Category: Copycat Recipes

Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Twisted Mac and Cheese

The first bite of copycat Hard Rock Cafe Twisted Mac and Cheese is the moment I fell in love with cavatappi pasta. All these years using elbow macaroni, I almost feel like they were wasted. This is the perfect pasta for mac and cheese, especially one as great as this. This isn’t a complicated recipe, but it sure is one that makes for that perfectly ooey-gooey combination. And it looks pretty too. It’s a win all around!

Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Twisted Mac and Cheese

Four Cheese Love

This copycat Hard Rock Cafe Twisted Mac and Cheese has four cheeses. That’s a lot of cheese love. Well, there’s sort of four. Technically Velveeta isn’t cheese but most of us think of it like it is. It sits in my fridge next to the ‘real’ cheese. That counts, right? Either way, it sure adds that wonderful creaminess to the mac and cheese.

Heat Things Up

I ditched the Monterey Jack for pepper jack instead. I wanted a bit of a kick to my dish. You can stick with the original recipe below and enjoy one heck of a great mac and cheese. Or add that heat.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline...
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline…
  • Makes Everything Simple : Just forget your bagged…
  • Premium Material : All parts of the rotary cheese…
$29.97
Buy on Amazon

Also try my stovetop pimento mac and cheese.

Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Twisted Mac and Cheese
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Twisted Mac and Cheese

This is the moment I fell in love with cavatappi pasta.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, mac and cheese
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 340kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
  • Add the pasta and cooked until just tender. Drain.
  • While the pasta is draining, return the pot to the stovetop over low heat. Add the milk, Velveeta, cheddar, Monterey Jack, cayenne and black pepper.
  • Stir until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth.
  • Add the pasta back to the pot along with the roasted red pepper.
  • To serve, spoon pasta mixture onto plates or into bowls. Sprinkle with bread crumbs, cheese and parsley.

Notes

To warm up refrigerated leftovers, just put in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a good splash or two of milk. Once the cheese heats up and starts to soften, stir gently until heated.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 622mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 536IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 364mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sale
Mueller Pro-Series All-in-One, 12 Blade Mandoline...
Mueller Pro-Series All-in-One, 12 Blade Mandoline…
  • Meal Prep MVP – A practical and innovative way to…
  • 12 Diverse Blades – With nine interchangeable…
$39.99
Buy on Amazon
OXO Good Grips 4 Piece Stainless Steel Measuring...
OXO Good Grips 4 Piece Stainless Steel Measuring…
  • Set includes: 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup and 1 cup
  • Magnetic handles keep Cups together for storage…
$22.98 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

Copycat Bojangle’s Bo’s Special Sauce

I love a simple fried chicken sandwich. Delicious, moist, tender chicken. Crunchy breading. Served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion… and a sauce. A good sauce. A little something to cut through the heaviness from that deep-fried loveliness. This copycat Bojangle’s Bo’s Special sauce did the trick. This nice creamy sauce has a little edge to it. A little kick. Thanks to horseradish.

Copycat Bojangle's Bo's Special Sauce

Heck I’m Not Even A Fan Of Horseradish

The funny thing about this copycat Bojangle’s Bo’s Special Sauce? I’m not even a big fan of horseradish and I still loved it. Sometimes dishes go too far with the horseradish for me. It’s not that I don’t like that taste, that flavor. It just makes my mouth feel weird! But not in this sauce! This sauce has the perfect balance of flavors, even the horseradish!

Make a batch and keep it on hand for more than just fried chicken sandwiches. Try it on burgers. Lunchmeat sandwiches. Any place you might want to use mayonnaise, this is better.

I store my homemade sauces in squeeze bottles. If refrigerated, I set them out thirty minutes to an hour before using so they come to room temperature. You don’t want to put cold sauce on hot food!
Lemecima 8 Pcs 3 Hole Squeeze Bottles 16 oz...
Lemecima 8 Pcs 3 Hole Squeeze Bottles 16 oz…
  • Products Include: you will receive 8 pieces of…
  • Reliable to Sue: sauce squeeze bottle is made of…
$18.99
Buy on Amazon

This sauce is great on my spicy fried chicken sandwich.

Copycat Bojangle's Bo's Special Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Bojangle’s Bo’s Special Sauce

A delicious savory sauce with a little kick.
Course Burger Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, sauce
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 19 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 1595kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Todd Wilbur

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Cover and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Notes

Stir again before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 1595kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 168g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 100g | Monounsaturated Fat: 38g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 2307mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 248IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

New Star Foodservice Condiment Squeeze Bottle Set...
New Star Foodservice Condiment Squeeze Bottle Set…
  • 3 Pack : Food-Safe, Commercial-Grade Plastic…
  • Great for Sauces, Oils, and Condiments , Perfect…
$15.99
Buy on Amazon

Homemade Beefaroni

I have eaten my share of the classic beefaroni from Chef Boyardee. It’s a simple yet tasty dish of pasta, beef, cheese and tomato sauce. It gave me the energy I needed to ride my bike through the neighborhood as a kid. All day long. And well after sunset too for that matter. Now I can make homemade beefaroni, even though my neighborhood-cruising bike days are mostly behind me. And now, I get to add more cheese!

Homemade Beefaroni

Yes, Chef!

As a side note, it’s interesting to read the history of the name ‘Boyardee’. It’s actually an anglicized version of the name of the inventor of beefaroni, Ettore Boiardi. I think he’d be impressed with my homemade beefaroni. Especially since I garnished it with freshly chopped parsley to make it all fancy and what-not!

To spice things up a bit add a few pickled jalapenos and substitute pepper jack cheese for the cheddar! You’ll thank me!

Sale
NutriChef Automatic Vacuum Air Sealing System for...
NutriChef Automatic Vacuum Air Sealing System for…
  • AUTOMATIC VACUUM FOOD SEALER WITH STARTER KIT…
  • DUAL DRY & MOIST MODES FOR EVERY FOOD TYPE…
$51.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

Also try my slow cooker spicy spaghetti and meatball soup. It’s a lot like SpaghettiOs but better!

Homemade Beefaroni
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Homemade Beefaroni

A homemade version of the classic.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, pasta
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 280kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from The Recipe Critic

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta per the package instructions. Rinse and drain and reserve.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble the beef and add the onion.
  • Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, breaking up any meat clumps as you go.
  • Add the garlic.
  • Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the paprika, oregano, salt and pepper.
  • Stir in the tomato sauce and continue stirring for 2 minutes.
  • Add in the cooked pasta and stir.
  • Cook another 2 minutes while stirring, making sure to warm the pasta completely.
  • Serve topped with cheese.

Notes

Also great with a Mexican cheese blend or pepper jack.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 818mg | Potassium: 546mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 489IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sale
Mueller Pro-Series All-in-One, 12 Blade Mandoline...
Mueller Pro-Series All-in-One, 12 Blade Mandoline…
  • Meal Prep MVP – A practical and innovative way to…
  • 12 Diverse Blades – With nine interchangeable…
$39.99
Buy on Amazon
OXO Good Grips 4 Piece Stainless Steel Measuring...
OXO Good Grips 4 Piece Stainless Steel Measuring…
  • Set includes: 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup and 1 cup
  • Magnetic handles keep Cups together for storage…
$22.98 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

Copycat Chili’s Honey Chipotle Chicken Fingers

This is easily one of my favorite chicken recipes, from roasted to fried. Hands down. The coating on these copycat Chili’s honey chipotle chicken fingers is perfect. It adheres to the chicken, bite after bite. It’s got a tremendous, delicious crunchiness to it. I mean crazy crunchy too! And then there’s the sauce. It’s slightly sweet with just the right amount of smokiness and heat. I think it’s fantastic. So fantastic that I doubled the recipe. Why? Because more is better!

Copycat Chili's Honey Chipotle Chicken Fingers

The Perfect Sauce

The honey chipotle sauce for these copycat Chili’s honey chipotle chicken fingers has just the right amount of sweetness. From honey. Yummy honey. There’s just a little bit of heat and smokiness. Chipotle chili pepper is great in a sauce. It adds that bit of a kick from jalapenos. And it adds the flavor and aroma of the smoke used to smoke the jalapenos. It’s great stuff and it’s what really makes this sauce fantastic.

Great On Salads, Too

These chicken fingers are also great on top of a bed of greens for a tremendous fried chicken salad.

The Presto Fry Daddy is perfect for making smaller batches of food. It only uses a few cups of oil and comes to temperature quickly. Clean-up is easy too!

Sale
Presto 05427 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer...
Presto 05427 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer…
  • SPECIAL GREEN/GOLD EDITION: Our best-selling…
  • FOUR SERVINGS: Makes four servings of french fries…
$40.49 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

Also try my copycat Chili’s crispy shrimp.

Copycat Chili's Honey Chipotle Chicken Fingers
Print Pin
5 from 3 votes

Copycat Chili’s Honey Chipotle Chicken Fingers

Golden delicious, crunchy chicken fingers with a sweet heat sauce that is to-die for!
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, deep-fried
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 605kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the batter

For the breading

For the chicken fingers

  • 8 chicken tenderloins trimmed of any fat, cut into smaller pieces of desired
  • vegetable oil for frying

For the sauce (double if you like a lot of sauce)

Instructions

For the sauce

  • Place all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer 2-4 minutes or until thickened slightly.
  • Remove from heat and set aside until ready to use.

For the batter

  • In a shallow bowl or pie plate, combine all of the batter ingredients EXCEPT for the flour. Continue stirring for 30 seconds.
  • Whisk or stir in the flour until smooth.

For the breading

  • In a shallow bowl or pie plate, combine all of the breading ingredients.

For the chicken fingers

  • Heat 3″ of oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 350 F.
  • Working in batches as needed, dip chicken tenderloin pieces into the batter. Shake off any excess.
  • Toss the chicken pieces in the breading and coat well. Do not shake off any excess.
  • Fry wings for about 8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked completely.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Serve tenders drizzled with the sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. I do not recommend tossing the chicken in the sauce as it'll knock off the delicious crunchy coating.

Notes

Serve with more sauce and Ranch dressing for dipping!

Nutrition

Calories: 605kcal | Carbohydrates: 108g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 2430mg | Potassium: 597mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 247IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Amazon Basics 3.2-Qt (3.0L) Electric Deep Fryer...
Amazon Basics 3.2-Qt (3.0L) Electric Deep Fryer…
  • FAST-HEATING & FAMILY-SIZE: This powerful…
  • ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE & VERSATILE COOKING: With…
$53.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Fried Shrimp

Oh, how I do love perfectly battered, perfectly fried shrimp. As soon as I took my first bite of this copycat Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Fried Shrimp I knew I should’ve made more. And I should’ve doubled the sauce recipe, too. The shrimp are seasoned just right. They’re tender. The batter stays on and that’s a major plus. The dipping sauce is different. Kind of cocktail sauce-like, but mayonnaise-based. It’s quite good and would be great with fried fish or even on a fish sandwich. These are great shrimp.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bloomin' Fried Shrimp

The Perfect Combination

The key to making these copycat Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ fried shrimp is to not over-cook them. For me, that means about 90 seconds. I use 16-20 count (large) shrimp. If you’re new to frying shrimp, I recommend starting with just one little ole shrimp. Fry it, and keep an eye on the time. When you think it’s done pull it out and try it (after cooling of course). If it’s too done, knock 15 seconds off the cook time and try another test shrimp. Not done enough? Add 15 seconds and try again.

The Presto Fry Daddy is perfect for making smaller batches of food. It only uses a few cups of oil and comes to temperature quickly. Clean-up is easy too!

Sale
Presto 05427 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer...
Presto 05427 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer…
  • SPECIAL GREEN/GOLD EDITION: Our best-selling…
  • FOUR SERVINGS: Makes four servings of french fries…
$40.49 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

Also try my copycat of the Outback Steakhouse Gold Coast coconut shrimp.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bloomin' Fried Shrimp
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Fried Shrimp

Fantastic shrimp with an equally-fantastic dipping sauce.
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword deep-fried, shrimp
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 470kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Copykat

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Bloomin' Sauce

For the shrimp

Instructions

For the Bloomin' Sauce

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use.

For the shrimp

  • Heat 3" of oil to 350 F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
  • In a pie plate or shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper and cayenne.
  • In another pie plate or shallow bowl, stir together the buttermilk and water.
  • Place a wire rack over a cookie sheet.
  • Coat the shrimp in the flour mixture and shake off any excess.
  • Roll the shrimp in the buttermilk and shake off any excess.
  • Return the shrimp to the flour mixture and coat again. Shake off any excess and transfer to the wire rack.
  • Working in batches if needed, fry the shrimp for 1-2 minutes (I prefer 1 minute and 30 seconds), turning once, until golden brown. Remove to another wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Serve with the Bloomin' sauce for dipping.

Notes

Make extra sauce. It’s yummy!

Nutrition

Calories: 470kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 1026mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 411IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sale
Lodge Silver 12 Inch Aluminum Foil Dutch Oven...
Lodge Silver 12 Inch Aluminum Foil Dutch Oven…
  • YOUR NEW GO-TO DUTCH OVEN LINERS: The Lodge Dutch…
  • WHAT’S COMPATIBILE? This dutch oven liner pairs…
$19.90 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon
Sale
IPROUDER Cast Iron Trivet 2 PCS Set, 8-inch, Meat...
IPROUDER Cast Iron Trivet 2 PCS Set, 8-inch, Meat…
  • Made of cast iron and seasoned with natural…
  • Raises meats, sourdough bread, pies, and other…
$26.99
Buy on Amazon

Copycat McAlister’s Deli Potato Salad

I could go for a New Yorker sandwich from McAlister’s Deli right now. Boy would that ever be good. And a side of potato salad. Please. Or, I could make a copycat McAlister’s Deli potato salad at home. True, my pastrami sandwich isn’t quite as good as theirs, but this potato salad is. This is easily my favorite. I could sit down with a (large) bowl of this any time and finish it off. The perfect crunch, creaminess, and flavors. This is reminiscent of a classic version, but one that has been amped up. A lot.

Copycat McAlister's Deli Potato Salad

Baked, Not Boiled

I like to bake my potatoes for my copycat McAlister’s Deli potato salad. Some people (oh, say, like my wife) prefer to boil them. I like them baking because first, I think baking adds more flavor and more importantly, prevents flavor from being lost to the boiling water. I also like how baking keeps the size and shape of the potato. Baked potato chunks are nice and squared. Boiled are round from being bounced around in a torrent of bubbling water. Go baked, I say!

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Sale
Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For...
Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For…
  • Real Mayonnaise Made Like Homemade: Time-honored…
  • A History of Delicious: Our simple…
$3.88 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

Bean salad and potato salad go great together! Try my copycat of the bean salad from KFC!

Copycat McAlister's Deli Potato Salad
Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

Copycat McAlister’s Deli Potato Salad

Easily my new favorite potato salad.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, potato salad
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Fridge time 2 hours
Servings 8
Calories 282kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Secret Copycat Restaurant Recipes

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Poke a few holes in each potato with a sharp knife.
  • Bake for 40-60 minutes, or until done as desired. Cooking time depends on the size of the potatoes and how much 'crunch' you want to your salad. I use a bamboo skewer to test for doneness.
  • Remove potatoes from oven and let cool.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the vinegar, dried parsley and celery flakes. Set aside to let the dried herbs rehydrate, stirring every 5 minutes or so.
  • In a medium bowl combine the red onion, relishes, mustard and sugar.
  • Peel the potatoes.
  • Chop potatoes into cubes and add to the bowl containing the onion mixture.
  • Gently toss the potatoes to coat.
  • Gently stir in the vinegar and dried herb mixture.
  • Add half of the mayonnaise and stir. If you want a creamier salad add more mayonnaise.
  • Sprinkle with the celery salt.
  • Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. If you want, also add more celery salt but be careful. It's strong stuff and can quickly overwhelm the salad. I happen to like it so I added more.
  • Cover bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
  • Serve salad sprinkled lightly with paprika.

Notes

Give the salad a gentle stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 283mg | Potassium: 386mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sale
Mueller Pro-Series All-in-One, 12 Blade Mandoline...
Mueller Pro-Series All-in-One, 12 Blade Mandoline…
  • Meal Prep MVP – A practical and innovative way to…
  • 12 Diverse Blades – With nine interchangeable…
$39.99
Buy on Amazon
OXO Good Grips 4 Piece Stainless Steel Measuring...
OXO Good Grips 4 Piece Stainless Steel Measuring…
  • Set includes: 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup and 1 cup
  • Magnetic handles keep Cups together for storage…
$22.98 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

Copycat McDonald’s Big Xtra Burger

There was a time when McDonald’s thought it could take on my favorite fast-food burger, the Burger King Whopper. They upped the game by making their patties bigger than the one on the Whopper. And of course, they copied the fresh toppings. Well, I’m not sure how long they lasted, but it couldn’t have been long. I love the classics, so I make my copycat McDonald’s Big Xtra Burgers at home. I have to since I can’t get it at the restaurant any more!

Copycat McDonald's Big Xtra Burger

Ok, So I Made A Change…

I prefer to cook my burgers ‘smash burger’ style. You don’t need a bunch of fancy equipment or a lot of time to make a copycat McDonald’s Big Xtra burger. Just a hot griddle and a burger press. Any griddle will do, whether it’s on a grill, cooktop, stove or even a standalone outdoor flattop. Just get those patties nice and thin and they’ll cook up perfectly in no time at all. This is my go-to burger making technique no matter what burger recipe I’m following.

Sale
Whaleme Blackstone Burger Press Set - 7' Round...
Whaleme Blackstone Burger Press Set – 7″ Round…
  • Food-Grade Cast Iron Burger Press : Our barbeque…
  • Grooved Bottom Design&Non-Stick Surfaces : Our…
$21.37
Buy on Amazon

Also try my copycat McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with cheese!

Copycat McDonald's Big Xtra Burger
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat McDonald’s Big Xtra Burger

A tasty, bigger version of Burger King's The Whopper.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, McDonald’s
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 654kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for direct medium-high heat cooking. You can also use an outdoor or indoor griddle or a large skillet on a stove.
  • Form the beef into a patty. Season well with seasoned salt and pepper.
  • Place the patty on the grill. Smash down with a spatula or grill press.
  • Grill the burger for 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Make the burger by placing the patty on the bun bottom.
  • Spread the ketchup and mayo onto the top bun.
  • Add the onions and pickles, followed by the lettuce and tomato slice.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

Hungry? Make two patties.

Nutrition

Calories: 654kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 4247mg | Potassium: 1116mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1318IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 352mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sale
Meykers Burger Press 150 Patty Papers Set...
Meykers Burger Press 150 Patty Papers Set…
  • Saving Storage Space : The detachable solid…
  • Making Hamburger Elegantly – Perfectly…
$8.49
Buy on Amazon
Gandeer 3 Pcs Cast Iron Grill Press 8 x 4 Inch...
Gandeer 3 Pcs Cast Iron Grill Press 8 x 4 Inch…
  • Quality Material: the bacon press is made of food…
  • Practical Wood Handle Design:Featuring a…
$35.99
Buy on Amazon
Katbite 300Pcs 6x6 Inches Patty Paper, Burger...
Katbite 300Pcs 6×6 Inches Patty Paper, Burger…
  • Perfect Size: 6×6 inches of 300 count patty paper…
  • Non-Stick & Easy to Clean: Patty paper use the…
$9.99
Buy on Amazon

Copycat Campbell’s Bean and Bacon Soup

When I was a young kid, barely knee-high to a grasshopper, bean and bacon soup was by far my favorite canned soup. I remember cold days, playing in the snow, only to run inside to a big ole bowl of hot, satisfying soup. Well, a few years later I now enjoy my copycat Campbell’s bean and bacon soup. Same great taste, same great texture, and still as satisfying as ever. This is one great bowl full of deliciousness! And best of all it tastes just like I remember from years ago.

Copycat Campbell's Bean and Bacon Soup

No Ham Stock? No Problem.

The recipe for this copycat Campbell’s bean and bacon soup calls for a few cups of ham stock. I dunno about you, but I don’t have any ham stock on hand. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever made ham stock. I probably should. But until then I have to take a little shortcut and use ham base. Ham base is something I do have on hand because I found that it makes for the best slow cooker ham and bean soup! It is crazy packed with flavor and is well worth finding in your local grocery store or online!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot...
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot…
  • OVEN SAFE DESIGN: Withstand temperatures up to…
  • EXCELLENT HEAT RETENTION: This heavy-duty cast…
$49.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

Also try my copycat Hamburger Helper beef noodle!

Copycat Campbell's Bean and Bacon Soup
Print Pin
4.80 from 5 votes

Copycat Campbell’s Bean and Bacon Soup

It really is "M'm m'm good."
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, soup
Prep Time 14 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Soaking time 12 hours
Servings 10
Calories 219kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from CD Kitchen

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the beans in a large bowl. Add enough water to cover them by 2". Let them soak overnight.
  • Drain the beans and place in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Crumble in the bacon and add the carrots, celery, onion, thyme, garlic, tomato paste, pepper, water and ham stock.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer, stirring continuously to dissolve the tomato paste.
  • Cover and simmer for 3 hours or until the beans are tender. About 30 minutes in, taste the liquid and add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Ladle out 2 cups of the soup into a bowl and let cool slightly. Transfer to a blender (working in batches if needed) and process until smooth. Pour the pureed soup back into the pot and stir.
  • Stir in the vinegar and liquid smoke.
  • Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

If you don’t have ham stock you can make your own or substitute water. To make your own, combine 2 teaspoons of ham base with 2 cups of water in a small sauce pan over medium-high heat. Stir until the ham base dissolves. Use the liquid as a substitute for the ham stock.

Nutrition

Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 208mg | Potassium: 743mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3294IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sale
Lodge Silver 12 Inch Aluminum Foil Dutch Oven...
Lodge Silver 12 Inch Aluminum Foil Dutch Oven…
  • YOUR NEW GO-TO DUTCH OVEN LINERS: The Lodge Dutch…
  • WHAT’S COMPATIBILE? This dutch oven liner pairs…
$19.90 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon
Sale
IPROUDER Cast Iron Trivet 2 PCS Set, 8-inch, Meat...
IPROUDER Cast Iron Trivet 2 PCS Set, 8-inch, Meat…
  • Made of cast iron and seasoned with natural…
  • Raises meats, sourdough bread, pies, and other…
$26.99
Buy on Amazon

Copycat Chili Cheese Hamburger Helper

Sure, you can grab a box of Hamburger Helper from the store and make up a batch of stick-to-your-ribs pasta and burger. It’s the perfect one-dish meal. Or you could make this copycat Chili Cheese Hamburger Helper and do what I did: add more cheese! Ok, no, you don’t have to add more cheese. But you could. Ah, the joys of cooking at home, specially when it’s cold out and you need something to warm you up. This dish fits the bill perfectly.

Copycat Chili Cheese Hamburger Helper

It’s Easy. And Changeable.

It really can’t get much easier than this copycat Chili Cheese Hamburger Helper. I’ve been known to change it up a bit sometimes. You definitely don’t have to use elbow macaroni, though it is the classic ingredient for sure. Pepper jack cheese makes for a nice change instead of cheddar. A little kick never hurt anyone. Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef are winners, too! So go crazy with it!

Drain Well For Best Results

Just make sure you do drain the beef (or whatever protein you use) well before adding the rest of the ingredients.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline...
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline…
  • Makes Everything Simple : Just forget your bagged…
  • Premium Material : All parts of the rotary cheese…
$29.97
Buy on Amazon

Also try my pepperoni pizza hamburger helper.

Copycat Chili Cheese Hamburger Helper
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Chili Cheese Hamburger Helper

Hearty and easy.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, copycat, pasta
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 346kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Chickens in the Road

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
  • Drain off any excess fat.
  • Stir in ALL of the remaining ingredients EXCEPT for the cheese.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Cover and continue simmering for 12-15 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender.
  • Add the cheese and stir until melted.
  • Turn off heat and let dish sit uncovered for 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it rests.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

I also like this dish made using sharp cheddar cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 463mg | Potassium: 339mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 546IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 194mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sale
Lodge Silver 12 Inch Aluminum Foil Dutch Oven...
Lodge Silver 12 Inch Aluminum Foil Dutch Oven…
  • YOUR NEW GO-TO DUTCH OVEN LINERS: The Lodge Dutch…
  • WHAT’S COMPATIBILE? This dutch oven liner pairs…
$19.90 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon
Sale
IPROUDER Cast Iron Trivet 2 PCS Set, 8-inch, Meat...
IPROUDER Cast Iron Trivet 2 PCS Set, 8-inch, Meat…
  • Made of cast iron and seasoned with natural…
  • Raises meats, sourdough bread, pies, and other…
$26.99
Buy on Amazon

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp

Oh me. It was a happy day for the shrimp addict in me. I made copycat Outback Steakhouse Gold Coast coconut shrimp, along with an orange marmalade dipping sauce. The shrimp were incredible. So crispy. The perfect batter. And loaded with fantastic coconut. They were delicious and great on their own. But oh, they weren’t served by themselves. Alongside, the dipping sauce added a unique taste that offset some of that coconut sweetness. The two made for an unforgettable dinner dish.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp

The Dipping Sauce Rocks!

Although the shrimp are the star of the show in these copycat Outback Steakhouse Gold Coast coconut shrimp, I cannot overstate how great the dipping sauce is. It’s somewhat reminiscent of cocktail sauce in that it has a good horseradish flavor. The orange keeps the tropical theme going. And along comes a great mustardy hit. It may sound a bit different, but I assure you, it’s different in a great way. There were no leftover shrimp or dipping sauce.

I used my small Fry Daddy fryer to make this dish. That required me to cook them in batches. For a quicker fry, ensuring that everything is done at the same time, I’d recommend using a larger fryer or Dutch oven.

The Presto Fry Daddy is perfect for making smaller batches of food. It only uses a few cups of oil and comes to temperature quickly. Clean-up is easy too!

Sale
Presto 05427 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer...
Presto 05427 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer…
  • SPECIAL GREEN/GOLD EDITION: Our best-selling…
  • FOUR SERVINGS: Makes four servings of french fries…
$40.49 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

Also try some copycat Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ fried shrimp.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp
Print Pin
5 from 3 votes

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp

The dipping sauce is addicting. You might want to double the amounts.
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword deep-fried, shrimp
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 463kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the shrimp

For the dipping sauce

Instructions

For the dipping sauce

  • Place all ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Note: Also prepare the batter (below) at this time since it also requires 1 hour of resting time.

For the shrimp

  • To prepare the batter, place the beer, flour and 1/2 cup of the coconut flakes, sugar and salt into a medium-sized bowl. Whisk to combine well. Cover. Let sit for 1 hour.
  • Heat a few inches of oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 350 F.
  • Place remaining coconut in a pie plate or shallow bowl.
  • Pat shrimp dry and sprinkle with paprika.
  • Working in batches if needed, dip shrimp into the beer batter, turning to coat completely.
  • Transfer the shrimp to the coconut and roll to coat well.
  • Fry shrimp 2-3 minutes or until shrimp are golden brown, turning them as they cook. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Serve shrimp with dipping sauce.

Notes

Make extra dipping sauce. It’s great!

Nutrition

Calories: 463kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 498mg | Potassium: 232mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 27IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Amazon Basics 3.2-Qt (3.0L) Electric Deep Fryer...
Amazon Basics 3.2-Qt (3.0L) Electric Deep Fryer…
  • FAST-HEATING & FAMILY-SIZE: This powerful…
  • ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE & VERSATILE COOKING: With…
$53.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon