From fried to refreshing, check out this year’s 10 State Fair of Texas food finalists

The State Fair of Texas is set to return to North Texas on Sept. 30 for its 136th year.

The fair runs for nearly a month, this year until Oct. 23.

State Fair of Texas is more than just Big Tex and its iconic Ferris wheel; it’s also known for its fried food concoctions. Since 2005, the fair has conducted the “Big Tex Choice Awards” to decide on the top fair foods of the year.

From fried beer to fried peaches and cream, the “Big Tex Choice Awards” recognizes tasty and unique creations for fair goers to enjoy come the fall.

Here are this year’s fair food finalists from savory to sweet.

Big Tex Choice Awards: Savory

CHICHARRON EXPLOSION NACHOS

Created by: Glen and Sherri Kusak

Fried pork rinds seasoned with Cajun-style seasonings and smoked beef fajita meat spread over crispy nachos and covered with freshly made queso. In true Texas style, these nachos are topped with barbecue chopped beef.

CHICHARRON EXPLOSION NACHOS
CHICHARRON EXPLOSION NACHOS

FRIED CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Created by: Tami Nevins-Mayes and Josey Mayes

Chopped mozzarella, salami and green apples wrapped in a wonton wrapper and fried to a golden crisp. This fried take on an appetizer favorite is topped with goat cheese and a drizzle of hot honey.

FRIED CHARCUTERIE BOARD
FRIED CHARCUTERIE BOARD

DEEP FRIED LASAGNA ROLL

Created by: The Parish Family

Ribbon pasta is covered with a mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, provolone and mozzarella cheeses. The lasagna roll is then topped with a homemade meat sauce before it is fried making a golden brown, crispy yet flaky crust. This State Fair dish is served with a side of Deep Fried Zucchini Fries.

DEEP FRIED LASAGNA ROLL
DEEP FRIED LASAGNA ROLL

DEEP FRIED BLT

Created by: Tom Grace

Swap bread for a deep fried tortilla in this State Fair twist of a sandwich classic. Loaded with lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, cheese and mayo, this Deep Fried BLT is paired with garlic Parmesan chips to complete the meal.

DEEP FRIED BLT
DEEP FRIED BLT

HOLY BISCUIT

Created by: Isaac Rousso

Slow-smoked shredded brisket, fire-roasted street corn queso and thick-cut, Texas honey drizzled bacon is sandwiched in a golden brown biscuit, making an explosion of savory and sweet flavors in this Southern staple.

HOLY BISCUIT
HOLY BISCUIT

Big Tex Choice Awards: Sweet

THE ULTIMATE BROOKIE MONSTER

Created by: Juan and Brent Reaves

Crispy and chewy chocolate chip cookies layered with Oreos and marshmallows, covered in triple-chocolate brownie batter and baked together to make a “super brookie”. The brookie is battered, deep fried and dusted in powdered sugar. The Ultimate Brookie Monster is served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and topped with cheesecake crumbles and strawberry sauce.

THE ULTIMATE BROOKIE MONSTER
THE ULTIMATE BROOKIE MONSTER

DEEP FRIED ROCKY ROAD WITH BLUE BELL ICE CREAM

Created by: Cody and Lauren Hays

Deep fried rocky road flavors are paired with a single-serve cup of Blue Bell Ice Cream’s Homemade Vanilla ice cream.

DEEP FRIED ROCKY ROAD WITH BLUE BELL ICE CREAM
DEEP FRIED ROCKY ROAD WITH BLUE BELL ICE CREAM

CHA-CHA CHATA

Created by: The Garza Family

A horchata milkshake poured into a cup rimmed with caramel and cinnamon, topped with a dollop of whipped topping, deep-fried arroz con leche bites and cinnamon galletas de gragega. The Cha-Cha Chata is dusted with crushed candy to make a truly sweet treat.

CHA-CHA CHATA
CHA-CHA CHATA

LA BLUEBONNET

Created by: Milton and Grace Whitley

A sweet and tart iced concoction made with freshly squeezed citrus juices and blueberries in a sugary base. Opt for a lemon-mint-berry twist to add to the flavors of this refreshing beverage.

LA BLUEBONNET
LA BLUEBONNET

PEANUT BUTTER PARADISE

Created by: Chris Easter and Nicole Sternes

A deep fried honey bun injected with caramel and topped with creamy peanut butter. This taste of paradise is layered with Reese’s Pieces, crushed Butterfinger crumbles and topped with peanut butter cups, drizzled caramel, and powdered sugar.

PEANUT BUTTER PARADISE
PEANUT BUTTER PARADISE