Every region has a favorite fast food chain. In the Midwest, it's Culver's. We found spot-on copycat recipes from the beloved restaurant—including butter burgers and custard—that you can make right at home.
18 Culver’s Copycat Recipes
Updated on Jun. 05, 2024
1/18
Inspired By: Butterburger “The Original”
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter.
My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 400 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
2/18
Custard Ice Cream
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This ice cream is technically a custard since it contains eggs. After lots of testing (and tasting), I've found that eggs are the key to making a smooth and creamy treat that rivals what you can get at a premium ice cream shop. -Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 310 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
3/18
Inspired By: Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These beer-battered cheese curds are the ultimate in delicious comfort food. Some folks like to serve them with ranch dressing, ketchup or barbecue sauce for dipping. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 257 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
4/18
Inspired By: North Atlantic Cod Dinner
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
"Tuck in" as if you're in a traditional British pub. These oven-baked, moist fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that's healthy but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned and also baked, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
5/18
Inspired By: Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 410 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
6/18
Inspired By: Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this type of soup is my favorite and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans.—Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 239 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 1176mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
7/18
Peach Ice Cream
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 3 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
When peaches are in season, this recipe is at the top of my list to make. The pureed fruit lends a fresh flavor to the silky-smooth ice cream. You'll have to make it more than once, though, because the first batch never lasts long!
-Toni Box
Weaver, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 306 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
8/18
Inspired By: Beef Pot Roast Sandwich
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this recipe when I was a newlywed, and it's been a favorite since then. The saucy steak barbecue makes a quick meal served on sliced buns or even over rice, potatoes or buttered noodles. —Lee Deneau, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 347 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 1100mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
9/18
Inspired By: Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These crunch-coated chicken tenders are a little sweet, a little tangy and a whole lot of fun. In half an hour, your family's new favorite dish is ready to eat. When I have extra time, I roast garlic and add it to the sauce. —Andreann Geise, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with 2 tablespoons sauce: 411 calories, 27g fat (6g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
10/18
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I serve this easy mash, the bowl is always scraped clean. Before holiday feasts, I make it early and keep it warm in a slow cooker so I can focus on last-minute details. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 318mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
11/18
Raspberry Ice Cream
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
"When our garden produces an abundance of raspberries, we know it's time to make this fruity frozen dessert," reports Diana Leskauskas of Chatham, New Jersey. "It's super in the summertime...and a treat throughout the year made with frozen raspberries." —Diana Leskauskas, Chatham, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 288 calories, 20g fat (13g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
12/18
Inspired By: Cheddar Butterburger with Bacon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Where can you get a juicy burger that is so superior to drive-thru fare? Right in your backyard with this delicious bacon cheeseburger recipe. —Jackie Burns, Silverdale, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 947mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
13/18
Inspired By: Mint Chip Shake
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 363 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
14/18
Inspired By: North Atlantic Cod Fish Filet Sandwich
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The seasoned breading of this hearty sandwich turns mild-flavored cod or halibut into a taste sensation, and the creamy sauce just keeps it going! —Mildred Caruso, Brighton, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 337 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 41g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 starch.
15/18
Inspired By: Cole Slaw
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 256 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
16/18
Inspired By: Original Chicken Tenders
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the flavor profile of everything bagels, so I re-created it with traditional breaded chicken fingers. Serve them with your favorite chicken finger dip. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 246 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 593mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
17/18
Inspired By: Potato with Bacon Soup
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
One of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It's easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without bacon): 179 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
18/18
Inspired By: Strawberry Shake
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cool off with a thick and rich treat that will remind you of a malt shoppe! Nothing can beat this strawberry shake recipe. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 257 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
