Bring the fairgrounds to your backyard this summer with homemade versions of classic state fair foods, like cream puffs, corn dogs and turkey legs.
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Funnel Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
These are much simpler to make than doughnuts but taste just as good. They have been a regular treat of ours ever since we came across them when we lived in the Ozarks. —Mary Faith Yoder, Unity, Wisconsin
2/45
Copycat Fisher Scones
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up in Puyallup, Washington, and we have the state fair in our city every year. I visited this fair for many years, and love the state fair scones—so I decided to recreate them at home. —John Williams, Cooperstown, New York
3/45
Copycat Pronto Pups
From the Recipe Creator:
We make these copycat Pronto Pups when we're missing the Minnesota State Fair. Most fair goers have had strong opinions about whether Pronto Pups or corn dogs are superior, but both are delicious dogs in their own right. Whether you're team corn dog or team Pronto Pup, these puppies are worth making at home! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
4/45
Syracuse Salt Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Despite their name, salt potatoes aren't overloaded with salt! They have a salty crust that forms when they're boiled in super salty water. —Debby Harden, Lansing, Michigan
5/45
Elephant Ears
From the Recipe Creator:
The reaction from those who eat these elephant ears makes them worth the effort! After all, who doesn't love fried dough covered in cinnamon-sugar? —Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia
6/45
Lemonade Shake-Ups
From the Recipe Creator:
Wild rice is sensational in this chilled salad. The toasted almonds complement the nuttiness of the rice, while red wine vinegar and soy sauce make a tangy dressing. I'll often serve the salad in lettuce cups, and sometimes I'll add diced ham and asparagus to turn it into a main-dish salad.
7/45
Fry Bread Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
This taco recipe features fluffy, pillowy fry bread with a generous scoop of seasoned ground beef along with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, salsa and a dollop of cool and tangy sour cream. The fry bread tacos are beefy, crispy and oh, so satisfying. The recipe is similar to one our son-in-law, who is half Comanche and half Kiowa, uses. I downsized it for two. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
8/45
Hoosier Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
These pork tenderloin sandwiches are just like the ones you can get at the fair! The pork is way bigger than the bun, which is what makes it fun. —Erin Fitch, Virginia Beach, Virginia
9/45
Hot & Spicy Roasted Turkey Legs
From the Recipe Creator:
Who doesn’t love turkey legs at a street fair? Why wait for the next fair when you can make incredible turkey legs at home? Grab the seasonings and begin! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
10/45
Fried Cheese Curds
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing like fresh Wisconsin cheese curds—especially when they're deep-fried! Our recipe coats fresh curds in a beer batter, just like you'd find at breweries, restaurants and bars all around the state. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
11/45
Maryland Corn Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh-picked sweet corn is a big thing in Maryland. Here’s my homespun version of Mexican street corn that brings in local bay flavors. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland
12/45
Fried Ice Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
Make this Mexican restaurant-style dessert at home! Drizzle hot fudge or caramel on top of this crunchy, creamy frozen treat. —Ronda Weirich, Plains, Kansas
13/45
Deep-Fried Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love this delicious, indulgent treat. I like to give the batter a kick by adding a pinch of cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. — Margarita Torres, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
14/45
Jelly Doughnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
There's no need to run to the bakery for delicious jelly doughnuts! These sweet treats are lighter than air. I've been fixing them for 25 years for my husband, our two daughters and their families. They disappear almost as fast as I make them. —Kathy Westendorf, Westgate, Iowa
15/45
Homemade Churros
From the Recipe Creator:
These fried cinnamon-sugar homemade churros are best when fresh and hot. Try them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Don't be surprised if people start dunking...and then go back for more.
16/45
Loaded Stuffed Potato Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
When I make mashed potatoes, I always cook extra so I can prepare these over-the-top potato pancakes. Fill them with sour cream, ranch dressing or melted cheese—or all three. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
17/45
Waffle Fry Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and two grown sons really enjoy these fun nachos—they can devour a platter of them in no time. They're also fun to make when friends come over. —Debra Morgan, Idaho Falls, Idaho
18/45
Cream Puffs
From the Recipe Creator:
The Wisconsin Bakers Association has served this cream puff recipe at our state fair since 1924. —Ruth Jungbluth, Dodgeville, Wisconsin
19/45
Arnold Palmer
From the Recipe Creator:
I have always loved iced tea with lemon, and this delightful thirst quencher just takes it one step further. Lemonade gives the drink a nice color too. I dress up each glass with a slice of lemon on the rim. —Gail Buss, New Bern, North Carolina
20/45
Homemade Corn Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare corn dogs at home just like you'd get at the fair. Both kids and grown-ups will love this hearty corn dog batter. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
21/45
Fried Pickles
From the Recipe Creator:
You may be surprised when you see how easy it is to make a batch of these fried pickles. They'll get snatched up in a flash! —Eloise Maynor, Scottsboro, AL
22/45
Caramel Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
My guests say they can't stop eating my caramel corn! For our basketball party I fix enough to fill a big red tin with our team's logo. The delectable syrup coats the popcorn well but isn't sticky. —Sharon Landeen, Tucson, Arizona
23/45
Sweet Corn Ice Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
You have to give this novel sweet corn ice cream a try. It’s actually made with corn, sweetly flavored by vanilla extract and maple syrup. I plan to make this surprising treat every summer.—Diana Burrink, Crete, Illinois
24/45
Hearty Pork & Black Bean Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are both graduate students right now, so we don't have a lot of time to cook dinner. Our family loves coming home to this incredible nacho platter, and I love how easy it is to prepare. —Faith Stokes, Chickamauga, Georgia
25/45
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a satisfying meal-in-a-bun I take to tailgate parties, picnics, cookouts and more. I wrap the stuffed hot dogs in foil, then in paper, to transport them.—Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
26/45
Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Shells
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this deep fried mac and cheese recipe for my husband. He describes this recipe as unbelievably delicious because of the crispy deep-fried coating on the outside and the creamy richness on the inside. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida
27/45
Fried Okra
From the Recipe Creator:
Golden brown with a little fresh green showing through, these okra nuggets are crunchy and addictive! My sons like to dip them in ketchup. —Pam Duncan, Summers, Arkansas
28/45
Pizza on a Stick
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter and her friends had fun turning sausage, pepperoni, veggies and pizza dough into these cute kabobs. —Charlene Woods, Norfolk, Virginia
29/45
Fried Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
30/45
Apple Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I remember coming home sullen one day because we'd lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested that maybe a slice of hot apple pie would make me feel better. She was right. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington
31/45
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
One of the best things about summer is fresh sweet corn, and this recipe is a definite standout. We love its creamy dressing, crunchy panko coating and spicy jalapeno kick. If you're really feeling wild, sprinkle these with a bit of cooked and crumbled bacon! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
32/45
Caramel Apples
From the Recipe Creator:
Who doesn’t love a good gooey caramel apple? Make a double batch because these treats always go fast! —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
33/45
Walking Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
These Walking Tacos are perfect for an on-the-go dinner, a campfire meal or an easy game-night supper. The ingredients go right into the chip bags! —Beverly Matthews, Richland, Washington
34/45
Texas Pecan Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I won a blue ribbon for this pie at the Texas State Fair. Since I was in the military for more than 20 years, I didn’t really start cooking until after I retired. Now I enjoy spending my time in the kitchen. —Michelle Shockley, Wichita, Kansas
35/45
Mini Nutella Doughnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
You can make these bites in advance and refrigerate them before frying. Just be sure to bring the dough to room temperature before frying. —Renee Greene, Smithtown, New York
36/45
Maine Potato Candy
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, folks in Maine ate potatoes every day and used leftovers in bread, doughnuts and even candy. This chocolate potato candy recipe captures the old-school flavors. —Barbara Allen, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
37/45
Chocolate-Covered Bacon
From the Recipe Creator:
It's a hit at state fairs everywhere, but you can make this chocolate-covered bacon at home. Some say bacon is perfect as is, but chocolate makes everything better! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen chocolate-covered bacon
38/45
Poutine
From the Recipe Creator:
The ultimate in French-Canadian junk food, poutine commonly features warm fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. This side dish is quick to fix with frozen potatoes and packaged gravy but has all the traditional greasy spoon comfort. —Shelisa Terry, Henderson, Nevada
39/45
Frozen Chocolate Monkey Treats
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone needs a fun, friendly way for kids to play with food. These rich bites are nutty and yummy. Just coat bananas in chocolate and dip them into peanuts, sprinkles or coconut. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
40/45
Marina’s Golden Corn Fritters
From the Recipe Creator:
Just one bite of these fritters takes me back to when my kids were young. Nowadays for our get-togethers, I sometimes triple the recipe. Serve fritters with maple syrup or agave nectar. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
41/45
Sloppy Joe Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
There are so many different ways to top a hot dog, but this tasty sloppy joe version beats them all! —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
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Deep-Fried Candy Bars on a Stick
From the Recipe Creator:
Why wait in line at the state fair for deep-fried candy bars when you can satisfy your curious taste buds in your own home? Be sure to make a big batch—these novelties go fast! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
43/45
Barbecue Burger
From the Recipe Creator:
I can't take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband's uncle passed down the special barbecue sauce recipe. We love it on everything...it was only natural to try it on, and in, burgers. Add cheese and bacon to take them over the top. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio
44/45
Apple Cider Doughnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
Apple doughnuts remind me of family trips to South Dakota. We’d stop at Wall Drug for a dozen or so before camping in the Badlands. Maple glaze was and still is my favorite. Share a batch with friends and family who appreciate a hot, fresh apple cider doughnut. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
45/45
Grilled Seasoned Bratwurst
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you're hosting a picnic at home or at a park, cook these bratwurst on the stovetop first. Then you can quickly brown them on the grill. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
