Fabulous Fair Foods

Updated October 01, 2012
Credit: Jennifer Davick; Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns; Prop Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

It’s not fall without a fair, but most importantly, fair food. But if you missed the fair this year, we’ve got you covered with recipes that are fried and true (sans the long lines).

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Funnel Cake Ice-Cream Sandwiches 

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Styling: Audrey Davis

Funnel Cake Ice-Cream Sandwiches  Recipe

Make these for your next party and watch them disappear faster than you can say "funnel cake." The ice cream add-ins are suggestions, but you can use whatever you like--such as chopped candy bars, toasted and chopped nuts, or marshmallows. You can also roll the edges in toppings like sprinkles, graham cracker crumbs, or crushed Oreos. Keep in mind that hot oil is critical to a crispy funnel cake, so use a candy thermometer to monitor and maintain the oil's temperature.

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Deep-Fried Oreos

Credit: Jessica Snead

Deep-Fried Oreos Recipe

Everyone's favorite indulgent fair food is quick and easy to make at home. Pancake mix creates a fluffy, golden-brown fried dough and yields a warm and melty Oreo creme center!

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Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches

Credit: Thomas J. Story

Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

Plug in your waffle iron for a sinful, sweet treat! Prepare yourself: These decadent ice cream sandwiches are next-level delicious. Mouth-watering, cinnamon-sugar churros (waffled) pair perfectly with large scoops of ice cream and a chocolaty drizzle.

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Fried Apple Pies

Credit: Melina Hammer; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Fried Apple Pies Recipe

There's enough filling to make a second batch of these delicious, fall-inspired handheld pies, or you can freeze it for later.

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Grinder

Credit: Oxmoor House

Grinder Recipe

The grinder is a specialty served at the Iowa State Fair, home to some of the nation’s richest and most waist-expanding treats. Still a hefty meal-in-one, this rendition takes a lighter approach. We cut the size in half (always a good place to start) and substituted fresh mushrooms for some of the fatty meat.

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Chili-Corn Chip Pie

Credit: John Autry

Chili-Corn Chip Pie Recipe

This recipe is a healthy version of Fritos Chili Pie. Often served from concession stands at fairs, festivals, and sporting events, this crowd-pleaser usually involves splitting the bag of chips open, ladling chili into the bag, and then topping with cheese, onions, and other garnishes.

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Beer-Battered Corn Dogs

Credit: Greg Dupree; Styling: Rachel Burrow and Claire Spollen

Beer-Battered Corn Dogs Recipe

These crispy corn dogs will rival just about any festival or fair's version. The key here is to work with one hot dog at a time for the perfect golden batter crust.

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Bacon-Pretzel-Peanut Butter Caramel Apples

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Bacon-Pretzel-Peanut Butter Caramel Apples Recipe

Prepare to swoon when you take a bite of this luscious apple dipped in caramel, bacon, and peanut butter coated pretzels.

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Fried Green Tomato BLT

Credit: Daniel Lawson; Styling: Amy Stone

Fried Green Tomato BLT Recipe

We paired a Southern favorite with a classic sandwich to create this ultimate fried stacker. This recipe makes 2 sandwiches.

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Fried Strawberry Pies

Fried Strawberry Pies Recipe

The fair only comes once every fall, so spurge a little on these Fried Strawberry Pies. Freeze the pies before to prevent the crusts from disintegrating in the hot oil. Don’t forget to hide one for yourself before they all get away.

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Buttermilk-Soaked, Bacon-Fried Chicken in Gravy

Credit: John Lee

Buttermilk-Soaked, Bacon-Fried Chicken in Gravy Recipe

This recipe is full of Southern flavor that comes from soaking chicken in a buttermilk and hot sauce marinade before frying with bacon drippings in a skillet.

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Beer-Battered Fried Pickles

Credit: Ralph Anderson; Styling: Leigh Anne Montgomery

Beer-Battered Fried Pickles Recipe

There’s nothing better than a crunchy pickle battered and fried. These deep-fried dills are equal parts savory and sour, for a taste we promise you’ll love.

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Corn Dogs

Credit: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Basil Friedman

Corn Dogs Recipe

Foods on sticks are certainly fair favorites. These are daintier, fluffier versions of the midway mainstays, but they still go great with the ubiquitous mustard and ketchup combo.

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Beer-Battered Fried Onion Rings

Beer-Battered Fried Onion Rings Recipe

On a burger or on the side, onion rings are a fried favorite. Bring the fair to your family with these beer-battered beauties.

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Grilled Corn on the Cob

Credit: Marcus Nilsson; Styling: Angharad Bailey

Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe

Grilled in its husk, the corn takes on a wonderful, lightly charred flavor while its sugars caramelize and intensify. Add lemon pepper and butter for the full fair flavor.

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Candied Apples

Candied Apples Recipe

Candied apples are half healthy, right? Nevertheless, make a batch of these and gift the flavors of the fair family and friends.

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Caramel Apples

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Caramel Apples Recipe

Sweet caramel covering tart apples are a fun fair food to make at home. Get your kids to help by letting them roll warm caramel apples in creative toppings.

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Boiled Peanuts

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Boiled Peanuts Recipe

A brown bag of boiled peanuts are a tempting midway treat. You can find dried peanuts in the produce section of your local supermarket or at a farmers market. Store cooked peanuts in the refrigerator up to three days.

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Grilled Chicken Legs

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe

Chicken legs (and turkey legs) are the most beloved meat on the midway. Make your own Marinated Grilled Chicken Legs laced with flavors of citrus juice and soy sauce. The smoke from the grill will give it that fall flavor you redolent of the fair.

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Pulled Pork Sandwich

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns; Prop Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe

This piled-high Pulled Pork Sandwich is a staple at Southern fairs, whether Carolina-style or Memphis-style, you can’t go wrong.

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