Escape to Margaritaville with these tasty tropical copycats. After checking these dishes out, you'll feel like you're on island time.
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Copycat Recipes
Updated on Feb. 18, 2024
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.
1/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville (of Course!)
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup (calculated without salt): 149 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
2/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Signature Key Lime Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 321 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
3/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Fish Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 350 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 632mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
4/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Cheeseburger in Paradise
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger (calculated without toppings): 429 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 796mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
5/22
Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coconut and panko crumbs give this spicy air-fryer shrimp its crunch. It’s perfect for an appetizer or for your main meal. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 shrimp with 2 tablespoons sauce: 423 calories, 10g fat (8g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 440mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
6/22
Cuban Sandwich
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you want a hearty sandwich that won't "overstuff" you, then the Cubano is for you. Tangy pickles, tender pork, savory ham, gooey melted Swiss cheese and a hint of mustard are layered between two toasty pieces of bread for the ultimate panini. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 726 calories, 40g fat (16g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 2153mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 54g protein.
7/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Tropical Fruit Margarita
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 271 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (65g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein.
8/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Resort Shrimp Po'Boys
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 420 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 1430mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
9/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Chicken Wings
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
2 dozen wings (2 sections each)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 wing (2 sections): 178 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
10/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Resort Hurricanes
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 340 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
11/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Rum Cake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 461 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
12/22
Inspired By: Margaritaville Resort Watermelon Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 45 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit.
13/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Resort Coconut Tres Leches
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Three types of milk wonderfully moisten these cupcakes. Toasted coconut on top adds an elegant touch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 342 calories, 16g fat (11g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
14/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Volcano Nachos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 676 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1293mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
15/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Resort Horchata
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 134 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
16/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Full Rack of Ribs
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 486 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 1543mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
17/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Resort Pina Coladas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 457 calories, 13g fat (10g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 42mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (52g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
18/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Resort Orange Sunset Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Family and friends will love this moist cake’s refreshing citrus taste and its pretty presentation. —Ann Robinson, Bloomington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 370 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
19/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Key West Chicken Quesadilla
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 477 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 901mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
20/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Rotisserie Lemon Dijon Herb Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 537 calories, 37g fat (8g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 44g protein.
21/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Jimmy's Jammin' Jambalaya
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 323 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
22/22
Inspired by: Margaritaville Flourless Chocolate Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 326 calories, 24g fat (14g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 121mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
