15 Craziest New And Classic Foods You MUST Try At The 2025 Kansas State Fair
The Kansas State Fair, a beloved annual tradition in Hutchinson, Kansas, is set to open its gates from September 5–14, 2025, and for many Kansans, the highlight isn't the carnival rides or the livestock—it's the food. This year, the culinary landscape of the fairgrounds promises to be fresher and more inventive than ever, combining deep-fried novelties with cherished regional classics. The 2025 lineup is packed with "crazy fair foods" designed to challenge your taste buds and deliver that quintessential, indulgent state fair experience.
As of late 2025, fair organizers and vendors have begun leaking details about the most anticipated new debuts, ensuring that your food itinerary for the 10-day event is booked solid. Whether you’re a traditionalist craving a perfect Pronto Pup or an adventurous eater hunting for the next viral deep-fried sensation, this guide covers the absolute must-try new and classic dishes that define the Kansas State Fair’s incredible food scene.
The 2025 New Food Debuts: The Must-Try List
Every year, the Kansas State Fair challenges its vendors to push the boundaries of flavor and presentation, resulting in a fresh batch of unique delicacies. The 2025 additions are already generating significant buzz, featuring creative twists on savory staples and over-the-top desserts. Make sure to seek out these innovative items, which represent the very cutting edge of state fair cuisine.
The Savory New Stars of the Fairgrounds
The savory category is where many vendors truly shine, transforming simple ingredients into complex, high-impact dishes. This year's new savory items offer a blend of southern comfort, regional barbecue, and unexpected seafood.
- 1. Pulled Pork Corn Dogs: The classic fair corn dog gets a major upgrade in 2025. Instead of a standard hot dog, this new creation features slow-cooked, smoky pulled pork encased in a sweet, crispy cornbread batter and deep-fried to a golden perfection. This indulgent treat is expected to be a top contender for the "Best Fair Food" award.
- 2. Blackened Shrimp at MidState Cookers: Offering a lighter, yet equally flavorful option, MidState Cookers is introducing a dish that brings a taste of the Gulf Coast to the heart of Kansas. The shrimp is seasoned with a bold blend of spices, perfectly blackened, and often served with a side of savory dipping sauce. This is a welcome, protein-rich alternative to the usual fried fare.
- 3. OMG Chicken Sandwich (New Recipe): While the OMG Chicken Sandwich is a classic from Chicken City, rumors suggest a new, even bolder recipe for 2025, potentially featuring a hot honey glaze or a unique spicy coleslaw topping. Keep an eye out for this massive, satisfying sandwich.
- 4. Waffle Cheese Curds: Taking the beloved Wisconsin staple and giving it a unique Kansas spin, these Waffle Cheese Curds are crispy, savory, and perfect for sharing. They combine the salty, squeaky texture of the cheese curd with the satisfying, structured crunch of a waffle batter.
Sweet Sensations and Unique Beverages
No trip to the fair is complete without a sugary finale. The 2025 sweet debuts are centered around deep-fried decadence and refreshing, tropical flavors to cut through the Kansas heat.
- 5. Fried Brownie Bites: A simple concept executed perfectly. Rich, fudgy brownie pieces are dipped in a light batter and flash-fried, resulting in a warm, gooey center and a crisp exterior. They are typically dusted with powdered sugar and served with a chocolate or caramel drizzle.
- 6. Little B's Fried Pies: Available at the 2-Y Enterprises booth, these homemade-style fried pies are a quintessential comfort food. The 2025 offering is rumored to feature new seasonal fruit fillings, providing a taste of true Kansas homestyle baking.
- 7. Pineapple Smoothies at D Dusek Concession: For a non-fried, tropical escape, D Dusek Concession is serving up fresh Pineapple Smoothies. These are a perfect way to cool down, offering a sweet, icy, and slightly tangy relief from a long day of walking the fairgrounds.
- 8. Loaded Funnel Cake: The classic funnel cake is getting "loaded" this year, potentially featuring toppings like cheesecake crumbles, fruit preserves, or even a savory-sweet bacon and maple syrup combination.
The Unbeatable Classics: Legendary Kansas State Fair Staples
While the new foods grab the headlines, the soul of the Kansas State Fair food experience lies in its timeless classics. These are the dishes that generations of Kansans return for year after year, forming the backbone of the fair’s topical authority.
The Deep-Fried Hall of Fame
The deep fryer is a sacred tool at any state fair, and Kansas has mastered the art of frying everything from savory meats to sweet doughs.
- 9. Pronto Pups: Often considered the superior cousin to the corn dog, the Pronto Pup is a Kansas State Fair icon. The batter is slightly sweeter and the dog is cooked to a perfect, non-greasy finish. This is the ultimate fair food staple that you simply cannot skip.
- 10. Blooming Onion: A massive, whole onion cut to resemble a flower, battered, and deep-fried, served with a creamy dipping sauce. It’s a messy, shareable, and utterly delicious fair favorite.
- 11. Deep Fried Cookie Dough: Found at the booth of the same name, this dessert is a warm, gooey, and indulgent treat. Three balls are often served for a small price, making it an affordable must-have.
- 12. Fried Pumpkin Pie: A seasonal twist on the deep-fried dessert trend. This dish offers the comforting flavors of autumn—cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin—wrapped in a crispy, fried shell.
Regional and Comfort Food Legends
Beyond the fryer, the fair offers a wealth of regional specialties, from hearty barbecue to authentic local cuisine.
- 13. Knights of Columbus Pizza: A beloved tradition, this simple, delicious, and community-focused pizza is an essential stop for many fairgoers. It’s a taste of local tradition and a break from the experimental foods.
- 14. Roasted Corn: Simple yet perfect, the roasted corn—often found near Ye Old Mill—is a healthier, smoky-sweet option. It’s typically served on the cob, slathered in butter and salt.
- 15. Our Lady of Guadalupe Tacos and Enchiladas: For authentic Mexican flavors, this booth is a perennial favorite. Their tacos and enchiladas offer a delicious, savory break from the deep-fried world.
- 16. Kettle Corn: The sweet and salty crunch of fresh Kettle Corn, often churned near Lake Talbot, is the perfect snack to carry with you while exploring the exhibits and rides.
- 17. Jaffles: This Australian-inspired toasted sandwich, with its sealed edges and hot, savory filling, has become a surprisingly popular and unique fair entity.
Insider Tips for Navigating the Kansas State Fair Food Scene
With over 100 food vendors and a sprawling fairgrounds in Hutchinson, KS, navigating the culinary landscape requires a strategy. To truly maximize your food experience at the 2025 Kansas State Fair, consider these insider tips.
Mastering the Fair Food Strategy
The key to conquering the fair’s massive food selection is to pace yourself and plan your route. Don’t try to eat everything in one day; the fair runs for ten days, and your stomach has its limits.
- Take Advantage of Tasty Tuesday: Historically, the fair hosts a "Tasty Tuesday" event, often on the first Tuesday (around September 9, 2025), where select concessions offer discounted items, sometimes for as low as $10. This is the best time to sample many different vendors without breaking the bank.
- Use the Mobile App: The official Kansas State Fair mobile application is an invaluable resource. It often provides a complete list of food vendors, their locations, and a map, making it easy to track down the Little B's Fried Pies or the Blackened Shrimp.
- Hydration is Key: Between the salty and sugary treats, staying hydrated is crucial. Look for vendors like D Dusek Concession for their Pineapple Smoothies or visit the 1861 Club for a relaxing, air-conditioned break and a cold beverage.
- Don't Forget the Regional Favorites: While the "crazy" foods are fun, make sure to support the local institutions. Seek out the beef sandwiches in the livestock area or the classic fare from Dillons Food Stores booths.
The Topical Authority of Fair Food
The food at the Kansas State Fair is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural experience. The commitment of vendors to introduce fresh, unique items every year, like the Pulled Pork Corn Dogs and Fried Brownie Bites, alongside the enduring popularity of classics like the Pronto Pup and Knights of Columbus Pizza, solidifies the fair's reputation as a premier destination for state fair cuisine. The sheer variety—from savory kabobs and loaded tater tots to caramel apples and burnt ends—ensures that every palate finds its perfect indulgence. The 2025 fair promises to uphold this delicious tradition.
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