6 Scary Good Carnival Foods You Can Make At Home October 16, 2019
The best part of every state fair is hands down the indulgent carnival foods that come with it. Now you can bring the fairgrounds to your own backyard with these homemade versions of classic carnival foods, like deep-fried Oreos, candy apples, funnel cake, and more!
Clowns, colorful balloons, and carnival games, oh my! Bring the festivities to your own backyard with these 6 carnival food recipes.
1. Deep-Fried Oreos
For deep-fried sweets such as Oreos and candy bars, prepare Bisquick pancake batter according to package instructions. Dip in your favorite cookies and fun-sized candy bars. Heat a 3-inch layer of neutral oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 375 degrees. Fry battered treats until puffed and golden brown, flipping to cook on both sides, about 2 minutes. Drain on a cooling rack set above a sheet tray until slightly cooled, then dust with powdered sugar.
2. Corn Dogs
Prep the tempura batter and place in a tall cup. Insert wooden skewers into hot dogs and lightly coat the dogs with flour. Dip the skewered hot dogs into the batter and gently rotate to completely cover. Fry coated hot dogs until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes). Remember to flip the dogs to ensure an even golden crust. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and serve with your favorite condiments.
3. Kettle Corn
For a quick take on this fair favorite, heat ¼ cup vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, stir in ½ cup corn kernels, ⅓ cup sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Cover, and cook until popping becomes intermittent, 2-3 minutes. Shake pan every once in awhile to make sure sugar doesn’t stick. Pour onto a sided baking sheet in a single layer, and let it cool.
4. Candy Apples
This recipe actually couldn’t be simpler if we tried. Just melt down store-bought caramels with a splash of heavy cream. Then, dunk your apple-of-choice and coat it!
5. Funnel Cake
Holy YUM. For this carnival copycat, beat two eggs in a large bowl, and then add 1 cup milk, 1 cup water and 1/2 tsp vanilla until well blended. In another bowl, whisk 3 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 3 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt. Combine with egg mixture, and beat until smooth. In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Cover the bottom of a funnel spout with your finger; ladle 1/2 cup batter into the funnel. Holding the funnel several inches above the oil, release your finger and move the funnel in a spiral motion until all the batter is released, scraping with a rubber spatula if needed. Fry 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Dust with powdered sugar, serve warm!
6. Walking Tacos
Chili recipes are designed to feed an army and always yield plenty of leftovers! Reheat leftover chili and spoon directly into individual bags of Fritos corn chips. Top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, diced white onion, and sliced jalapeños.
Pro Tip: For optimal eatability, slice the Frito bags down the center, along the white stripe on the back.
Now all that’s missing here is a ferris wheel!
Craving more sweets? Satisfy your sweet tooth with these four s’mores recipes!