State fairs are famous for iconic foods like funnel cakes, corn dogs, and just about anything that can be deep-fried. But when it comes to over-the-top edible offerings, few events have a reputation quite like the Minnesota State Fair.
Dubbed the “Great Minnesota Get-Together,” the nation’s largest state fair has long been a destination for creative culinary concoctions. This year, organizers are adding 36 new official foods and nine new vendors, bringing the fair’s already massive lineup to roughly 1,600 menu items.
But while many new offerings fit right into traditional state fair flavors—like the When Pigs Fly dish, a take on pigs in a blanket served on a stick—other dishes will introduce new and rather strange flavor profiles to the fair’s nearly 300 concession locations.
Take the Pickle Pie at LuLu’s Public House stand, a vegetarian dish that brings together a pie crust with a blend of pickles, pickle juice, and cream cheese. The small pie is then topped with gherkin, dill, and a whipped Ranch and Cholula frosting.
The new menu item has stirred up a lot of interest, including from Minnesota Senator Tina Smith. “Intrigued by the pickle pie at the Minnesota State Fair this year. Not opposed, just. . .intrigued,” she said via her official X account.
Another new menu item taps into a similar flavor profile: The Dill with it, Cookie! at the Urban Glow Mocktails stand somehow transforms the tastes of dill and brine into a sweet treat. The cookie is baked with finely chopped pickles and fresh dill, as well as white chocolate chips and topped with sugar and Maldon salt.
Other new dishes embrace all-American ingredients, like the Apple Donut Ham Grinder served at the Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop. The sweet ’n’ salty dish is made using Pleasant Valley Orchard’s First Kiss apples. Pairing the deep-fried cinnamon-sugar apple ring with uncured ham, it’s served with whipped ricotta, hot honey, and a hoagie roll.
Various menu items also take inspiration from other cultures. Take the Korean BBQ Bao Buns at the Rooted & Wild by Snack House stand, which bring a vegan approach to a Korean barbecue classic. At El Burrito Mercado, a Mole Taco pairs shredded chicken with mole sauce, bringing a traditional Mexican dish to the Midwest.
The annual Minnesota State Fair lasts 12 days, with this year’s festivities slated to take place from August 27 through September 7. In addition to the wide food offerings, the fair also hosts musical showcases, a carnival, and agricultural and animal shows. More than 2 million visitors are expected to attend.