Regional Copycat Recipes for When You’re Missing Home

Wisconsin: Kopp’s Frozen 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, Texas

Get Our Recipe for Old-Time Custard Ice Cream

Arizona: Fry Bread

Crispy, doughy and totally delicious, this fry bread is fantastic with nearly any sweet or savory toppings you can think of. We love it with a little butter, a drizzle of honey and a squeeze of lemon. —Thelma Tyler, Dragoon, Arizona

California: In-N-Out’s Cheeseburger

When whipping up something for Father’s Day or the Fourth of July, I go big and tall with this fully loaded, juicy yumburger. —Chase Bailey, Costa Mesa, California

Chicagoland: Portillo’s Chili Cheese Dog

These deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions and tailgates. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon

This year we’ve been making our favorite menu items at home—and now you can, too! These are the best copycat recipes of 2021.

Kentucky: Kern’s Kitchen Derby Pie

When my fiance first made this chocolate bourbon pecan pie for me, I declared it to be the best pie ever! Creamy chocolate combines with crunchy nuts in a great, gooey filling. —Tanya Taylor, Cary, North Carolina

New Orleans: Cafe du Monde’s Beignets

These sweet French doughnuts are square instead of round and have no hole in the middle. This beignet recipe is a traditional part of breakfast in New Orleans. —Beth Dawson, Jackson, Louisiana

Maine: Labadie’s Bakery’s Whoopie Pies

I’ve saved this jam-filled whoopie pie recipe for years after cutting it out of a newspaper. It’s one of my grandson’s personal favorites. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

Detroit: Detroit-Style Pizza

Topped with pepperoni and melted, ooey-gooey cheese, this traditional Detroit-style pizza recipe is just what your pizza night needs. Don’t be surprised when it vanishes in seconds. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Baltimore: Berger Cookies

After a friend who had recently traveled to Baltimore sent me a package of Berger cookies, I was hooked. They disappeared so quickly, I decided to try to re-create them at home. After many tests and tweaks, my husband and I gained 6 pounds between the two of us, but it was worth it—I landed on a reproduction of the famous cookie I’m so proud of. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

Minneapolis: Juicy Lucy

Tired of the same old ground beef burgers? This quick-fix alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio

Montana: Wheat Montana Cinnamon Rolls

I like to try different fun fillings in these soft rolls, and each one is packed with cinnamon flavor. They are definitely worth the overnight wait. —Chris O’Connell, San Antonio, Texas

New York City: New York Bagels

Who has time to make from-scratch bagels? You do with this easy recipe from our Test Kitchen staff. The chewy golden bagels offer a hint of honey and are sure to impress the pickiest of palates. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

North Carolina: Bojangles’ Fried Chicken

Crispy, juicy and perfectly seasoned, this really is the best fried chicken recipe, ever. Summer reunions and neighborly gatherings will never be the same. When I was growing up, my parents had a farm, and every year, Dad would hire teenage boys to help by haying time. They looked forward to coming because they knew they would be treated to some of Mom’s deep fryer recipes, including this delicious fried chicken. —Lola Clifton, Vinton, Virginia

Cincinnati: Skyline's Chili

Cinnamon and cocoa give a rich brown color to hearty Cincinnati chili. This dish will warm you up on a cold day. —Edith Joyce, Parkman, Ohio

Philadelphia: Philly Cheesesteak

This ultimate Philly cheesesteak recipe is a best-seller at Pat’s King of Steaks Restaurant. Patrons praise its thinly cut beef and crusty Italian rolls. —Frank Olivieri, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

South Dakota: Kuchen

This German classic is such a part of our reunions, we designate a special place to serve it. Five generations flock to the “Kuchen Room” for this coffee cake. —Stephanie Schentzel, Northville, South Dakota

Texas: The Original Whataburger

Go on a burger road trip in your own backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-high. Peanut butter and bacon make them Southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes, a Northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York

Virginia: Smithfield Country Ham

The browned potatoes give simple ham a tasty touch. Not only do the potatoes pick up the flavor of the ham, but they look beautiful! Just add veggies or a salad, and dinner’s done. —Helen Bridges, Washington, Virginia

New Haven: Clam Pizza

This appetizer is the perfect start to any meal. It’s always been a big hit with our family and friends. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York

Nebraska: Runza Sandwiches

When I moved to Nebraska, I discovered many ethnic foods that I had never heard of before. A friend introduced me to this runza recipe, a German-Russian beef sandwich, and it quickly became a family favorite. —Dolly Croghan, Mead, Nebraska