Both kids and adults enjoy attending carnivals, festivals, state fairs, Winter celebrations, and street fairs.
If you’re like me, you consider chowing down on some delicious snack food while listening to some good music to be one of the joys of life.
With that in mind, we have compiled an extensive list of the most popular carnival foods!
Whether it’s hotdogs, candied almonds, donuts, or cotton candy, all of these items can be made at home regardless of the time of year! We think there is something here for everyone. Let’s dive in!
Deep Fried Food Ideas & Sweet Carnival Treats
MINI UKRAINIAN DOUGHNUTS (CARNIVAL-STYLE)
A traditional yeast donut sweetened with cinnamon and sugar spices. This treat is a family recipe has been passed down for many generations.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN COTTON CANDY AT HOME
The most popular carnival food has to be cotton candy. This is a great recipe that can be made for your children at home; anytime, any season.
COUNTY FAIR FUNNEL CAKES
On top of everyone’s state fair food list is funnel cakes. Who doesn’t love the deliciousness of a warm funnel cake. Enjoy these in the comfort of your own home.
BAKED DOUBLE CHOCOLATE DONUTS
Let me tell you, this is no basic donut recipe. Not only do these delicious treats contain expresso powder, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder but they’re also baked and require no deep frying.
EASY HOMEMADE CARAMEL APPLE RECIPE
Carmel apples are one of the most popular carnival foods for a reason. In this recipe, you will make your own caramel topping for all of those delicious apples.
FROZEN CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE ON A STICK
These sweet chocolate covered strawberry cheesecake on a stick treats are perfect for walking around, talking and observing all the sites, music, and festivities.
EASY EGG FREE BROWNIES RECIPE (DAIRY-FREE, GLUTEN-FREE)
If you want to enjoy sweet tasting carnival treats but you happen to be on a gluten-free diet, then these egg free brownies will do the trick.
Not only are they low in calories (146 per square) but they’re also low in carbs (about 4 g. per square).
HOMEMADE FRIED DOUGH ZEPPOLES RECIPE WITHOUT RICOTTA
Traditional Italian fair food. These fried dough balls are soft, fluffy, and covered in powdered sugar.
CHIPOTLE SWEET AND SALTY CARAMEL GLAZED POPCORN
This caramel carnival style treat is a fun snack to make for the kids. Also an enjoyable accompaniment to a great action flick or comedy.
EASY BAKED CHURROS
Our carnival food list would not be complete without us mentioning churros. This delicious treat is made from puff pastry dough.
BLUE COTTON CANDY ICE CREAM WITH CARAMEL CORN
Cotton candy and ice cream is a perfect marriage and is a perfect addition to our carnival inspired food list. The addition of caramel corn is a nice touch.
HONEY CARAMEL CORN RECIPE
There’s just something magical about eating caramel corn at a state fair, carnival, or festival. Enjoy this popular carnival food at home.
DEEP FRIED THANKSGIVING BITES
Do you enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers? Instead of just warming them up in the microwave, try transforming them into these amazing deep fried Thanksgiving bites.
MARDI GRAS KING CAKE
King cake is a tradition during the Mardi Gras season. There is just something so amazing about the cream cheese filling. And the colors! It’s like eating a delicious tye-dye shirt.
PEACH BOURBON BROWN SUGAR HAND PIES
This delicious pastry combines two of my favorite things. Peach and bourbon. Best of all, these hand pies are portable.
MONSTER HALLOWEEN POPCORN {GLUTEN-FREE}
I think most people love the Halloween season. The kids will love this creepy popcorn creation.
CARNIVAL DINNER MENU AND FAIR FOOD LIST
SLOW COOKER HEALTHY PORK CARNITAS (GLUTEN-FREE) & THE WILD MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL GIVEAWAY!
These pork carnitas are pure fried Mexican food heaven and a wonderful addition to this ultimate carnival food list.
ULTIMATE CHILI CHEESE DOG RECIPE
A popular carnival food list would not be complete without mentioning chili cheese dogs. The best part of this is the homemade chili.
TAKOYAKI THE OCTOPUS BALLS
This dish is a very popular snack food item in Japan. The batter is a combination of flour, egg, and dashi stock.
AWARD-WINNING LOBSTER BLT SANDWICH
This interesting take on a BLT incorporates the delicious succulence of lobster. Wrapped in applewood smoked bacon and covered in dill-caper aioli!
CHILI CHEESE DILLY DOGS
Another classic food you find at a carnival. These dogs also incorporate the tangy taste of a pickle spear.
BEER BRATS RECIPE-PERFECT FOR TAILGATING OR BACKYARD GRILLING!
This classic bratwurst is topped with caramelized onions. Cooked in a beer, mustard, sugar, caraway sauce gives these dogs a unique taste.
ACHIOTE ROASTED PORK TACOS
If you crave Mexican street food like I do, you are gonna want to give this a try. The achiote, the guajillo chiles, and the basted pork shoulder make this dish magical to the taste.
Carnival Inspiration Food
TIGERNUT FLOUR CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE PANCAKES
These Japanese-style tigernut flour chocolate souffle pancakes are a towering plate of deliciousness.
Not only are these hotcakes amazing, but they are completely compatible with both paleo and gluten-free diets.
CANDIED ALMONDS (GEBRANNTE MANDELN)
Candied almonds have become a staple at most fairs and during the Christmas season.
Using just a handful of ingredients, these tasty snacks are transformed into highly addictive treats!
ULTIMATE RUSSIAN PANCAKES: TRADITIONAL RECIPE
Russian pancakes are more versatile than pancakes in the USA. Unlike crepes, they are thick and wide and ideal for your choice of filling. Common fillers include various meats, fruits, or sour cream.
VEGAN TOFU YAKITORI SKEWERS (GF)
This Japanese inspired snack food on a skewer makes a perfect street food. However, instead of traditional meat, this version uses tofu and soy sauce and mirin.
ELOTE EN VASO (CORN IN A CUP)
A traditional Mexican street food that is often available at street fairs and bazaars. A corn-based dish that includes various spices, lime, and topped with white cheese and Valentina hot sauce.
Miscellaneous Easy Carnival Food
GINGER AMAZAKE (VEGAN + GF)
This winter festival style drink originated in Japan and is made from fermented rice. Served hot, this will warm your bones on a cold fall or winter night.
Wrapping it Up
We hope you enjoyed this popular carnival food list. If you like this post, perhaps you might also like 36 Best BBQ menu ideas for a crowd!
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