Gird your loins and pack your Pepto—it’s fair-food season. But let’s all agree to suspend judgement and simply marvel at some of the more outrageous, gut-busting food you’ll find at America’s biggest carnivals and state fairs. We’ve rounded up 15 favorites you can make at home so you can bring the fun to your own backyard.
Deep Fried Oreos
The crispy batter, crunchy cookie, and creamy filling combine to make one of the world’s most decadent fair foods. “This is a carnival favorite where I grew up,” says Olivia C. “Oreos get dipped into pancake batter and fried—yummy! You can do this with or without a deep fryer.”
Churros
These Mexican fritters are very common at fairs,” says recipe submitter Delia. “In my border hometown, the line at this stand is always overwhelming. People wait hours in line just to get a taste of these churros. I have run across several recipes but this is the best one by far.”
Real Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curds
Not just for Cheeseheads anymore! Enjoy as is, or give your fried cheese curds a Canadian upgrade—pile on the fries and gravy!
Mac and Cheese in a Cheese Waffle Cone
This is a fun way to serve the classic mac and cheese,” says recipe creator Poker Mike. “Cheddar cheese is melted and formed into crisp waffle cone and mac and cheese is poured in. I made this for a few kids and they loved it…gotta love cheese though.”
Deep Fried Candy Bars
“How much food sin can one make with this recipe? OMG! Was awesome,” raves reviewer Melissa Goff.
Elephant Ears
These crispy confections are more fun than a turn on the Tilt-a-Whirl! “This is it!!!!” says JDURLAND. “I grew up in Indiana and at the state fair we ALWAYS had an elephant ear.”
Fried Ice Cream
“Delicious!” raves NEAN THE BEAN. “I’ve tried making fried ice cream so many times, and this recipe has turned out the best! Very simple, just make sure you let it all freeze for a long time—it makes all the difference!”
Corn Dogs
There’s no fair food that’s more iconic than a crunchy corn dog on a stick. “I made up this recipe many years ago, because I loved the corn dogs you buy at carnivals but could not find a recipe for them,” says SUZZANNA.
Country Fried Floured Bacon
Fried battered bacon makes any day a carnival! “This is excellent for breakfast, snacks, or upgrade your BLT to a place it has never been before,” says MomMom.
Funnel Cakes IV
