The annual State Fair of Texas is known for its lineup of wild eats that range from deep-fried confections to bizarre takes on classic Texan foods. With this year’s festival kicking off on Friday, September 26, attendees are that much closer to getting their hands on all the fried goodness awaiting at the Dallas grounds.
Millions of people will descend upon the State Fair of Texas in the coming weeks, and everybody’s got to eat. If you’re on the adventurous side, there’s a handful of very unique creations that will be available to munch on throughout the fair’s run this year.
What on Earth is This?
No, really. That’s what it’s called. What on Earth is This? is a UFO-shaped smashburger made with a beef patty, chicken, steak and vegetables. Toppings include mustard, provolone and chipotle mayo, and the burger comes with syringes filled with mysterious sauces that cane be injected directly into the burgers. Oh yeah, it’s also served over a stack of onion rings. You can find this extraterrestrial item at Southside Steaks & Cakes.
Churro Cheesecake Jalapeño Popper
You might’ve had a jalapeño popper before, but not like this. This version features a jalapeño stuffed with a cheesecake filling that is then covered in churro batter and fried. The sweet and spicy treat is then dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a side of dulce de leche sauce. The churro cheesecake jalapeño popper can be found at Velasquez Catering & Concessions Inc. food booth.
Deep-fried Carbonara
Italian grocery store Eataly is behind this spaghetti-based bite, which essentially breads the Italian pasta and fries it until golden brown. Expect some guanciale (an Italian relative to bacon) and pecorino romano cheese in this dish.
Meat Lovers Crunch Wrap Calzone
Imagine if Taco Bell got into the business of making calzones, and you might get something resembling this creation. The Meat Lovers Crunch Wrap Calzone starts with a flour tortilla stuffed with mozzarella, pepperoni and ground beef, which is then seasoned and fried. This treat is found at The Dock food booth, and it is served with a side of mozzarella bites, ranch and marinara.
Russell’s Key Lime Pie Bombs
Have you ever wanted to eat pie in bomb form? Head to Palmer’s Hot Chicken to try the Russell’s Key Lime Pie Bomb. The pie bites’ exterior crust is made with pancake batter, and inside, you’ll find a mix of key lime pie, graham cracker crust, and crushed Nilla Wafers. Chantilly cream, powdered sugar and sugar-coated lime jelly candies are used for the toppings.
Ox’cellent Cornbread Sliders
These sliders are filled with slow-simmered beef oxtails, and the buns are made with cornbread. On top, you’ll find a collard green slaw, melted gouda and spicy mayo.
Yabba Dabba Doo Dirty Sprite
With this boot-shaped drink, lemon-lime soda is combined with strawberry and green apple syrups, fresh fruit and a splash of coconut crème. Skittles and Lemonheads are also dropped in the beverage, which is topped with a pineapple slice, whipped cream and Fruity Pebbles.
When is the State Fair of Texas 2025?
The State Fair of Texas returns in 2025 and runs from September 26 to October 19 in Dallas…