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The season’s just not complete until you’ve seen a sculpture made of butter and stuffed your face full of charred sweet corn, funnel cakes and whatever absurd exotic meat you can find. Fairs are full of memories of candy and petting zoos (essentially every child's favorite things) and it's easier than you think to add some of your favorite state fair foods into your weeknight dinner — without having to leave the comfort of your home.
From the classic to the ridiculously ridiculous, we’ve dug up all sorts of recipes to help you make a feast of state fair-inspired foods at home. Your apartment and hair may forever smell like a deep-fryer afterwards, but it’s a small price to pay.
Image via Brit + Co
Homemade Funnel Cake
If you're a big fan of fried goodies, then you *have* to make this treat. It's the perfect mix of hot, sticky, and sweet, and definitely satisfies those fair food cravings. You can split it among a bunch of people like your friends or your family...or you can eat it all yourself.
Image via Saveur
State Fair Corn Dogs
Even with all the new, hyped-up, experimental foods each year, there’s nothing like a classic corn dog. This recipe calls for a Dutch oven in lieu of a deep fryer.
Image via Fresh Tart
Gluten-Free Fried Cheese Curds
FRIED. CHEESE. CURDS. It’s only fitting that a Minnesota blogger would get this wholly Midwestern indulgence exactly right.
Image via Leite’s Culinaria
Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
This might be the most American thing to ever have happened. We recommend you don’t skip the optional white chocolate ganache topping. U-S-A. U-S-A. U-S-A…
Image via Food.com
Puckerin’ Pickle Popsicles
Half of you are probably gagging right now, half (like us) are pretty excited to try this weird pickle juice pop. Cocktail possibilities, anyone?
Image via James vs. Burger
Krispy Kreme Burger
Apparently, Luther Vandross claimed to have come up with the Krispy Kreme burger while on tour. Because, why not?
Image via Kirbie’s Cravings
Fried Cookie Dough
We’re digging this fried cookie-dough concoction. It’s simple if you buy the store-bought stuff.
Image via Leite’s Culinaria
Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas
There’s always money in the banana stand. This recipe — which mixes the peanut coating with pieces of crispy bacon — is MONEY.
Image via Pioneer Woman
Caveman Pops (Roasted Turkey Legs)
Inspired by the behemoth meat drummies of state fairs and Medieval Times alike, a good brine makes this recipe a success.
Image via BS in the Kitchen
Cherry Pie
If you’re looking to take home a blue ribbon, here’s the secret.
Image via The Little Kitchen
Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
It is your duty as an American to deep fry everything, including macaroni.
Image via Framed Cooks
Maple Chocolate Bacon Skewers
There’s nothing more fair-friendly than chocolate-covered bacon on a stick.
Image via The Messy Baker
Fried Avocado
Oh, California. You would try to keep healthy with your fair food. Well, not exactly healthy… but it’s no fried Coke.
Image via Serious Eats
Deep-Fried Coca-Cola
This dish involves infusing Bisquick batter with real Coca Cola — don’t you dare try to use diet in this Southern fair recipe.
Image via Bon Appétit
Deep-Fried Spaghetti and Meatballs On-a-Stick
Minnesota is at it again. Do the laws of physics even apply to this?
Image via Food Fire
Grilled Corn Sweet Corn
If you need a break from all the fried fodder, sweet corn is a must!
Image via Created by Diane
Fried Oreos
Anybody can fry a Snickers bar, but we are partial to the creamy, gooey Oreos.
Image via King Arthur Baking
Cream Puffs and Éclairs
This is Wisconsin’s official dessert. At their state fair, it’s served on a large dinner plate.
Image via Half Baked Harvest
Monster Crunchies
Just in time for the back-to-school season, these monster crunchies are a wacky snack the whole family will love.
Image via Tornadough Alli
Kool Aid Pickles
Kool-aid can be great by itself but pairing it with pickles creates a sweet and tangy treat you'll surprisingly want more of.
Image via Pink Owl Kitchen
Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
Deep fried foods and state fairs seem to go hand-in-hand. We're not complaining though.
Image via Where Is My Spoon
Puff Pastry Plum Tarts
Craving something sweet and sticky? Bake this easy puff pastry plum tarts recipe. You'll love the sweet blend of plums, brown sugar and flaky crust.
Image via Cilantro Parsley
Flamin Hot Cheetos Corn (Elote)
This is grilled sweet corn's spicier sister. With flaming hot cheetos baked on top, this corn on the cob recipe is going to quickly become a guilty food pleasure.
Image via Cozy Cravings
Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies
What happens when you mix chocolate, peanut butter and rice krispies together? You get treats that are sure to give you a sugar rush.
What’s the craziest fair food you’ve ever eaten? Let us know on Instagram!
This post has been updated.
Header image via Kirbie’s Cravings
