57 Recipes for Homemade State Fair Food

Updated on Apr. 09, 2024

Bring the fairgrounds to your own backyard this summer with homemade versions of classic state fair foods like cream puffs, cheese curds and turkey legs.

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Funnel Cakes

This funnel cake recipe is simpler to make than doughnuts, and it’s just as good. Funnel cakes have been a favorite of ours since we came across them living in the Ozarks. —Mary Faith Yoder, Unity, Wisconsin

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Fair-Favorite Corn Dogs

Total Time 20 min
Servings 10 corn dogs
From the Recipe Creator: Bring the county fair home to your kitchen with these summer-ready corn dogs. A tip for dipping: Pour the batter in a tall Mason jar and dunk the dogs to create an even coating all around. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Maryland Corn Pops

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 dozen
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
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Grilled Huli Huli Turkey Drumsticks

Total Time 55 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I'm never one to do things traditionally, so when it came time to hosting Thanksgiving, I went in a completely tropical direction. Borrowing my favorite Hawaiian chicken recipe, I used turkey legs instead and never looked back. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California

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Fried Ice Cream

Total Time 20 min
Servings 2 servings
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

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Deep-Fried Cookies

Total Time 25 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
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
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Homemade Fry Bread

Total Time 35 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Crispy, doughy and totally delicious, this fry bread is fantastic with nearly any sweet or savory topping you can think of. We love it with a little butter, a drizzle of honey and a squeeze of lemon. —Thelma Tyler, Dragoon, Arizona
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Jelly Doughnuts

Total Time 40 min
Servings 16 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
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Tacos on a Stick

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Kids like assembling these creative kabobs almost as much as they like devouring them. The whole family is sure to love the sensational southwestern flavor of this twist on the classic beef shish kabobs. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
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Bacon-Wrapped Corn

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: After one bite of this grilled corn on the cob, you'll never go back to your old way of preparing it. The incredible flavor of roasted corn combined with bacon and chili powder is sure to please your palate and bring rave reviews at your next backyard barbecue. —Lori Bramble, Omaha, Nebraska
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Loaded Stuffed Potato Pancakes

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
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
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Deep-Fried Cheese Bites

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These beer-battered cheese curds are the ultimate in delicious comfort food. Some folks like to serve them with ranch dressing, ketchup or barbecue sauce for dipping. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
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Hot & Spicy Roasted Turkey Legs

Total Time 1 hour 40 min
Servings 4 servings
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
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Waffle Fry Nachos

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
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
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State Fair Cream Puffs

Total Time 55 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The Wisconsin Bakers Association has served this cream puff recipe at our state fair since 1924. —Ruth Jungbluth, Dodgeville, Wisconsin
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Baby Back Ribs

Total Time 6 hours 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Slow-cook the ribs during the day and they will be ready to finish on the grill when you get home. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Arnold Palmer

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
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
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Gourmet Caramel Apples

Total Time 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These drizzled confections look gorgeous and taste over-the-top yummy. With peanut butter flavor and a salty burst, they'll be the treats you can't wait to make each year. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Homemade Corn Dogs

Total Time 25 min
Servings 10 servings
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

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Oven-Fried Pickles

Total Time 40 min
Servings 32 pieces
From the Recipe Creator: Like deep-fried pickles? You'll love this unfried version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then baked until crispy. Dip them with ranch dressing for an appetizer you won't soon forget.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

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Italian Sausage Sandwich

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: For a casual but hearty meal, try these saucy subs created by our Test Kitchen. Full of traditional Italian flavor, these sandwiches are a snap to make.

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Springtime Beignets & Berries

Total Time 50 min
Servings 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I've always loved beignets, but never thought I could make them myself. Turns out they're easy! Sometimes I'll even make a quick berry whipped cream and pipe it inside for a fun surprise. —Kathi Hemmer, Grand Junction, Colorado
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Jalapeno Popper Burgers

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: What do you get when you combine a jalapeno popper and a classic burger? This fantastic recipe! It takes the essential components of a popper and encases them in a juicy patty for a burst of flavor in every bite. —Jo Davison, Naples, Florida
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Caramel Corn

Total Time 1 hour
Servings about 5-1/2 quarts
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
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Sweet Corn Ice Cream

Total Time 55 min
Servings 4 cups
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
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Hearty Pork & Black Bean Nachos

Total Time 6 hours 15 min
Servings 10 servings
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
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Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Total Time 35 min
Servings 8 servings
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
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Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Shells

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 20 appetizers (2-1/2 cups dipping sauce)
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
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Pizza on a Stick

Total Time 30 min
Servings 5 servings
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
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Baked Elephant Ears

Total Time 45 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My mother-in-law handed down this recipe from her mother. These are a special treat—even better, I think, than those at a carnival or festival. —Delores Baeten, Downers Grove, Illinois
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Fried Okra

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2 servings
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

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Fried Chicken

Total Time 30 min
Servings 12 servings
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

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Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie

Total Time 1 hour 55 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: While growing up on a farm, I often ate rhubarb, so it's natural for me to use it in a pie. I prefer to use lard for the flaky pie crust and thin red rhubarb stalks for the filling. These two little secrets helped this strawberry rhubarb pie recipe win top honors at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. —Marianne Carlson, Jefferson, Iowa
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Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
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

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Caramel Apples

Total Time 40 min
Servings 16 servings (8 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

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Walking Tacos

Total Time 40 min
Servings 5 servings
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
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Texas Pecan Pie

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 8 servings
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
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Mini Nutella Doughnuts

Total Time 35 min
Servings 32 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
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Blackberry Lemonade

Total Time 20 min
Servings about 1-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a special drink that's perfect when blackberries are in season. It has a tangy, refreshing flavor. —Rich Murray, Nevada, Missouri
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Maine Potato Candy

Total Time 30 min
Servings 40 servings
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
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Grilled Cheese, Bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato Sandwich

Total Time 35 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Take your grilled cheese sandwich to a place it's never been before with crispy bacon and tangy tomatoes and five—yes, five!—types of cheese. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
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Chocolate-Covered Bacon

Total Time 40 min
Servings 1 dozen
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
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Poutine

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
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
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Frozen Chocolate Monkey Treats

Total Time 20 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
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
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Marina’s Golden Corn Fritters

Total Time 30 min
Servings 32 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
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Sloppy Joe Dogs

Total Time 35 min
Servings 16 servings
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

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 dozen
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
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Cheesy Chili Fries

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My family is all about chili fries, but restaurant versions pile on the calories. For a healthier approach, bake the fries and serve them with green onions and avocado. —Beverly Nowling, Bristol, Florida
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Italian Sausage Hoagies

Total Time 4 hours 15 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: In southeastern Wisconsin, our cuisine is influenced by both Germans and Italians who immigrated to this area. When preparing this recipe, we often substitute German bratwurst for the Italian sausage, so we blend the two influences with delicious results. —Craig Wachs, Racine, Wisconsin
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Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

Total Time 40 min
Servings 12 servings (about 1-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This creamy, luscious ice cream will remind you of the signature treat served at church ice cream socials. What dessert could be better? —Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin—Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin
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Fried Green Tomato Stacks

Total Time 35 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This dish is for lovers of red and green tomatoes. When I ran across the recipe, I just had to try it and it proved to be so tasty! —Barbara Mohr, Millington, Michigan
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Candy Craze Ice Cream Sandwiches

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These ice cream sandwiches have a little bit of everything in them to satisfy all your cravings. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Mini Cream Puffs

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is quick and easy to whip up, and the kids will love it! They are perfect to pack for a picnic or to have as a snack for family game night. I guarantee you can't eat just one—they are so addictive and perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth! —Jennifer Erwin, Reynoldsburg, Ohio
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Barbecue Burger

Total Time 40 min
Servings 6 servings
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
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Apple Cider Doughnuts

Total Time 45 min
Servings 1 dozen doughnuts plus doughnut holes
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
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Grilled Seasoned Bratwurst

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
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
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Refreshing Rhubarb Ice Cream

Total Time 55 min
Servings about 2-3/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator: No matter where my military family is stationed, this ice cream always makes me think of my parents’ backyard rhubarb patch in Rochester, New York. —Rachel Garcia, Honolulu, Hawaii