Unearth The Voyage
Every August, more than a million people flock to the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines for one reason – and it’s not just the Ferris wheel. It’s the food. If it can be skewered, battered, or dunked in a fryer, you’ll find it here, sizzling in golden perfection. From deep-fried butter to bacon-wrapped corn dogs, this is America’s most unapologetically indulgent food fest. Here are some of the most outrageous, mouthwatering, and downright unbelievable eats you’ll find at the fair.
1. Deep-Fried Butter: The Fair’s Guilty Pleasure
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like – a stick of butter, dipped in batter, fried until golden, and glazed with powdered sugar. It’s warm, melty, and shockingly delicious. Locals swear by it, calling it “the melt-in-your-mouth sin you can only justify once a year.” This peculiar treat draws curious patrons with its unapologetic indulgence and surprisingly balanced flavors. A true emblem of the fair’s culinary daring, it offers a unique twist on traditional fried foods. It’s not every day you get to taste an invention so bold, and it’s precisely that audacity that makes it unforgettable. Fairgoers leave with stories to tell and taste buds that crave more.
2. Fried Oreos: The Classic That Started It All
The fried Oreo is the OG of fair food. Dunked in pancake batter and fried until gooey, it’s pure nostalgia dusted in powdered sugar. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s a Midwest staple. A marriage of creaminess and crunch delivers a delightful experience, each bite more satisfying than the last. The transformation of a simple cookie into a warm, crispy delight speaks to the creative spirit of the fair. It’s a treat that resonates with both young and old, offering a comforting reminder of childhood joys. This dessert remains a beloved icon, drawing crowds to relive sweet memories.
3. Deep-Fried PB&J: Childhood Meets Culinary Madness
It’s crunchy on the outside, melty on the inside, and pure comfort food magic. This delectable creation evokes memories of simpler times, reimagined in the thrill of fair festivities. Balancing sweetness and nuttiness, it’s a nostalgic nod to childhood carefree days. Each bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors, making it a must-try for adventurous foodies. Ever-popular, it surprises and delights, proving that even simple classics can be elevated to new, delicious heights. Experience it once, and it’ll be love at first bite.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Corn Dogs: Because Why Not?
The Iowa State Fair didn’t invent the corn dog, but they definitely perfected it. Locals go crazy for the bacon-wrapped version – smoky, salty, and deep-fried to perfection. This innovation takes the classic fair favorite to another level, infusing each bite with rich, savory goodness. The combination of crispy bacon and tender corn dog elevates the experience, creating a mouthwatering festival favorite. It’s a treat that embodies the fair’s spirit of indulgence and creativity, celebrating the love of bold flavors. Year after year, it remains a star attraction, tantalizing taste buds and satisfying cravings.
5. Fried Pickles on a Stick
Sour, salty, and satisfyingly crunchy, fried pickles are the snack you didn’t know you needed. Dip them in ranch, and you’ll be converted for life. This tangy treat offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, oily notes typical of fair foods. The crispy exterior hides a burst of dill flavor, providing a unique twist that keeps patrons coming back for more. It’s a snack that surprises with its bold character, making it a beloved choice among fairgoers seeking a break from the usual sweets. Simple yet inventive, it’s a testament to the fair’s playful culinary spirit.
6. Deep-Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Forget the box stuff – this is creamy, cheesy goodness rolled into bite-sized balls and fried until crispy. It’s the definition of fair food comfort. These delightful morsels offer a satisfying crunch followed by a gooey, cheesy center that melts in the mouth. A crowd-pleaser, they capture the essence of comforting home-cooked meals, presented in a novel and irresistible way. Perfectly seasoned and expertly crafted, they deliver both warmth and flavor with every bite. It’s a gourmet twist on a classic recipe, reflecting the fair’s passion for reinventing traditional dishes with flair and fun.
7. Deep-Fried Cookie Dough: Sweet Heaven on a Stick
Think of warm, gooey cookie dough with a crispy shell – it’s dessert perfection. Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and you’ve reached peak Iowa indulgence. This treat captures the joy of sneaking a taste of cookie dough before it hits the oven, now brought to life in deep-fried glory. Each bite offers a blend of soft, sweet dough and crispy coating, creating a flavor explosion. It’s a decadent delight that appeals to the sweet tooth in all of us, a must-try for those seeking indulgence with flair. The perfect ending to a day of fair adventures.
8. Fried Bacon-Wrapped Twinkies (Yes, Really)
A Twinkie. Wrapped in bacon. Fried. It’s the kind of invention only a fair could dream up – and it’s as over-the-top as it sounds. This outrageous creation combines sweet, salty, and savory elements in an unexpected harmony. Encased in a crispy shell, the soft Twinkie and smoky bacon create a taste sensation that surprises every time. It’s a culinary dare, inviting the bold to explore flavors they never imagined together. For those willing to take the plunge, it’s an unforgettable experience, a testament to the boundary-pushing nature of fair cuisine that knows no limits.
9. The Newbie: Deep-Fried Bubble Gum
Every year, the fair introduces something wilder than the last. One recent hit? Deep-fried bubble gum – actually bubble gum-flavored marshmallow, coated in batter and fried. It’s weirdly addictive. This quirky treat captures the whimsical spirit of the fair, offering a playful twist on familiar flavors. The sweet, airy marshmallow center contrasts with a crispy, fried exterior, making each bite a surprising delight. It’s a curious concoction that intrigues the adventurous and delights the daring. Embracing novelty, it stands as a symbol of the fair’s commitment to innovation and fun, capturing imaginations and taste buds alike.
10. The “Healthy” Option: Deep-Fried Veggies (If That Counts)
For those pretending to eat healthy, the fair has you covered – sort of. You can grab deep-fried zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans. Hey, they’re vegetables… right? This tongue-in-cheek option offers a nod to healthier eating while fully embracing the fair’s fried food ethos. Each crispy bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a hint of veggie goodness, a harmonious blend of guilt and pleasure. It’s a fun way to enjoy vegetables, wrapped in the fair’s signature indulgence. An entertaining option for those seeking balance, it’s a playful reminder that even health-conscious choices can be deliciously fried.
