The most mouthwatering time of the year has officially arrived, and the State Fair of Texas is once again serving up proof of why it’s considered a true foodie’s playground, where bold flavors, creative twists and over-the-top indulgence take center stage.
The 21st Annual Big Tex Choice Awards, presented by Karbach Brewing Company, celebrated the best in deep-fried creativity, with 15 inventive dishes competing for top honors. After plenty of tasting, judging and inevitable food comas, the panel crowned this year’s champions.
Best Taste – Savory: Crab & Mozzarella Arancini
Chef Stefan T. Nedwetzky wowed judges with his crab and mozzarella arancini. These golden, crispy rice balls are handcrafted with Maryland Blue Crab meat, mozzarella cheese, rice, bell peppers and fresh herbs. The fried exterior gives way to a creamy, flavorful filling, with a side of marinara that makes each bite sing. Small-batch crafted, these arancini balance comfort and elegance in true fair style.
Best Taste – Sweet: Chill & Thrill Delight
Tony and Terry Bednar’s chill and thrill delight delivers refreshing relief on a warm Texas afternoon. Inspired by Colombia’s classic salpicon de frutas, this oversized cup brims with diced mango, pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes and strawberries, all swimming in fresh watermelon juice with a squeeze of lime. A mound of handcrafted shaved mango sorbet tops it off, slowly melting into the fruit for a sweet, tangy burst of flavor.
Best Taste – Sipper: Cookie Chaos Milkshake
Brad Weiss took the sipper category to new heights with the cookie chaos milkshake. It starts with a creamy cookie butter base, then piles on snickerdoodle chunks, Golden Oreos and classic Oreos for a full-on cookie overload. Finished with whipped cream, a scoop of edible cookie butter dough, a Biscoff cookie and a cookie-crusted rim, this milkshake is as over-the-top as the fair itself — sweet, spiced and impossible to resist.
Most Creative: Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders
Kendall Williams reinvented the deviled egg with his wagyu bacon cheeseburger deviled egg sliders. Cajun-spiced Wagyu beef, cheddar cheese and applewood bacon are tucked between two deep-fried, panko-crusted deviled egg halves. Crispy outside and tangy inside, these sliders are paired with a bold ketchup-inspired sauce, creating one of the most unique bites you’ll find on the midway this year.
What Else To Expect From The 2025 State Fair Of Texas
The State Fair of Texas recently unveiled its 2025 attractions and entertainment lineup, promising 24 days of live music, family-friendly shows and a few new thrills. Running from Sept. 26 through Oct. 19, 2025 at Fair Park in Dallas, this year’s fair adds fresh acts, fan favorites and even an international soccer match to its packed schedule. Discover more here.
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