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29 California Pizza Kitchen Copycat Recipes

Craving California Pizza Kitchen but not the wait for a table? Whip up one of these copycat recipes at home, including their famous BBQ chicken pizza, butter cake, spinach artichoke dip and more.

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Barbecued Chicken Pizzas Exps Sdjj17 44709 C02 17 2b 12

Inspired by: The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza

So fast and so easy with refrigerated pizza crust, these saucy, smoky pizzas make quick fans with their rustic, hot-off-the-grill flavor. They're perfect for impromptu cookouts and summer dinners on the patio. —Alicia Trevithick, Temecula, California
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Classic Cobb Salad Exps Thfm17 4728 D09 27 4b 2

Inspired by: California Cobb Salad

Making this salad is a lot like putting in a garden. I “plant” everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
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Inspired by: Red Velvet Cake

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Exps Hck17 25596 B08 23 1b 13

Inspired by: Crispy Fish Tacos

Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish, I came up with this crispy, crunchy fish tacos recipe. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California
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Artichoke Spinach Dip Pizza Exps46925 Sd142780d08 15 1bc Rms 5

Inspired by: Roasted Artichoke + Spinach Pizza

When I have garlic oil in my pantry, I swap it for regular olive oil. The garlic adds a little something without being overpowering. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
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Inspired by: Garlic Cream Fettuccine with Chicken

As a cattle rancher, my husband's a big fan of beef. For him to comment on a poultry dish is rare. But he always tells me, "I love this casserole!" I first tasted it at a potluck; now, I fix it for my family (we have a 3-year-old daughter) once or twice a month, and I'm asked to take it to most every get-together. —Rochelle Brownlee, Big Timber, Montana
7 / 29

Inspired by Chicken Lettuce Wraps

This is one of my go-to meals when I want a fun dinner. I love the spicy Asian flavors against the cool lettuce and the added crunch of peanuts and water chestnuts. —Brittany Allyn, Nashville, Tennessee
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Inspired by: Baked Potato Soup

My husband and I enjoyed a delicious baked potato soup at a restaurant while on vacation and I came home determined to duplicate the flavor. It took me five years to get the taste right! —Joann Goetz, Genoa, Ohio
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Pepperoni Pan Pizza Exps Hscbz17 9865 C07 25 2b 8

Inspired by: Pepperoni Pizza

I've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida
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Inspired by: White Corn Guacamole + Chips

I was planning a party and thought it might be fun to try a different kind of avocado salsa. This recipe was an absolute success. Scoop it up with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak, or eat it on its own! —Susan Vandermeer, Ogden, Utah
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Exps47385 Thca163696c03 06 5b 1

Inspired by: Cedar Plank Salmon

Take lemony salmon fillets to the next level with a fresh, colorful homemade salsa. Just add a simple side of rice for a complete dinner. —Tiffany Hartpence, Lander, WY
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Exps2732 Mrr153791c09 23 7b 2

Inspired by: Strawberry Shortcake

I grew up helping my mom make a lot in our farmhouse kitchen; strawberry shortcakes, roasts, soups and pies. This sunny strawberry shortcake recipe brings back memories of family summers on the farm. —Janet Becker, Anacortes, Washington
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Big Kahuna Pizza Exps Botoh19 48814 B08 16 5b 3

Inspired by: Hawaiian Pizza

A prebaked pizza crust and refrigerated barbecued pork make this tasty supper idea super fast and super easy. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and it can double as a great last-minute appetizer, too! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
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Inspired by: Fire-Grilled Ribeye

This simple steak gets a big flavor boost from two of my favorites: mustard and blue cheese. My husband and I make this recipe to celebrate our anniversary each year! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
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Mexican Street Corn Bake  Exps Sdfm17 197642 B10 04 4b 27

Inspired by: Mexican Street Corn

We discovered Mexican street corn at a festival. This easy one-pan version saves on prep and cleanup. Every August I freeze a lot of our own fresh sweet corn and then I use that in this recipe, but store-bought corn works just as well. —Erin Wright, Wallace, Kansas
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Exps33435 Ff163882d01 12 3b 3

Inspired by: The Works Pizza

Our daughter, Stephanie, makes this pizza for her dad whenever he has a craving for it. Meat eaters will definitely get their fill with a slice of this deep-dish delight.—Nancy Jo Leffler, DePauw, Indiana
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Inspired by: Roasted Veggie Salad

Pleasantly seasoned with rosemary and garlic, this appealing side dish showcases good-for-you roasted turnips, carrots and potatoes. It's a nice homey addition to our family's holiday meal. —Kerry Sullivan, Maitland, Florida
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Blackened Halibut Exps Cimz17 139577 B07 19 5b 8

Inspired by: Hearth-Roasted Halibut

Try serving this spicy halibut recipe with garlic mashed potatoes, hot, crusty bread and a crisp salad to lure in your crew. After trying a few halibut recipes, this one is my family's favorite. —Brenda Williams, Santa Maria, California
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Inspired by: Roasted Garlic Chicken Pizza

Tomatoes, olives and goat cheese really brighten up this white pizza. I like to cook extra chicken for this recipe while making another meal. Just make sure the tomatoes are well drained to keep the crust nice and crispy. —Teri Otte, Cannon Falls, Minnesota
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Blue Ribbon Butter Cake Exps Ghbz18 37065 B08 15 1b 33

Inspired by Butter Cake

I found this Kentucky butter cake recipe in an old cookbook I bought at a garage sale and couldn’t wait to try it. I knew it had been someone’s favorite because of the well-worn page. —Joan Gertz, Palmetto, Florida
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Exps191859 Sd163575c10 07 7b 4

Inspired by: Bolognese Spaghetti

Pasta with ground beef was a family staple while I was growing up. I’ve added bacon, ground pork, white wine and juicy tomatoes to make it a next-level meal. –Carly Terrell, Granbury, Texas
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Inspired by: Petite Wedge Salad

A wedge salad gets the creamy treatment when topped with blue cheese dressing. Keep the dressing as a topper, or make it a dip for Buffalo wings. —Jenn Smith, East Providence, Rhode Island
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Five Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Exps Hplbz18 80323 C05 16 7b 4

Inspired by: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience—I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and cleanup are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce Exps Dsbz17 26212 B01 13 5b 6

Inspired by: Chicken Piccata

Once you've tried this tangy, yet delicate lemon chicken piccata, you won't hesitate to make it for company. Seasoned with parmesan and parsley, the chicken cooks up golden brown, then is drizzled with a light lemon sauce. —Susan Pursell, Fountain Valley, California
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Deep Fried Mac Cheese Shells Exps Chmz19 192350 C10 26 8b 2

Inspired by: Crispy Mac ‘n’ Cheese

I created this deep fried mac and cheese recipe for my husband. He describes this recipe as unbelievably delicious because of the crispy deep-fried coating on the outside and the creamy richness on the inside. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida
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Chunky Tomato Basil Bisque Exps35796 Omrr2777383a06 04 5bc Rms 2

Inspired by: Tomato Basil Bisque

My husband, Patrick Maas, makes this wonderful, creamy bisque. Sweet red pepper enhances the lovely tomato-basil flavor. —Veronique Deblois, Mine Hill, New Jersey
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Exps74340 Hck153422b08 26 7b 5

Inspired by: Szechuwan Chicken Dumplings

To celebrate my two daughters' heritage, we occasionally make Chinese food, especially around traditional holidays like the Lunar New Year. I took a classic pork dumpling recipe and modified it using ground chicken so we can have them anytime, not just during the holidays. —Joy Olcott, Millersville, Pennsylvania
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Mexican Chicken Fajita Pizza Exps Ft19 50979 F 1205 1 5

Inspired by: Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pizza

This Mexican chicken pizza has always been a hit with my kids and it’s such a great way to sneak in extra vegetables. —Carrie Shaub, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
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Key Lime Pie Exps Ppp18 32936 B05 15 2b 2

Inspired by: Key Lime Pie

We created this refreshing mini pie with a homemade crumb crust and a pudding-like lime filling. If you can’t find Key lime juice, regular lime juice works just fine. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Katie Bandurski
As Senior Shopping Editor, Katie connects Taste of Home readers with the best gifts, deals and home products on the market. An avid foodie and a holiday enthusiast, Katie is an expert at cultivating meaningful moments. When she’s out of the office, you’ll find her exploring Wisconsin, trying out new vegetarian recipes and watching Christmas movies.