Howdy, folks! Looking for the best food at the State Fair of Texas? You found them! My friend Matt and I ate all the things for you at the fair so that I could tell you all about them! 

Peanut Butter Paradise by Texas Cheesesteaks (Cotton Bowl Plaza)

Oh, my word, this is what the State Fair of Texas is all about. This deep fried honey bun is injected with caramel and topped wtih peanut butter, Reese’s, and Reese’s Pieces. If you love peanut butter, this is a must-get item! It is a little difficult to  cut – I would have loved a knife – but the aroma alone will keep you motivated to find a way.

Crispy Avocado Fries by Texas, Burgers, Dogs, and More (Cotton Bowl Plaza)

If you’re looking for a snack that at least has some nutritional value, you can find Crispy Avocado Fries right by the Peanut Butter Paradise booth! These fries are crispy and creamy and come with regular or jalapeńo ranch. The batter is wonderful and the folks in the booth couldn’t have been nicer.

Deep Fried Honey by Jack’s Fries (Cotton Bowl Plaza)

I felt like Winnie the Pooh diving into this perfect honey bite! This is deep fried local honey in a crispy wonton wrapper with powdered sugar and raw honey on top. I absolutely adored this sweet treat. The honey just oozed out in the sexiest way possible and the wonton was perfectly crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside. This is now on my list of must order items at the State Fair!

Barbacoa Tamale by Ruth’s Tamales (Cotton Bowl Plaza)

This was the first bite we ate at the fair and it was still pretty early. There’s something so Texan about eating a tamale for breakfast, don’t you think? This is pretty light as far as fair food goes and quite filling making it a great choice in my book. I would have loved a nice tomatillo salsa with it though!

Cha-Cha-Chata by Ranchero Deep Fried Love

There’s just something about a milkshake on a hot day! This horchata milkshake is topped with a churro, cookies, and caramel drizzle. If you love cinnamon, you’ll love this loaded, rich dessert, which was this year’s Big Tex Choice Awards winner for Most Creative.

Fried Charcuterie Board by Nevin’s Concessions (on Nimintz Circle)

I’m not going to lie, I was pretty skeptical about this dish. When I heard “fried charcuterie board,” I was honestly picturing just a cheesy wonton with a cute name but no! There’s a lot happening here. Here a fried wonton wrapper is stuffed with salami, prosciutto, mozzarella and green apples, topped with goat cheese and hot honey. This unique bite was created by Nevin’s Concessions, which has been featured on the A&E Show Deep Fried Dynasty. It won Best Taste-Savory at the Big Tex Choice Awards and it lives up to the hype. This is a really a fantastic dish and a must-try item!

Deep Fried Oreos by Ruth’s Tamales (Cotton Bowl Plaza)

Last but certainly not least, Deep Fried Oreos. This is my favorite fair food. Oreos just transform when they’re deep fried. As my friend Matt put it, “It’s almost like an Oreo donut.” Indeed! Paired with powdered sugar and chocolate sauce, this is just exactly what I want when I come to the State Fair of Texas. It wouldn’t be a fair day without it!

Of course there’s so much more to do at the State Fair of Texas besides eat. There are tons of rides and games, performances and demonstrations, a parade, a fireworks show, a car show, tons of shopping, and horse shows galore. The State Fair of Texas is open now through October 23rd. Visit bigtex.com to plan your visit.

Happy eating,