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How to Make Your Favorite Fair Food at Home

How to Make Fair Food at Home

The month of August might mean the start of a new school year for some, but for many it’s still fair season! And whether you visit fairs for the animals, contests or entertainment, one thing is always true: the food is unforgettable. But, why should you only get to enjoy fair food at the fair? Scroll below for ways to make some of your fair favorites, right at home!

Funnel Cake

If fair food was a perfume scent, we’d bet (and hope) it would smell like funnel cake. Sweet, pillowy dough fried to perfection and dusted with a hefty layer of powdered sugar– what more could you ask for in a fair dessert? Believe it or not, funnel cake is actually not too complicated to make at home. For an authentic funnel cake, use this recipe from Taste of Home. Or, simplify the usual funnel cake recipe by using complete buttermilk pancake mix instead! And if you love funnel cake, but not the mess, make funnel cake fries. Then, dunk them in your favorite sauce like hot fudge or marshmallow topping (we never said this would be healthy).

 

French Fries

To our fellow shoppers that beeline to the fresh-cut French fry booths: We don’t blame you. The perfect combination of salty and crispy, French fries are a delicious staple of any reputable fair. But, let’s face it – cutting potatoes by hand, frying in splattering oil and seasoning to perfection isn’t the easiest of feats when at home. Luckily, there’s still plenty of tasty French fry recipes out there, ready to satisfy even the strongest of fair fry cravings. Here’s a few worth trying:

 

Corn Dogs

Sometimes one-foot-long, other times regular-sized, corn dogs are another fair food favorite. And while you could always pick up a box of frozen corn dogs from your local Sparkle, homemade ones will taste much more similar to what you’d eat at the fair. Try our simple recipe for crispy, sweet ‘n salty Homemade Corn Dogs. Or, satisfy your corn dog craving with our slightly more creative recipe for Corn Dog Muffins!

 

Fried Cheese

In case you haven’t noticed a trend yet, most great fair food is fried– and cheese is no exception. Think: Fried cheese on a stick, crispy cheese curds and fried mac ‘n cheese bites. Of all fair favorites, fried cheese is probably the easiest to replicate in your kitchen at home. Next time you’re craving the salty snack, try our recipe for Mac ‘n Cheese Bites. Or, use Sparkle fresh mozzarella to make homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks. Baking these in the oven make them slightly healthier than the traditional fair variety. And if you want to keep things as authentic as possible, try this recipe for Cheese-on-a-Stick.

 

Cotton Candy

If fried cheese wins as easiest fair food to make at home, cotton candy may win most difficult. But, don’t let that scare you away from trying it! For fair-quality cotton candy at home, purchase a cotton candy machine. They make for a fun addition to summer parties and include user-friendly instructions. If you’re not interested in making the investment, try making cotton candy without a machine. Although a little messier, it’s still possible! Or, avoid the cotton candy creation process entirely by making cotton candy-flavored desserts instead. Here’s a few yummy recipes:

 

Delicious fair food doesn’t have to end with summer. Instead, get inspired with some of these homemade fair favorites, visit your local Sparkle Market for the ingredients you need, then get cooking!

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