Get a Preview Now of the Wild and Imaginative Food at the State Fair of Texas

(Dallas, Texas) - July has begun which means we're just a couple of months from the start of fair season in Texas. The biggest fair in the state is the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. We'll get a big smile on our face as we're greeted by Big Tex and his signature "Hooowwdy y'all."

The State Fair of Texas offers fun rides, live entertainment, Texas - O-Who game and lots and lots of great, but very imaginative, food. Every year, the fair hosts their Big Tex Choice Awards to find the most creative, and delicious, food at the fair. The finalists for this year's awards have been announced and you'll need a napkin.

Big Tex Choice Awards

The State Fair of Texas hosts the Big Tex Choice Awards every year (bigtex.com). The contest showcases some of the best concession vendors and their best tasting and most creative food concoctions. Yes, most of it is deep fried and way too sweet but they'll make your stomach happy.

These food concoctions go waaay beyond the typical turkey legs, funnel cakes and corn dogs. For the 2025 edition of the fair, the concessionaires have put together a menu of mouth watering concoctions that'll make it hard to decide what to try. For instance, Brisket and Brew Stuffed Pretzels or a Churro Cheesecake Jalapeño Popper or a Crab & Mozzarella Arancini.

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So when can you try all these different food concoctions? The State Fair of Texas kicks off September 26 at Fair Park in Dallas. See the full list of semi-finalists below with a description of each dish below that.

Bacon Jam Cannoli 

Get ready to experience the cannoli like never before. The Bacon Jam Cannoli is a bold twist on the classic Italian treat, blending sweet and savory in every bite. Homemade bacon jam is slow-cooked with brown sugar, maple syrup, and spices, and is mixed into creamy ricotta with bits of milk chocolate, then piped into crispy cannoli shells. Each end is topped with more bacon jam, and the whole thing is drizzled in warm Belgian chocolate. One bite, and you’ll never look at a cannoli the same.

Brisket and Brew Stuffed Pretzels 

Brisket and Brew Stuffed Pretzels are where smoky BBQ dreams meet classic pub snacks in one golden, salty twist. We’re talking tender, slow-smoked brisket loaded with deep, juicy flavor, and blended with a bold, velvety beer cheese made from sharp cheddar and a hearty brew. Then, it’s all wrapped up in soft, chewy pretzel dough, hand-rolled, sprinkled with sea salt, and baked to crispy, crave-worthy perfection. Each bite is a flavor bomb: salty on the outside, rich and gooey on the inside. They're easy to carry and absolutely made for munching as you wander the fairgrounds. Pair with a cold German beer or dunk into spicy mustard or tangy BBQ sauce—just be warned, your lederhosen might not forgive you.

Candy Lemon Sour Face 

Take a bite out of a candy-dipped lemon! With a little bit of sweet and a little bit of sour, let your taste buds explore the explosion of a sour, sweet tart-taste of a delicious candy-coated lemon. Indulge in Candy Lemon Burst and let us take you on a rollercoaster of sweet and sour flavors!

Chill & Thrill Delight 

Chill & Thrill Delight is a vibrant, refreshing twist on Colombia’s famous Salpicon de Frutas that is perfect for a warm day at the State Fair. A Texas-sized cup is packed with juicy, diced mango, pineapple, watermelon, grapes, cantaloupe, and strawberries, all soaked in fresh watermelon juice with a splash of lime. It’s topped with a handcrafted shaved mango sorbet that slowly melts into the mix for a sweet, tangy fusion. Whether you're cooling off or chasing bold flavors, this fruity treat is sure to thrill!

Churro Cheesecake Jalapeño Popper

Classified as a bold reimagining of the classic jalapeño popper, this unexpected dessert pairs the gentle heat of fresh jalapeño peppers with a rich cheesecake filling. Covered in churro batter and delicately fried, the result is a surprising harmony of sugar and spice, finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar and a side of dulce de leche sauce. The Churro Cheesecake Jalapeño Popper is a dessert with a Texas-sized attitude and a true State Fair of Texas original.

Coconut Quadruple

Want a taste of the tropics during your visit to the State Fair of Texas? Look no further than the Coconut Quadruple! A whole fresh, young coconut is served with an ice-cold, fresh-made coconut slushy topped with soft-serve coconut ice cream and a sprinkling of coconut flakes. This enhanced island delicacy is sure to transport you to paradise at first sip.

Colada Limonada

Say “howdy” to the ultimate Texas-style Fair-day refresher! The Colada Limonada is a frozen twist on piña colada and tangy lemonade blended with creamy coconut, fresh pineapple juice, and zesty lemonade. Topped with sweet cherry syrup, a cherry, and a mini umbrella, it’s a cool, colorful sip made to keep you smiling all Fair day long!

Cookie Chaos Milkshake

This shake is what cookie dreams are made of! A rich, creamy, cookie butter milkshake loaded with snickerdoodle chunks, Golden Oreo® Cookies, and classic Oreo® Cookies for the ultimate cookie explosion. We top it with a fluffy swirl of whipped cream, a scoop of edible cookie butter cookie dough, a perfectly perched Biscoff® cookie, and a cookie butter drizzle that ties it all together. Finished with a rim coated in crushed Biscoff ® cookie pieces for that extra crunch in every sip, the Cookie Chaos Milkshake is sweet, spiced, and unapologetically over the top.

Crab & Mozzarella Arancini 

Our Crab & Mozzarella Arancini are handcrafted with an irresistible blend of premium Maryland Blue Crab meat, white rice, mozzarella cheese, spring onion, red bell pepper, lemon, and black pepper. Each rice ball is delicately seasoned with aromatic herbs including garlic, coriander, and basil. They are dipped in a crunchy breadcrumb coating, then deep fried to a golden, crispy finish. Handmade in small batches to ensure the highest quality! Served with a side of our homemade marinara sauce.

Decadent Dubai Chocolate Dream

Indulge in the Decadent Dubai Chocolate Dream, a dessert fantasy packed with decadence. A pistachio butter kataifi rim lines a 16-oz cup and is drizzled with rich chocolate, filled with fresh strawberries between two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and topped with whipped cream. Finished with freeze-dried strawberries, pistachio floss, and a gold-dusted brown butter Dubai chocolate chip cookie stuffed with pistachio kataifi, marshmallow, chocolate, and secret ingredients—every bite is pure luxury. Ready to dive in?

Deep Fried Deli Tacos

We all love a good food mashup, and the Deep Fried Deli Tacos are fusion magic at the State Fair of Texas. Picture this: peppery pastrami, buttery mashed potatoes, gooey white cheese, and fresh chives all tucked into a corn tortilla and deep fried to crispy perfection. Served with a spicy, creamy green sauce, it’s what happens when New York deli meets Dallas taqueria—and the result is delicioso.

Dirty Red Bull® Tex-arita

Red, white, blue - this afternoon delight is right on cue! A refreshing adult beverage that tastes as good as it looks! The Dirty Red Bull® Tex-arita fulfills an adult craving while appealing to your inner child! This cocktail starts with a layer of sweet cream liquor and Blue Razz Pop Rocks® to get this sweet treat poppin'! After, it's filled halfway with juicy Watermelon Red Bull® margarita and the other half with vibrant Blueberry Red Bull® margarita. Topped with more sizzlin' Pop Rocks®, fresh blueberries, and watermelon, this Dirty Tex-arita is sure to make you soar!

Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake

Dive into a decadent cup layered with pure indulgence. At the base, rich Belgian chocolate melts into a luscious pistachio spread, perfectly blended with the delicate crunch of sweet, golden kataifi and a hint of creamy tahini. Nestled above are chunks of velvety New York-style cheesecake, adding a smooth and tangy contrast. To finish, each cup is crowned with a generous drizzle of silky chocolate, a swirl of pistachio cream, and a final sprinkle of crushed pistachios for an irresistible crunch. Every spoonful of Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake is a masterpiece of texture and flavor—nutty, creamy, and decadently chocolatey.

Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries

Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries bring bold, indulgent flavor to every bite! Crispy, golden funnel cake strips are drizzled with warm Belgian chocolate, then topped with pistachio cream and delicate pieces of knafeh pastry. This rich, nutty, and crispy treat takes funnel cake to a whole new level of indulgence—sweet, airy, and wildly satisfying.

El Cono Loco

CONE on over and meet your new Fair favorite – El Cono Loco! A creamy Tex-Mex chicken spaghetti packed with Hatch green chiles, queso, and shredded Monterey Jack, all tucked inside a fresh-baked garlic parmesan bread cone. Topped with fresh Pico, cool sour cream, and a slice of avocado. Big flavor, bold twist—and all the deliciousness you can handle!

Hot Honeycomb Lemonade Shake Up

Ever tried nature’s candy—honeycomb? How about honey jalapeño lemonade? For over 30 years, our fresh Lemonade Shake Up has been a Fair favorite: fresh-squeezed lemons, sugar, water, and a good shake. This year, we are adding honey and fresh jalapeños to the mix for a perfect Texas kick. Rimmed with chamoy and Tajin® for extra zing, and topped with a skewer of real honeycomb, our Hot Honeycomb Lemonade Shake Up is a refreshingly bold treat. Add a shot of alcohol, and you’ve got an instant classic—only at the State Fair of Texas!

Meat Lovers Crunchy Calzone

Get ready for a flavor-packed bite with this crispy, deep-fried Italian-style creation! A fluffy flour tortilla is loaded with shredded mozzarella, spicy, diced pepperoni and salami, and seasoned ground beef, all topped with a bold, zesty red sauce full of Italian herbs—then folded and fried to golden perfection. It’s like your favorite meat lover’s calzone, wrapped and ready to go. Served with homemade mozzarella bites that are cut fresh from the block, triple-dipped, and fried until crispy on the outside and melty inside with a side of ranch and marinara for dipping. Finished with fresh basil and an optional sprinkle of parmesan, every bite of the Meat Lovers Crunchy Calzone is a savory, cheesy, crunchy celebration. Mamma Mia, it’s Fair food at its finest!

Pop-Elotes

A fun twist on a street food classic! Pop-Elotes is the perfect snack to walk, talk, and munch on. A mix of spicy mayo, crushed Flamin' Hot Cheetos®, Cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro combines your favorite flavors of elotes with fresh, buttery carnival popcorn! Top this snack off with a juicy lime wedge, and you have a savory and airy explosion of flavors for your tastebuds that you don't want to miss. Pop-Elotes is mouthwatering just to talk about—don’t miss out on this delicious treat!

Poppin' Boba Rita

This frozen, fresh lime juice margarita is elevated with wine-infused poppin’ boba pearls, bursting with juicy mango or strawberry flavor in every sip. Each vibrant pearl in the Poppin’ Boba Rita delivers a playful pop of tropical fruitiness, transforming the experience into a sensory delight. Want to turn up the indulgence? "Make it dirty" with a swirl of sweet, creamy, cold foam, a splash of rich coconut syrup, and a tangy Tajin® rim, making for an irresistible upgrade to this tapioca treat with a twist!

Pop Rocks® Margarita

Get ready for a nostalgic explosion in a cup – Pop Rocks® Margarita! Combining the classic frozen margarita with fizzy Pop Rocks® and a firework-style garnish, it’s a drink that literally pops from the first sip to the last! This creative drink was created to capture the magic of the State Fair of Texas with an unforgettable twist.

Russell’s Key Lime Pie Bombs 

Russell’s Key Lime Pie Bombs start with homemade key lime pie mixed with extra graham cracker crust and crushed Nilla Wafers®. Rolled into bite-sized pieces, they’re hand-dipped in top-ranked pancake batter, fried golden, then topped with Chantilly cream, powdered sugar, and a sugar-coated lime jelly candy.

Texa-misu

It’s time to cool down and caffeinate with the Texa-misu. This refreshing treat is an over-the-top combination of two Italian classics: tiramisù and espresso. Layers of rich Quadratini® wafer cookies are topped with creamy, frozen “cremespresso” and finished with fluffy whipped cream and more Quadratini® wafer cookies for the ultimate way to beat the Texas heat.

Texas Smoked Brisket Crepe

Big flavor, bold attitude! Tender, smoked brisket wrapped in a cone-shaped savory crepe, loaded with onions, tomatoes, arugula, and melted cheese. Served with a smoky sriracha mayo and a punchy chimichurri sauce on the side, the Texas Smoked Brisket Crepe is sure to knock your cowboy boots off. Saddle up, it’s time to dig in the Texan way!

Texas Water

Texas Water transforms your drink into a tropical delight! The natural flavors will transform any spring water, sparkling water, or pale ale into a pineapple or lime refresher. Just one sip is all it takes to bring you closer to paradise. Try it with a Topo Chico® or a craft pale ale. Developed locally with the State Fair in mind, come taste the magic!

Tex’s Toast á la Mode 

Tex’s Toast á la Mode is comfort food at its finest! A warm, golden-baked French toast bake topped with a generous scoop of Blue Bell® Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream slowly melting into every cozy bite. Drizzled with rich caramel and real maple syrup, then sprinkled with a fun cinnamon cereal crunch for that extra pop. It’s like a sweet, Southern hug on a plate that’ll have you coming back for more.

Ube Rice-Cream Crunch

Ube Rice-Cream Crunch is a dreamy tribute to Filipino flavor! It starts with sweet, vibrant ube (purple yam) and gets a crispy topping of puffed rice made using the traditional South Asian muri method, where dry salt is heated to a high temperature, then special rice is added to puff and pop. Finished with a swirl of Cool Whip® and a cherry on top, it’s crunchy, creamy, and island dreamy. Ube—believe in love at first bite!

Vietnamese Crunch Dog 

Step right up for a bold twist on a fair favorite! The Vietnamese Crunch Dog blends the classic corn dog with vibrant Asian flavors. Juicy, marinated meat is wrapped in fluffy batter, coated in a crispy mix of panko and bánh mì crumbs, then deep fried to golden perfection. Topped with sriracha mayo and served with tangy pickled veggies, it’s a crunchy, flavorful mashup of street food and fair flair in every bite.

Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders

Who knew a deviled egg could become the juiciest, most flavor-packed burger slider ever? We did! The Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders start with a Cajun-seasoned Wagyu patty, topped with aged cheddar and crispy applewood bacon. The twist? Instead of a bun, it’s sandwiched between two deep fried, panko-crusted deviled egg halves—crispy outside, creamy and tangy inside. Served with a house-made ketchup-inspired sauce, it’s a bold, one-of-a-kind bite you have to try at this year’s Fair!

What on Earth is This?

What on Earth is This? A UFO-shaped smash burger has landed atop a cloud of crispy ranch onion rings at the State Fair of Texas, inviting fairgoers on a flavor-packed adventure. This cosmic creation features a juicy smashed beef patty, tender chicken & steak, and fresh, colorful vegetables—all nestled in a buttery bun. It’s topped with mustard, provolone, and zesty chipotle mayo for an irresistible burst of flavor. Seasoned with fiery green chile, every bite delivers a bold, explosive kick—especially when you inject it with the mysterious sauce. Truly out of this world, fairgoers are asking, "What on Earth is this?" It’s the greatest burger in the galaxy—an unforgettable invasion of your taste buds!

Yabba Dabba Doo™ 

Introducing the Yabba Dabba Doo™ — a dirty Sprite® that serves up ultimate fruity, fizzy fun straight from Bedrock! This vibrant drink combines your favorite lemon lime soda with crunchy ice pebbles, luscious strawberry and green apple syrups, and fresh mango and strawberries for a burst of flavor. A splash of coconut crème adds a tropical twist, while Skittles® and Lemonheads® turn it into a playful dirty soda. Topped with a pineapple slice, whipped cream, chewy ropes, and a sprinkle of Fruity Pebbles®, this bubbly yard cup is a party in every sip that will have you exclaiming “Yabba Dabba Doo” at the Fair!

Somehow, these entries will be whittled down (it's hard because they all sound delicious) to a Top 10 in mid-August. From there, a winner will be selected in three categories, Best Taste – Savory, Best Taste – Sweet, and Most Creative. And yes, you will get to try all of these foods, and many, many more, at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas September 26 through October 19. Get all the details on the fair at bigtex.com.

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