It’s almost the “fairy” best time of year. The State Fair of Texas is just four days away, which means we’ll be celebrating all things Texas for almost a month — from Fri., Sept. 30-Sat., Oct., 23. 🎡
Each year, we look forward to the tasty + unique foods created by State Fair concessionaires competing for a chance to become a finalist in the annual Big Tex Choice Awards foodie competition.The finalists and winners have now been announced — and we want to try them all.
Here are four can’t miss dishes from this year’s winners and finalists:
Fried Charcuterie Board created by Tami Nevins-Mayes + Josey Mayes
Photo by State Fair of Texas
1. Fried Charcuterie Board 🍯 (Winner: “Best Taste - Savory”)
Sweet dreams are made of cheese. A new take on everyone’s favorite appetizer, this dish features fresh mozzarella, salami, and green apples wrapped in a wonton wrapper, fried, then topped with goat cheese + a drizzle of hot honey. Pro tip: Try pairing with Karbach Brewing Company’s Light Circus Hazy IPA.
2. Chicharron Explosion Nachos 🧀 (Finalist: “Savory”)
These are “nacho” typical nacho dish. Instead of chips, cajun-seasoned pork rinds are used as the base. The dish is completed with smoked beef fajita meat and covered with queso. Pro tip: Try pairing with Karbach Brewing Company’s Hopadillo IPA.
The Ultimate Brookie Monster created by Juan + Brent Reaves
Photo by State Fair of Texas
3. The Ultimate Brookie Monster 🍪 (Finalist: “Sweet”)
Now for something sweet. This dessert dish starts with a base of chocolate chip cookies, layered with Oreos + marshmallows, then covered in brownie batter, and baked. It’s then deep fried, showered in powdered sugar, and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a finishing touch, it is topped with cheesecake crumbles and strawberry sauce. Pro tip: Try pairing with Karbach Brewing Company’s Rodeo Clown Double IPA.
4. Cha-Cha Chata 🍨 (Winner: “Most Creative”)
A dessert dish you can enjoy while on-the-go. This cha-cha dance inspired milkshake is a blend of milk, vanilla ice cream, and a top-secret horchata recipe. The creamy concoction is then poured into a cup rimmed with caramel + cinnamon, topped with whipped cream, and dusted with candy, cinnamon, and more.
Check out nine more award-worthy dishes .
Poll: Which dish are you most excited to try? Let us know .*