Missing your favorite State Fair foods this summer? We’ve got you covered with these fair-inspired recipes. They’re fried, they’re in season, and they’re totally guilty-pleasure worthy!
There are a few well known facts about Minnesota:
- The winters are absolutely horrendous.
- There are a lot of lakes. Like, over 10,000.
- Minnesotans spread a lot of time outside. Especially in the summer. See points 1 and 2 for reference.
- Minnesotans are borderline obsessed with the Minnesota State Fair.
I shouldn’t sugar coat it. There is no borderline. We’re straight-up obsessed with the fair.
Millions of us come together for 2 weeks straight to eat everything on a stick, sample beers, see farm animals, and pack like sardines in the streets of St. Paul, on land that’s literally dedicated to the MN state fairgrounds.
You can imagine the devastation of not being able to gather this year. So much so that they’re actually organizing a state fair drive through. If you’re not one of the lucky ones to snag a ticket in time, never fear! I’ve got you covered.
I’ve also got you covered if you don’t give two cents about how us Minnesotans do the fair, but you love good ol’ fair food.
You’ll find some classic favorites from MN (ahem, cookies!) and some fair-food twists in this collection. Enjoy!
State Fair Inspired Recipes
Mini Carrot Corn Dogs
Corn dogs are a must-have for any fair go-er. This mini version is made with baby carrots for a vegetarian-friendly alternative. Trust me: they're 100% legit fair food, even meat-eaters will agree!
Scalloped Corn Arancini
This recipe is a twist on two favorites inspired by the midwest and the fair: scalloped corn and fried foods. Take scalloped corn, fry it up with a Ritz cracker coating, and enjoy these bite-sized snacks while dreaming of the fair.
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters
Like mini-donuts, but better. With fresh apple pieces and a healthy dose of cinnamon sugar, you cannot go wrong with these fritters!
Beer Battered Fried Pickles
Beer battered and fried?! Nothing screams state-fair more than that, and these pickles do not disappoint. Serve 'em up with a parsley buttermilk dip and dig in!
Sweet Corn Caramel Ice Cream
There's nothing better than walking around the fair and people watching with a big ice cream cone in hand. Why not enjoy the best of the midwest and make this sweet corn caramel ice cream to boot? Sweet, salty deliciousness.
Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you know one thing about the MN State Fair, it's that you MUST have a bucket of Sweet Martha's cookies. This at-home version will cover you until you can get your hands on those warm state fair cookies.
Gouda Stuffed Pretzel Bites + Raspberry Pepper Jam
Hello, pretzel bites! This unique twist on your favorite bite-sized snack screams "new fair food!" Melty cheese, chewy pretzels, and spicy-sweet pepper jelly - YES!
Fresh Sweet Corn Salsa
Ok, so it's not corn-on-the-cob dipped in a huge vat of melted butter, but it is made with deliciously fresh sweet corn and is just what you need to snack on for outside happy hour, so a win anyway, right?
Bourbon Barbecue Wings
Spicy, sweet, sticky Bourbon BBQ Wings have a luxurious sauce that is addictingly delicious!
Vegetarian Tater Tot Hotdish
While this one isn't 'on a stick' it's MN state-fair-worthy all the way. Tater tot hotdish is a staple around these parts, and this flavorful vegetarian version is sure to fulfill your craving!
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