The State Fair of Texas is back, and it’s always been a huge attraction. Even Oprah had to pull up to the state fair once. But what is it that’s attracting people to the fair?
It must be the food!
The 20th annual Big Tex Choice Awards judges selected the top 10 foods of the state fair. Here’s a list:
When is the State Fair of Texas 2024?
This year, the State Fair of Texas runs from Friday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 20 at the historic Fair Park, located at 3809 Grand Ave. in South Dallas
Dominican Fritura Dog (by Justin Martinez)
This flavorful dish kicks off with fritura cheese and Dominican salami, offering a burst of taste. Elevating traditional fair food, it’s double deep-fried in their signature corn dog batter. Once split open, it’s crowned with garlic plantain chips, a secret Dominican sauce, and fresh cilantro. The Dominican Fritura Dog combines salty and sweet for an unforgettable explosion of Dominican flavors.
Drowning Taquitos (by Tony & Terry Bednar)
Served in a cup, drowning taquitos are hand-rolled corn tortillas stuffed with tender shredded chicken and then deep-fried. The taquitos are then “drowned” with a tangy cream sauce, jalapeño, guacamole salsa, shredded lettuce, avocado, tomatillo, pico, and Cotija cheese.
Hippie Chips (by Rose and Tom Deschenes)
These nachos are made with wavy potato chips and can be prepared with homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing, topped with bacon bits, fresh green onions, and a tangy drizzle of sriracha. You can also add blue cheese crumbles.
Hot Chick-in-Pancake Poppers (by Palmer and Amanda Fortune)
A blend of authentic Nashville hot chicken and pimento cheese is shaped into a ball, coated in pancake batter, and fried to a perfect golden brown. Every bite is enhanced with a drizzle of Sriracha honey and a dusting of Nashville hot powdered sugar.
Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs (by Nick and Vera Bert)
These flavorful bombs feature tender brisket wrapped in shredded potatoes, bacon, and cheese, then deep-fried to crispy perfection. Finished with a drizzle of raspberry chipotle barbecue glaze, they offer the perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite.
Nevins Nutty Bar-laska (by Tami Nevins Mayes & Josie Mayes)
This sweet treat reimagines the classic nutty bar by adding toasted marshmallow, two Oreos®, strawberry sauce, and freeze-dried strawberry pieces—all served on a stick.
Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick (by Isaac Rousso)
The Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick showcases a hefty 12-inch piece of perfectly cooked bacon, coated in a layer of cotton candy. It’s spun in a cotton candy machine, then torched to caramelize the center, locking in a delicious sweetness.
The Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick showcases a hefty 12-inch piece of perfectly cooked bacon, coated in a layer of cotton candy. It’s spun in a cotton candy machine, then torched to caramelize the center, locking in a delicious sweetness.
Strawberry Pop-Tarts® Beignetffle (by Justin Martinez)
This sweet treat blends the flavors of New Orleans beignets with the nostalgic charm of Pop-Tarts® and waffles, all served on a stick. It features a fluffy beignet paired with a crispy waffle, topped with homemade strawberry filling, a sweet vanilla icing drizzle, and fresh whipped cream. The finishing touch is a sprinkle of colorful confetti, adding both flavor and a playful touch.
Texas Sugar Rush Pickles (by Heather Perkins)
Cotton-candy-flavored pickle slices are coated in a trio of cereals—Lucky Charms™, Froot Loops®, and Cap’n Crunch®—and layered with cotton candy, cotton candy sugar crystals, and powdered sugar. Finished with a drizzle of strawberry sundae syrup, the dressed-up pickles are then served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tropical Two-Step Punch
Available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, this punch marinates a vibrant mix of citrus fruits, passionfruit, and mango overnight.
— Brandi D. Addison of the USA TODAY Network contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 10 State Fair of Texas foods to try in 2024
