Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Copycat Recipes
Updated: Feb. 18, 2024
Escape to Margaritaville with these tasty tropical copycats. After checking these dishes out, you'll feel like you're on island time.
Find yourself nibblin’ on sponge cake and watching the sun bake? You may just be a Jimmy Buffet fan. The musician, author and American businessman was known for his sweet tunes and vacation-worthy restaurants around the world. Luckily, you won’t have to leave the kitchen to enjoy these copycat recipes. (Just don’t misplace your shaker of salt!)
Be sure to check out these tropical desserts next.
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Inspired by: Margaritaville (of Course!)
This basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Signature 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
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Inspired by: Margaritaville 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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Inspired by: Margaritaville Cheeseburger in Paradise
Go on a burger road trip in your own backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-high with your favorite toppings. For instance, peanut butter and bacon make them southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes, a northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Coconut Shrimp
Coconut flakes and panko crumbs give my spicy air-fryer coconut shrimp recipe its crunch. It’s perfect for an appetizer or for your main meal. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Cuban Sandwich
Loaded with tangy flavor, this is a lighter version of a favorite restaurant-style sandwich. If you don’t have a panini maker, tuck the sandwiches under the broiler until the bread is browned and the cheese melted. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Tropical Fruit Margarita
I like to cool down with this absolutely fantastic frozen margarita recipe. It's slightly icy, thick and perfect for when you need a break. —Julie Hieggelke, Grayslake, Illinois
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Resort Shrimp Po'Boys
This twist on the traditional po'boy sandwich adds flavor and veggies while reducing fat and calories. For a smoked flavor, grill the shrimp. For a lower-carb option, serve the po'boy open-faced on a baguette half. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Chicken Wings
I took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Resort Hurricanes
This is our Test Kitchen’s version of the famous Hurricane beverage that's so popular in New Orleans. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Rum Cake
My take on those boozy treats that weigh down suitcases returning from Jamaica, this moist cake packs a rum punch. You may wish to card your guests before serving. The longer the rum soaks in, the better—overnight is best. —Jenn Hall, Collingswood, New Jersey
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Inspired By: Margaritaville Resort Watermelon Salad
My 4-year-old twin grandchildren love to cook in the kitchen with me. Last summer, the three of us were experimenting with watermelon and cheese, and that's where this recipe began. It's amazing for picnics, at neighborhood gatherings or as a healthy snack on a hot summer day. —Gwendolyn Vetter, Rogers, Minnesota
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Resort Coconut Tres Leches
Three types of milk wonderfully moisten these cupcakes. Toasted coconut on top adds an elegant touch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Volcano Nachos
My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Resort Horchata
In this Horchata recipe, the mixture of ground rice and almonds is accented with a hint of lime. Depending on your preference, you can use more or less water for a thinner or creamier beverage. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Full Rack of Ribs
When my family thinks of summer grilling, it's ribs all the way. Our Asian-inspired recipe is a welcome change from the usual barbecue-sauce versions. —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Resort Pina Coladas
Velvety-smooth texture and a taste of the tropics are what this tropical drink delivers. The easy-to-make pina colada recipe can be mixed and chilled ahead of time. When ready to serve, just blend for a creamy and delicious beverage. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Resort Orange Sunset Cake
Family and friends will love this moist cake’s refreshing citrus taste and its pretty presentation. —Ann Robinson, Bloomington, Indiana
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Key West Chicken Quesadilla
Leftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. The chicken quesadilla recipe has an impressive look and taste yet requires little preparation. —Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Rotisserie Lemon Dijon Herb Chicken
Tender roast chicken is an elegant dish that's easy to make. We love the tang of orange and lemon slices and the subtle heat from mustard. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Jimmy's Jammin' Jambalaya
I tried to mimic Jambalaya from my favorite restaurant and it turned out so well my daughter and husband now prefer my recipe and won't order it when we go to the restaurant! —Alexis Van Vulpen, St. Albert, Alberta
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Inspired by: Margaritaville Flourless Chocolate Cake
Here's the perfect dessert for chocoholics—like me! I bake this melt-in-your-mouth torte all the time for special occasions. For an elegant finish, dust it with confectioners' sugar. —Kayla Albrecht, Freeport, IllinoisOriginally Published: June 27, 2018
