Indulge in the Delectable Delights of the 2024 Wisconsin State Fair

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure at the 2024 Wisconsin State Fair, where a tantalizing array of 100 new foods awaits. From savory to sweet, these innovative creations promise to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Join us as we explore the best of the best, separating the must-tries from the forgettable.

Discover the Standout Sensations of the Wisconsin State Fair

Elevating the Classic Nachos with a Twist

The Elvis Nachos at Slim McGinn's Irish Pub offer a unique twist on the traditional nacho dish. Featuring a base of thick-cut crispy potato chips, these nachos are topped with a peanut butter banana sauce, chopped peanuts, banana chips, and crumbled bacon. While the concept is intriguing, the execution falls short. The sauce is overpowering, masking the flavors of the other toppings, and the dry, second half of the chips is a disappointment. This dish fails to strike the right balance, leaving much to be desired.

Battered Cheese Squares: A Confusing Concoction

The Funnel Cake Root Beer Battered Cheese Curds from the Charcoal Grill Roadhouse are a perplexing creation. Advertised as cheese curds, the squares are actually batter-infused cheese, lacking the signature texture and shape of true cheese curds. The root beer flavor is elusive, and the overall result is more akin to cheesy French toast than the promised fried cheese delicacy.

A Shark-Infested Fruity Delight

The Shark Attack Boba from Tri Boba Tea is a visually appealing, but ultimately underwhelming, beverage. While the blue raspberry green tea, strawberry popping boba, and gummy sharks create a fun and playful presentation, the flavors fall flat. The overwhelming blue raspberry syrup overpowers any hint of green tea, resulting in a Kool-Aid-like taste that fails to deliver the refreshing hydration one might expect on a hot summer day.

A Spicy-Sweet Cookie Dough Delight

The Jalapeño Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough On-a-Stick from Kora & Mila's Cookie Dough promises a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy, but it falls short of its potential. The cookie dough itself is satisfying, with a decadent sweetness and plenty of chocolate chips. However, the jalapeno-infused milk chocolate coating lacks the punch of heat that would have elevated this dessert to new heights. The Flaming Hot Cheetos add a unique savory element, but they are not enough to make this creation truly stand out.

A Glittery Tropical Delight

The Tropical Sunset from the Deep-Fried Mashed Potatoes On-a-Stick stand is a refreshing and visually appealing drink. Infused with jasmine green tea and a blend of strawberry, mango, and pineapple juices, the drink delivers a delightful fruity flavor. The addition of edible glitter adds a whimsical touch, though the novelty of the glitter may overshadow the actual taste experience for some.

A Surprising Pineapple-Pickle Pairing

The Piña Colada Pickle Drink from Caribbean Smoothees is a delightful surprise. The combination of pineapple, banana, cream of coconut, and pickle juice creates an unexpectedly refreshing and unique flavor profile. The briny notes of the pickle juice complement the creamy, fruity base, resulting in a surprisingly enjoyable and hydrating beverage. Served in a pineapple cup, this drink offers a fun and Instagram-worthy presentation.

Indulging in a Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Roll Lumpia

The Dirty Chai Cinnamon Roll Lumpia from Lumpia City is a delightful fusion of flavors. The gooey, chai-spiced center of the cinnamon roll is encased in a crispy lumpia wrapper, creating a unique and satisfying dessert. For those who enjoy the bold spices of chai and the rich, sugary center of a cinnamon roll, this offering is sure to delight.

A Taco Twist on Wisconsin Classics

Richie's Cheese Curd Taco, featuring pizza-flavored cheddar cheese curds, Italian sausage, and pepperoni in a crispy flour tortilla shell, is a delightful fusion of Wisconsin staples. While the pizza flavor in the cheese curds is not immediately apparent, the overall combination of flavors and textures creates a comforting, almost nostalgic, experience akin to eating a slice of cheesy frozen pizza.

A Sweet and Savory Sandwich Sensation

The Hot Ham & Glazers from the Bud Pavilion puts a unique spin on the classic Wisconsin "Sunday Hot Ham and Rolls" tradition. Thinly sliced, savory smoked ham is topped with melted Swiss cheese and a sweet and spicy raspberry jam, all sandwiched between two iconic Kwik Trip Glazers doughnuts. While the individual components are delicious, the balance is slightly off, with the sweetness of the doughnuts overpowering the more subtle flavors of the ham and cheese.

A Hearty and Satisfying Baked Potato Delight

The Brisket Beer Cheese Baker from Doc's Smokehouse is a satisfying and well-executed dish. A smoked baked potato is topped with ranch butter, Wisconsin white cheddar beer cheese, chopped brisket, sweet BBQ sauce, and crispy fried onion strings. The complex flavors and textures come together harmoniously, creating a filling and flavorful offering that is sure to satisfy.

A Celebratory Cream Puff-Inspired Soda

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Original Cream Puff, the Cream Puff Soda from Sodalish is a delightful and celebratory beverage. Made with organic vanilla syrup and swirled-in cream, topped with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles, this soda captures the essence of the iconic Wisconsin State Fair treat. Even those who may not be cream puff enthusiasts will likely enjoy the rich, creamy vanilla flavor of this festive soda.

Lemon Meringue Pie Meets Fair Food

The Deep-Fried Lemonade Bites from Saz's BBQ bring a refreshing twist to fair food. These sweet rolls, made with a lemonade curd filling and a French toast-style batter, are deep-fried and tossed in lemon sugar with a drizzle of icing. The result is a delightful dessert that evokes the flavors of lemon meringue pie, with a touch of fair food flair.

Savory Funnel Cake Bites with a Cheesy Kick

The Cheesy Sriracha Funnel Cake Bites from the Funnel Cakes stand offer a savory take on the classic fair treat. Infused with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, these crisp, golden-brown bites are topped with an artisan blend of six different cheeses and chives. Served with a choice of Sriracha aioli, ranch, or garlic butter, these funnel cake bites provide a unique and satisfying snack option.

A Crispy Doritos-Coated Pickle Delight

The Cool Ranch Doritos Pickle from the Deep-Fried Mashed Potatoes On-a-Stick stand is a standout offering. A large dill pickle, spiral-cut and on a stick, is coated in crushed Cool Ranch Doritos and deep-fried to crispy perfection. The combination of the crunchy Doritos breading and the tangy pickle creates a delightful and satisfying snack that is sure to please.

A Decadent Breakfast Sundae Delight

The Rise & Swine from Camp Bar is a true indulgence, blurring the lines between breakfast and dessert. A warm, pearl sugar-studded brioche waffle serves as the base for a delectable sundae, topped with vanilla custard, maple syrup, caramel sauce, toasted crunch bits, and two made-to-order breakfast sausage links. This over-the-top creation is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a must-try for those seeking a truly decadent fair experience.

A Gyro-Inspired Pretzel Brat Masterpiece

The Loaded Gyro Bratzel from Gertrude's Pretzels is a creative and indulgent offering. A specialty gyro-seasoned bratwurst is wrapped in fresh pretzel dough, baked to golden-brown perfection, and topped with lemon tzatziki sauce, herbed feta cheese, and shaved red onion. The combination of the tender, flavorful brat and the soft, pretzel-wrapped exterior creates a truly satisfying and unique fair food experience.