23 Iconic State Fair Food Recipes To Make At Home
Let's be real—Southerners don't go to the state fair, or even the county fair, just to win a stuffed monkey at the ring toss or get seasick on the Tilt-A-Whirl. We go for the iconic fair foods. Each one is gloriously deep-fried and full of flavor, whether a sweet dessert (hello, fried Oreos), a salty snack (say no more, fried macaroni and cheese), or something else entirely. Dill pickle chips, green tomatoes, and apple cider doughnuts get the excitement going way more than any amusement ride.
While you might not always be in the radius to hit the once-a-year state fair—though, the legendary State Fair of Texas with its annual competition for most bizarre fried foods is a bucket-list item in itself—you can easily recreate some of the same fair-favorite dishes at home. We're stocked with plenty of delicious renditions of all of the deep-fried state fair foods of our childhood, as well as a few special standouts that go beyond the fryer. Think old-school cherry cola slushies, Texas frito pie in the bag, and classic candy apples.
Here are some deliciously deep-fried (and beyond!) fair recipes that you can recreate in your very own home kitchen.
Fried Pickle Chips
Typically dipped in a comeback sauce of sorts, fried pickles are a Southern delicacy you'll see at both bustling state fairs and beachside seafood shacks.
Homemade Corn Dogs
Yep, we're bringing this all-time favorite to your kitchen. You'll be so glad you made the deep-fried hot dogs on a stick that you may even go back for seconds.
Fried Deviled Eggs
The motto of any state fair: When in doubt, deep-fry it. These fried deviled eggs are a delicacy you never knew you needed.
Fried Green Tomatoes
At the fair, anything fried goes, so it's no surprise that this Southern classic makes an appearance at most fairs.
Air Fryer French Fries
There are always French fries to be found at any fair, and we'd like to submit this super crunchy, mess-free recipe for your at-home fried potato needs. Just another reason to love your air fryer!
Bourbon Cola Grenadine Slush
The bourbon is optional in this recipe for an old-fashioned cherry cola slushie. All you'll need for this frozen cocktail recipe is some Coca-Cola, cherry syrup, a few maraschinos to garnish, and your favorite bourbon (optional).
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
Homemade mom-and-pop ice cream is a dime a dozen at the county fair, and we're partial to anything strawberry or peach. This recipe is made with fresh strawberries and cubed angel food cake.
Walking Taco
At the State Fair of Texas, you'll see this classic recipe of Texas chili, sour cream, and jalapenos served right out of the bag. Note: You may have heard this called a Frito Pie when it's not served directly out of the bag.
Fried Catfish
At the most Southern of fairgrounds, you'll find real-deal cornmeal-fried catfish. Make it at home with hushpuppies and grits for the most comforting meal ever.
Beef Tamale Pie
Typically served in a more hand-held form at the fair, this skillet recipe is topped with corn muffin mix and dotted with jalape?os for an easy weeknight supper.
Banana Fritters
Forget banana pancakes—banana fritters are where it's at. These fried bites of banana-infused batter are a pure delight to eat.
Funnel Cake Bites
There isn't a fairground out there—big or small—that doesn't run on the sweet, sugary scent of funnel cakes wafting in the air. Turns out, they aren't hard to make at home, either.
Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob
A major category of fair food is "food on sticks." Corn on the cob takes that distinction to the next level by coming with its own built-in handle.
Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs
Smoked meats are a staple at fairs. Here, we simplify the classic barbecue favorite with a version that goes in the oven to cook on a low-and-slow heat.
Homemade Lemonade
There's something extra enticing about a glass of ice-cold lemonade on a hot day--especially when you're buying it from a state fair lemonade stand.
Salted Caramel Corn
You can always sniff this stuff out a mile away, so why not bring that heavenly aroma to your home?
Millionaire Bacon
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Fair food is all about the ultra-indulgent. And it doesn't get any better than bacon doused in maple syrup and brown sugar.
All-Time Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies
We've all been tempted by a bucket of warm chocolate chip cookies at a state fair. This recipe makes five dozen--more than enough to fill up a bucket.
Fresh Peach Ice Cream
Nothing's sweeter than a scoop of ice cream flecked with chunks of summer's favorite stone fruit.
Classic Boiled Peanuts
We associate this salty Southern treat with road trips, fairs, and festivals, but wouldn't it be nice to make it whenever a craving hit?
Air Fryer Bloomin' Onion
This dish is as delicious to eat as it is pretty to look at. Sweet onion coated in a crispy batter--what's not to like?
Classic Strawberry Shortcake
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Juicy, creamy, and oh so buttery--there's nothing not to like about this simple and sweet dessert.
Blueberry Snowballs
Snow cones are a God-send during a hot afternoon at the fair. Our recipe for fresh blueberry snowballs (plus variations for lime and watermelon) will keep you cool all summer long.
For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Southern Living.