Of the things we are missing this summer, State Fairs – with their iconic food, music and rides we have loved since our childhood – are definitely top of the list. With most fairs canceled, many are still offering ways to support vendors with food to-go, like Wisconsin State Fair’s Food Drive-Thru. But if you don’t live within safe driving distance, you can always recreate a fair experience at home. Here are a few popular copycat recipes that will satisfy that craving for uniquely State Fair food.
Wisconsin: Cream Puffs
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The Wisconsin Bakers Association has been selling Cream Puffs at the Fair since 1942, and these sweet and airy treats are something to look forward to every year. Here’s a recipe from Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel to recreate at home.
Minnesota: Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Sweet Martha, of Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar, reportedly brings in $4 million over 12 days from her cookie sales, and can produce up to 3 million cookies on the busiest of Fair days. Here’s a copycat recipe from Cheap Recipe Blog that promises to give you that soft but chewy cookie you look forward to each summer.
Texas: Frito Pie
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Ranch-style beans, spicy jalapeños, fritos and cheese – could there be a better combination? These Texas State Fair-inspired walking tacos are a crowd pleaser, and Steamy Kitchen has a recipe ready for us.
Illinois: Cajun Corn On the Cob
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What do you get when you combine boiled, ripe as ever corn with cajun spices? The Illinois State Fair favorite, Cajun Corn on the Cob, which is the perfect summer BBQ all-star. Find a similar recipe at The Spruce Eats.
Indiana: Funnel Cake
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Does anything scream Fair more than a funnel cake? Big Oven has a recipe with rave reviews, and we hear a squeeze bottle is key for perfecting the batter and shape.
Ohio: Deep Fried Buckeyes
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We all know Ohio is sweet on their Buckeyes, so it is no surprise that they have found a unique way to celebrate these chocolate and peanut butter treats every year. You can even purchase a kit that has all the ingredients you need, and this recipe for frying State Fair treats will help you achieve perfection.
New Jersey: Kettle Corn
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What is the secret to making this Fair treat at home? Coconut oil and this special Whirly Pop pan, as per this recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod.
Kansas: Pronto Pup
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Don’t call it a corndog — this battered hot dog is slightly sweet and crisp, all thanks to the unique blend of flour, cornmeal, baking powder and more. Find the recipe at I Am Baker.
California: Beer-Battered Fried Avocado Wedges
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Fried food — but make it a superfood. How typically Californian, right? This recipe for beer-battered and fried avocado wedges from California Avocado’s screams State Fair.
Alabama: Boiled Peanuts
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A Southern staple, Alabama is even home to the National Peanut Festival. Taste of Southern has a recipe for you to make at home, here.
North Carolina: Low Country Boil
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A one-pot crowdpleaser, the Low Country Boil (also known as Frogmore Stew) is something to look forward to each year. Grand Baby Cakes has the low-down on this authentic recipe.
Bloomsburg (Pennsylvania): Apple Dumplings
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At the Bloomsburg Fair in Pennsylvania, you’ll find Bissinger’s delicious apple dumplings, which are made right in front of you. Topped with ice cream, they are melt in your mouth and perfect for the September season. Find a similar recipe by Brown Eyed Baker, here.
Washington County (Rhode Island): Fried Pickles
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Known for their fried or giant half-sour pickles, the Rhode Island State Fair pickles are a delicious ways to serve up a pickled cucumber. You can find a copycat recipe here, and sub your favorite type of pickle.
And we also love…
Jeni’s Ice Creams new State Fair line-up that you can order safely from home. They even have an interactive experience on Instagram — check it out here.
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Macaire Douglas lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two sons. She proudly supports Save Abandoned Babies Foundation, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns nationwide. Since its inception in 2000, more than 3,600 newborns have been safely surrendered and adopted into loving homes.
