Minnesota State Fair Food: The Ultimate Review Show

Hey everyone, and welcome back to our epic journey through the culinary wonderland that is the Minnesota State Fair! If you're like me, the thought of sinking your teeth into a deep-fried butter stick or a ridiculously over-the-top corn dog gets your heart racing. This year, we're diving headfirst into the best food review show Minnesota State Fair has to offer, bringing you the inside scoop on all the deliciousness. We're talking about breaking down the iconic staples and uncovering some hidden gems that you absolutely cannot miss. So grab your stretchy pants, because we're about to embark on a flavor adventure that will make your taste buds sing and your stomach rumble with anticipation. Get ready for honest opinions, mouth-watering descriptions, and maybe even a few questionable food choices that somehow, inexplicably, work!

Diving into the Deliciousness: Why We Love Fair Food

Guys, let's be real. The Minnesota State Fair isn't just a fair; it's a pilgrimage for food lovers. It's a place where culinary creativity explodes, where the fried and the fantastic collide, and where every single bite tells a story. We're here to be your guides, your taste-testers, your fearless explorers of the Great Minnesota Get-Together's food scene. Our mission? To find the absolute best eats, the ones that are worth waiting in line for, the ones that will have you planning your next visit before you've even finished your current plate. We're not just reviewing food; we're celebrating the culture, the tradition, and the sheer joy that comes with sharing a delicious, albeit messy, meal with friends and family. From the moment you step onto the fairgrounds, the air is thick with the aroma of grilled meats, sweet treats, and the unmistakable scent of adventure. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way, and we’re here to help you navigate it all. Whether you're a seasoned fairgoer or a wide-eyed first-timer, this review show is your ultimate companion to experiencing the true heart and soul of the Minnesota State Fair – its incredible food.

The Classics: Must-Try Staples

Alright, let's kick things off with the heavy hitters, the undisputed champions of the Minnesota State Fair food arena. You simply cannot go to the fair without indulging in these iconic treats. First up, we have the Corn Dog. Not just any corn dog, mind you, but the ones from Corn Dog 7. These bad boys are legendary. A perfectly golden-brown, crispy exterior encases a juicy, flavorful hot dog. The batter is light yet satisfying, and the quality of the hot dog itself really shines through. It’s simple, it’s classic, and it’s executed flawlessly. We're talking about a taste that evokes pure nostalgia and fairground bliss. It’s the kind of food that instantly transports you back to childhood summers, a reliable beacon of deliciousness in a sea of new and exciting flavors. It’s the benchmark against which all other corn dogs are measured, and frankly, they set a very high bar. We tried them with mustard, of course, and it was perfection. A solid 9/10 – a must-have.

Next on our hit list is the Cheese Curd. Now, Minnesota is proud of its cheese curds, and the fair takes them to a whole new level. We sampled the ones from The Prarie Omelet stand, and wow. These aren't your average squeaky curds. These are generously battered and fried to a golden crisp, with a molten, gooey cheese center that stretches for days. The batter has a subtle seasoning that complements the mild, salty flavor of the cheese perfectly. They're served piping hot, and the contrast between the crunchy coating and the soft, melty cheese is pure magic. Be warned: they are highly addictive, and you might find yourself going back for more before you even realize it. We found ourselves sharing a basket, but honestly, a personal basket is the way to go. The saltiness, the cheesiness, the crunch – it’s an unparalleled experience. A resounding 9.5/10 for these little pieces of fried heaven.

And of course, we can't forget the French Fries. But not just any fries, guys. We’re talking about the hand-cut, perfectly seasoned fries from French Fry King. They are thick-cut, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and seasoned with just the right amount of salt and pepper. They’re the perfect accompaniment to any fair meal, or a delicious snack all on their own. They manage to stay crispy even when jostled around in a paper boat, which is a feat in itself. The potato flavor is robust, and they are clearly made with quality ingredients. They aren't greasy, which is often a downfall of fair fries, and they hit that perfect spot between savory and satisfying. We devoured our entire order in record time. 8.5/10 – simple, yet sublime.

Adventure Eats: Unique & Unexpected Delights

While the classics are amazing, the real thrill of the Minnesota State Fair food scene lies in its innovation and willingness to push the boundaries. This is where we get to explore the truly unique and unexpected delights that you won't find anywhere else. Our goal here is to find those dishes that make you say, "Wait, they fried that?" or "How did they even come up with this?" These are the dishes that define the fair's reputation for culinary daring.

One of the most talked-about items, and for good reason, is the Deep-Fried Candy Bar. We tried the Snickers version from Deep Fried Delights. They take a full-sized Snickers bar, coat it in a sweet batter, and deep-fry it until the chocolate is molten and the nougat is warm and gooey. The result is a surprisingly complex flavor profile – sweet, salty, chocolatey, and caramel all in one. It's incredibly rich and decadent, definitely not for the faint of heart, but an experience you won't forget. It’s the ultimate indulgence, a sugar rush that’s almost overwhelming but undeniably thrilling. The contrast between the warm, gooey interior and the slightly crispy exterior is addictive. You take a bite, and it's pure bliss, followed by a wave of