Favorite State Fair Foods
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September is the perfect time to attend a local state fair. When I was a girl, my folks would take us to the Kansas State Fair almost every year. It often coincided near my birthday, and I remember celebrating it at the fair–sometimes with a stuffed animal my dad or brothers won for me at the carnival! And the food. Who doesn’t have Favorite State Fair Foods!
(Post modified on 9/10/23.)
Now, I’m not one who loves all those foods deep fried in hot oil. Like Fried Twinkies, Fried Oreos, Fried Snickers, or even fried pickles. But even now, I have a hard time passing by a corn dog stand. Or a stand of funnel cakes. Or waffle ice cream cones, big chewy pretzels, or a big slice of pizza! So yummy!
If you’re unable to attend a fair this year, please don’t despair! I have worked on a few recipes, tweaking them to “State Fair” worthiness. Here are a few of our favorite State Fair Recipes that we love. Learn more about the Kansas State Fair Here.
State Fair Fried Foods
I love State Fair Corn Dogs. Pronto Pups. Foot Long Corn Dogs–whatever you want to call them! I like mine slathered with a stream of ketchup and mustard. Two would be even better!
Beer-Battered Onion Rings are so delicious and surprisingly simple to make. Light and crunchy with thick slices of sweet onion. And the dipping sauce is pretty amazing, too!
Or how about Fried Egg Rolls? These little gems are filled with sausage and well seasoned vegetables, and are then fried in deep fat for a crispy brown shell. So yummy!
These Mozzarella Cheese Sticks will rival any you’ve eaten at a restaurant. The breaded crust is seasoned to perfection, and then you bite into the melted ooey-gooey cheesy yumminess.
Fried Okra Bites are another fried food you might find at the State Fair. Small pieces of okra that have a crispy cornmeal coating laced with seasoned salt and garlic. So good!
These Zucchini Fritters with Ranch Dip are a great way to use fresh zucchini and are another fried food you might find at the State Fair.
Try this recipe for Hush Puppies. Crispy on the outside with a tender and seasoned center. They’re quite scrumptious.
Last, but not least, how about Homemade Toasted Ravioli? Tender pasta wrapped around a filling of beef, pork, herbs, and cheese, then fried to a crispy crumb. So good!
Fried Desserts for Your Sweet Tooth
This recipe for State Fair Funnel Cakes is a wonderful way to enjoy this sweet fried cake when you’re at home. Puffy, crispy fried batter sprinkled with lots of powdered sugar. Yum!
Apple Cider Fritters is a delicious recipe we enjoy in the fall that I make using my dad’s fresh apple cider. I’m not sure there is a better way to welcome in Autumn than by enjoying one of these lovelies.
Pies, Pretzels, Pizza and Popcorn!
Most people think of fried foods when they go to the State Fair, but there are a lot of baked goods to enjoy as well, like homemade fruit pies. Soft, chewy pretzels, or big slices of pizza. And don’t forget about popcorn!
Sourdough Pretzels with Mustard Dip are delicious any time of year–not just during baseball season. They are best served warm, fresh from the oven,
This Artisan Sourdough Pizza is one of the best recipes I’ve worked with to date, especially if you’re going for that charred crispy edge, puffy crust, and a simple topping. Flavored with a touch of onion and garlic, and a homemade chunky sauce, I think you’re going to love this one.
Homemade Pies to Consider
Homemade Cherry Pie is so delicious when using fresh cherries. If you can find them, (or pick them from a tree) we love tart cherries, which remind me of my childhood. But dark sweet cherries work well, too, which is what I’m using for this recipe.
Here’s a delicious recipe for Country Blueberry Pie that uses fresh blueberries and a homemade pie crust. So yummy! Especially when served with whipping cream or ice cream!
This recipe for Homemade Apple Pie has been in our family for at least four generations and has won two grand champion ribbons at our county fair.
When I was a girl, my mom made Fresh Tart Rhubarb Pie from the rhubarb she grew in her garden. It was green, very sweet, very juicy, and so delicious. Paired with her flaky pie dough, it was always a hit.
Here’s my Mom’s Peach Pie recipe. My husband and daughters love it. The peach filling uses fresh peaches and a flour mixture to thicken the sauce.
Bourbon Pecan Pie with Whipped Cream is another yummy pie you might find at the State Fair. Rich, buttery filling loaded with pecans and just a hint of bourbon flavor, topped with a light whipped cream. Simply delicious!
I would be remiss if I didn’t include Cinnamon Rolls on this list of yummies! Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for a weekend with family or to give to those you love. Bake them in two round cake pans–one for your family and the other for a friend.
A visit to the state fair would not be complete without a package of Kettle Corn to take home. This recipe is pretty tasty and very easy to make. A sweet and salty snack perfect for afternoons or evenings!
Favorite State Fair Beverages
Here are three of our favorite drinks that you will easily find at the State Fair.
I remember making Orange Julius when I was a girl. So sweet and milky. And cold. A wonderful diversion on a hot summer day.
We love Cherry Limeades and this homemade recipe is delicious and easy to make.
And for you coffee lovers out there, how about an Iced Mocha! I love iced coffee in the summertime. Here’s an easy and delicious recipe to make at home.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post about State Fair Foods! If you’ve never attended one before, I encourage you to give it a try, take a friend, or your family and enjoy a day or weekend at the fair. And if you’re unable to attend this year, please give one of these recipes a try and imagine that you are there, while in the comfort of your own home!
See more Entertaining Ideas Here.