dip
Made with monterey jack cheese, Asagio or Parmesan cheese, half and half, salt, flour, yellow onion, marinated artichokes, lemon juice, artichoke heart juice, bacon...
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Copycat Applebee's Wonton Tacos
A homemade version of Applebee's popular chicken wonton tacos appetizer with zesty Asian slaw.
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Copycat Black Angus Garlic Cheese Bread
The secret ingredient for great cheesy garlic bread? French bread is covered with a gooey, garlicky two-cheese topping to mimic the garlic bread at the Black...
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat McDonald's Hot Mustard Sauce For Nuggets
Ever wondered how to give your chicken nuggets a gourmet twist? Try this tangy sauce inspired by your favorite fast-food joint.
Time: under 30 minutes
Spinach Souffle Stuffed Mushrooms
The spinach filling becomes light and puffy while it cooks. Even spinach-haters admit that they love these bite-sized appetizers.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Creamy Cocktail Sauce
This cocktail sauce has mayo for creaminess and lemon juice for bite, plus any spicy ingredient you want to throw in to make it your signature seafood dipping sauce.
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat Olive Garden's Clam Stuffed Mushrooms
Olive Garden's famous stuffed mushrooms are made with clams, breadcrumbs, and three different cheeses then baked drenched with butter. Prepare to be...
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Copycat Bonefish Grill Crab Cakes With Wasabi Herb Sauce
Made with olive oil, celery, green onions, fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, wasabi powder, mayonnaise, lemon juice
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Slow Cooker Fontina And Gruyere Cheese Fondue
Don't miss out on the magic (and romance) of fondue just because you don't have a fondue pot. A good old crockpot works like a charm for making this melty...
Method: crock pot
Time: 30-60 minutes
Sweet Jalapeno Pickle Relish
Chopped jalapenos and cucumbers are packed in jars with sugar and vinegar to get that tangy flavor just right. Great condiment for hot dogs and sandwiches.
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Clearman's North Woods Inn Cheese Spread
Tired of average snacks? This rich cheese spread, featuring cheddar and a punch of garlic and lemon, is just what you need to take your charcuterie board up a...
Time: under 30 minutes
French Fried Pickles Using Pancake Mix
Make an easy batter for fried pickle slices (or other finger food) by using prepared pancake mix as the coating.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat El Torito Salsa
This version of the restaurant's famous salsa contains both canned and fresh tomatoes, onion, jalapenos, serranos, cumin, oregano, and fresh cilantro.
Time: under 30 minutes
Velveeta And Refried Bean Dip
Quick and dirty bean dip. Refried beans, velveeta, and green chiles can be melted together on the stove or in the microwave.
Method: microwave, stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Batter Fried Mushrooms
Make this restaurant-worthy appetizer in your own kitchen. A parmesan, egg and flour batter gives the mushrooms that perfectly crispy golden-brown fry. Serve with some herb aioli...
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Amaretto Fruit Dip
Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest differences. That's definitely the case for this fruit dip. A subtle amaretto note in a standard cream cheese dip takes the whole...
Time: under 30 minutes
Pumpkins aren't just for pies or Halloween decorations. These large, orange gourds - while naturally sweet - also work well in savory dishes. They pair well with poultry and pork (and especially bacon) and their creamy-when-cooked texture blends easily into soups.
Love the spinach dip at restaurants like TGIFriday's and the Olive Garden? Make it at home with these easy-to-follow copycat recipes.
If you're a fan of the menu at this American chain of restaurants which serves a variety of foods such as burgers, steaks, pasta, and seafood then you'll love this collection of copycat recipes.