3 min read
Key Points
State fairs across the country are serving some seriously over-the-top new foods this year.The lineup includes everything from caviar-topped chicken nuggets to pickle pie and a Hawaiian pizza slush.We rounded up some of the wildest new bites from the Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas state fairs, plus The Big E.
If you were lucky enough to grow up in an area where state fairs attracted people from across the country to play games, bake pies, and stuff their faces with iconic fair eats, congrats—I’m jealous. But while plenty of attractions compete for attention at any state fair, we all know there’s one thing that’s almost guaranteed to steal the show: the food.
Corn dogs, funnel cake—you name it—state fair food is indulgent, inventive, and often completely over the top, and this year’s lineup proves it. Whether you’ve already hit your local fair or simply want to ogle what everyone else is chowing down on, we’ve rounded up some of the wildest new bites from some of the country’s biggest state fairs.
Iowa State FairCaviar And Chicken Nuggets Package
Iowa State Fair
If you’re looking for something savory at the Iowa State Fair, its Caviar and Chicken Nuggets Package is the perfect marriage of highbrow and lowbrow. Crafted by JR’s SouthPork Ranch, the dish includes exactly what you’d expect: chicken nuggets, caviar, and creme fraiche.
Price: $99
1776 Parmesan Ice Cream
Iowa State Fair
America’s birthday celebrations continue with this unusual dessert. Bubbly is serving savory-sweet Parmesan ice cream layered with tart cherry and buttery pound cake—apparently a once-common treat.
Price: $14
Wisconsin State Fair
Bugged Out Frozen Cheesecake On-a-Stick
Wisconsin State Fair
For those with adventurous taste buds, All Things Jerky is serving a creamy cheesecake on a stick with a caramel-and-ant center, dipped in chocolate and loaded with crickets and worms.
Price: $10
Hawaiian Pizza Slush
Wisconsin State Fair
At Exotic Meat Grill, you can drink your slice. This Hawaiian Pizza Slush blends pineapple and pizza sauce into an icy drink, then garnishes it with a Canadian bacon-wrapped cheese stick topped with croutons, herbs, and Parmesan.
Price: Not listed
Minnesota State Fair Pickle Pie
Minnesota State Fair
Pickle has been taking over just about everything in recent years, and this year, it’s coming for pie. This mini version is filled with chopped pickles, pickle juice, and cream cheese, then topped with homemade savory whipped frosting made with ranch and Cholula hot sauce. It’s finished with a gherkin and a sprinkle of dill.
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Price: $12
Surf ‘N’ Turf Burger
Minnesota State Fair
My motto in life has always been: Why choose when you can have both? That’s the philosophy behind Cafe Caribe’s burger, which piles garlic-herb butter-tossed lobster onto a 1/3-pound seasoned grilled beef patty with pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo.
Price: $16
Texas State FairChurro Cheesecake Jalapeño Popper
State Fair of Texas
For the ultimate sweet-and-savory combo, hit up Velasquez Catering & Concessions Inc., where you can order a fresh jalapeño stuffed with rich cheesecake filling, dipped in churro batter, deep-fried and dusted with cinnamon sugar. It comes with dulce de leche dipping sauce on the side.
Price: 8 coupons
Candy Watermelon
State Fair of Texas
Chamoy Treats is transforming summer’s favorite fruit into the ultimate sweet treat. This dessert starts with a giant ice-cold watermelon slice wrapped in six feet (!) of Fruit by the Foot, covered in sour chamoy and finished with a heavy sprinkle of Tajín.
Price: Not listed
The Big ELobster Tail Hushpuppy-Style Skewer
Eastern States Exposition
At NOLA Cajun Kitchen & Raw Bar, you can order a skewer that really puts the South in your mouth. It features a Cajun butter-poached lobster tail dipped in hushpuppy batter and flash-fried, then coated in Mike’s Hot Honey butter and drizzled with Cajun remoulade.
Price: Not listed
Peanut Butter Cream Puff
Eastern States Exposition
The Big E Bakery is serving peanut butter as its cream puff flavor of the year. The decadent puff is filled with peanut butter ice cream, with the option to add marshmallow fluff on top.
Price: $7–$9
More Eats From Across The Country
