18 State Fair Food Recipes
Easy fair food ideas so you can get your fix all year round
Have you ever visited your local state fair? It's a treasure trove of some of the craziest, most delicious recipes around. These 18 State Fair Food Recipes are our stab at recreating that summer magic.
While the state fair is home to fun games like Whac-a-Mole and the Ferris wheel, the wildly inspired recipes are the main attraction for some people. If you love a good funnel cake or corn dog, visit some of the recipes below. We've rounded up the best state fair-inspired recipes for you to try at home all year long. These copycat recipes are sure to be a hit at your next picnic or on a rainy day when you can't make it to the fair.
Whether you are looking for something savory, something sweet, or something in between, this crazy carnival has it all. Want to recreate some of this magic at home? Try fixing yourself one of these copycat recipes in the comfort of your own kitchen. You'll impress everyone with your dream-come-true culinary skills. You can even keep it light and healthy by making simple substitutions. You'll love each and every recipe...they're all just so much fun.
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Table of Contents
Fried Fair Food
Okay, maybe churros weren't dreamed up in the United States, but they sure have become a hit at every state fair. These churro bites are mini versions of the classic treat that won't last long once you make them!
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Bring the carnival home with this recipe for homemade corndogs. Fans of the state fair treat will love this yummy corn dog recipe. The batter is the perfect balance between crispy and fluffy for an authentic festival food experience.
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This fun recipe for funnel pancakes is sure to win a blue ribbon when you bake it for your next brunch or gathering. If you love the undeniable fluffiness of funnel cake, this simple recipe will be a morning treat you cannot resist.
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Whether you're shocked right now or you're already acquainted with the magic that is deep-fried pickles, you're in for a real treat.
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You can't have just one funnel cake, right? This fried food is dangerously light and fluffy (not to mention absolutely delicious).
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This snack isn't exclusive to state fairs, but that just proves how delicious they are. True purists may want you to eat curds without frying them, but this fair finger food is so tasty we're willing to break with tradition.
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You can never have too many corndogs, right? That certainly seems to be the philosophy at state fairs! There's just too much wholesome flavor to love.
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Homemade Deep Fried Pumpkin Spice Latte
More of a fall flavor to mix in with these decidedly summery recipes, but definitely something so zany and creative that only a state fair food vendor could have thought it up. Don't worry, though, it's easy!
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Cool off with this delicious
State Fair Ice Cream
Unique and odd ice cream recipes are often found on state fair menus. This dulce de leche ice cream is exquisite in taste and will hit the spot on a warm summer afternoon.
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It's a magic trick of a recipe...not fried, but with a deep-fried taste. The special batter of crushed cereal, sugar, butter, and corn syrup gives the impression of "fried" ice cream.
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State Fair Banana Split "Burger"
Only a state fair could come up with a dessert this wild. So many flavors and so many layers! Hopefully you can get over your shock fast enough to make this delicious tower of awesome.
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Maybe you'd like something extra to take your ice cream to the next level. Try thisCarnival Vendor Chocolate Fudge Sauce
No-Fry Fair Food
The perfect amount of novelty plus the perfect amount of tasty flavor equals the perfect fairground snack.
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State Fair Blue Ribbon Fudge Recipe
And you thought fudge was melt-in-your-mouth good before you saw this recipe! Tasting is believing, so try it for yourself.
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If you've ever been hungry for something more meal-like at a fair this may have been the sort of thing you were looking for. It's wonderfully convenient without losing the snacky, playful edge of all the best fair foods.
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After migrating from baseball games to the fairground, cracker jacks may have lost some of their instant brand recognition, but they never lost any of their flavor.
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Banana Cream Pie Rice Krispy Treats
Leave it to the fair to take something as tried, true, and utterly classic as Rice Krispie Treats and add more flavors.
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State Fair Soup Can Sandwiches
It's everything you want from more serious food at a fair: great summer taste and easy, portable convenience.
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No Bake Peanut Butter Corn Flake Bars
No-bake, no-fry, 100% delicious. Don't be afraid to make a mess. Would you be if you were at the fair?
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Up next:
The Best Fried Chicken Copycat Recipes Around
What fantastical fried creations does your local fair boast? Tell us about it in the comments!