The Minnesota State Fair Beckons
The Minnesota State Fair. Just the words evoke a sense of excitement, nostalgia, and, let’s be honest, an overwhelming desire to indulge in all things deep-fried and delicious. Every year, fairgoers eagerly await the unveiling of the new food offerings, wondering what culinary creations and unexpected delights await. This year is no exception. Prepare your taste buds, because we’re diving headfirst into the exciting world of new Minnesota State Fair foods, giving you a sneak peek at the must-try items that will have you lining up for more. Get ready to discover the latest savory sensations, decadent desserts, and utterly unique creations that will make your trip to the Great Minnesota Get-Together unforgettable. From innovative twists on classic favorites to entirely new concoctions, the culinary landscape of the fair is about to get a whole lot tastier! Think cheesy goodness, smoky barbecues, and sweet, sweet treats galore. Buckle up, foodies, because the fair is calling, and your taste buds are answering!
Savory Sensations Await
First on our list is the Minnesota Muncher. This dish, offered by the seasoned professionals at Fried to Perfection, located near the grandstand, is a true ode to Midwestern comfort food. Imagine crispy tater tots loaded with creamy, savory pulled pork, a tangy barbecue drizzle, and a sprinkle of green onions for that fresh kick. The result is a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you craving more after the last bite. At eight dollars, it’s a substantial snack that’s perfect for sharing, though you might be tempted to keep it all to yourself! What sets the Minnesota Muncher apart is the high-quality ingredients. The pulled pork is slow-cooked for hours, resulting in a tender and flavorful centerpiece. The barbecue sauce, a secret family recipe, adds a sweet and smoky depth that perfectly complements the crispy tater tots. According to Fried to Perfection owner, this is the best thing they have ever created.
Next up, we have the Chicken Caesar Pizza. This dish is not your average pizza slice. Offered at the classic pizza stand, Pizza Barn, located near the dairy building, the Chicken Caesar Pizza is a symphony of savory ingredients. A freshly made pizza dough is topped with a creamy caesar sauce, grilled chicken, parmesan cheese, and romaine lettuce. Served warm, the chicken caesar pizza can be had for eight dollars a slice or twenty dollars for a whole pizza. The unique aspect of this pizza is the creamy caesar sauce.
For those craving a little spice, the Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese is a must-try. Available at Cheesy Delights, found near the barns, this gourmet grilled cheese takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level. Imagine two slices of perfectly grilled sourdough bread embracing a molten mixture of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, interspersed with fiery jalapeño peppers. The result is a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and a satisfying kick of heat. It’s available for ten dollars. The key to the Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese’s success is the balance of flavors. The creamy cheeses help to temper the heat of the jalapeños, while the sourdough bread provides a satisfying chew and a hint of tanginess. It’s the perfect combination of comfort and spice, guaranteed to leave you wanting more.
Last but not least in the savory category, we have the Mediterranean Lamb Fries. This international inspired dish is made with crispy french fries that are topped with warm greek style lamb, feta cheese, and an herb aioli. This savory delight is available at Lamb Shoppe located near the international bazaar for twelve dollars. This dish has a unique taste of french fries and lamb meat which creates a beautiful explosion of flavor.
Sweet Treats and Decadent Delights
No trip to the State Fair is complete without indulging in some seriously sweet treats, and this year’s offerings are sure to satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth. First up is the Cotton Candy Waffle. This one can be found at Waffle Wonders, a fair favorite that has been dishing out waffles for years. A warm, freshly-made waffle is topped with a mountain of fluffy cotton candy. Served warm, this sweet delight goes for eight dollars. The real star of this dish is, of course, the cotton candy itself, which adds a light and airy sweetness that perfectly complements the warm, slightly crispy waffle.
For chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bites are an absolute must. Available at Sweet Sensations, located on the main drag, these bite-sized treats are the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Imagine miniature pretzel bites dipped in rich, dark chocolate and drizzled with gooey caramel. At just seven dollars for a generous portion, these are the perfect snack to satisfy your chocolate cravings without breaking the bank. The secret to the Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bites’ success is the quality of the chocolate and caramel. Sweet Sensations uses only the finest ingredients to ensure that each bite is a burst of flavor.
Next we have the Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls. The Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls are a fried egg roll that is filled with creamy cheesecake filling and sweet strawberry filling. Once the rolls have been fried they are topped with powdered sugar and a side of strawberry dipping sauce. These fruity and warm delights are available at the Dessert Stand near the Ferris Wheel for ten dollars. One of the greatest aspects of this dish is the warm and fruity taste of cheesecake and strawberries.
Unique and Unexpected Food Creations
The Minnesota State Fair is known for its adventurous food scene, and this year is no exception. Prepare to be surprised by some truly unique and unexpected creations that push the boundaries of culinary imagination. The first, and perhaps the most talked-about, is the Pickle Pizza. Yes, you read that right. Offered by Pickle Paradise near the entrance of the park, this pizza features a dill-infused crust topped with a creamy garlic sauce, mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced pickles, and a sprinkle of dill seasoning. At twelve dollars a slice, it’s a bold choice, but one that’s sure to generate plenty of buzz. According to Pickle Paradise owner, the Pickle Pizza is a polarizing dish – people either love it or hate it. But, this pizza has a perfect blend of salty and garlicky which makes this a delicious pizza.
The second item in our unique category is the Peanut Butter Pickle Dog. The Peanut Butter Pickle Dog can be located near the food court at the Hotdog Stand and is available for ten dollars. The Peanut Butter Pickle Dog is a hotdog served with peanut butter inside of a pickle. Many people have called it a truly unique blend of savory and salty flavors.
Tips for Fair Food Success
Navigating the culinary landscape of the Minnesota State Fair can be a daunting task, but with a little planning, you can maximize your enjoyment and make the most of your experience. First and foremost, pace yourself. It’s tempting to try everything that catches your eye, but remember that the fair is a marathon, not a sprint. Start with a few key items that you’re most excited about and then branch out from there.
Sharing is caring. Consider sharing dishes with friends or family members to try a wider variety of foods without feeling overly stuffed. This is especially helpful for larger or more indulgent items.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated. All that deep-fried goodness can be surprisingly dehydrating, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. There are water fountains located throughout the fairgrounds, or you can bring your own refillable water bottle.
Set a budget for yourself before you go. It’s easy to get carried away with all the tempting treats, so having a budget in mind can help you avoid overspending.
Plan your route. The State Fair can be overwhelming, so take some time to study the fair map and plan your route in advance. This will help you avoid getting lost and ensure that you hit all the food vendors you’re most interested in.
Finally, be prepared for long lines. Some of the most popular food vendors can have significant wait times, especially during peak hours. Bring a book or some entertainment to keep yourself occupied while you wait.
Final Bites and Fairwell Thoughts
The new food offerings at the Minnesota State Fair are a testament to the creativity and innovation of the state’s culinary scene. From savory sensations to decadent desserts and utterly unique creations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, gather your friends and family, pack your appetite, and head to the Great Minnesota Get-Together for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned fair veteran or a first-time visitor, the new foods at the fair are sure to delight and surprise. The aroma of fried dough, the sounds of laughter, and the thrill of discovering a new favorite food – these are the experiences that make the Minnesota State Fair so special. Get out there, explore, and most importantly, have fun! The fair awaits, and your taste buds are ready for the adventure. Enjoy the Great Minnesota Get Together!
