Minnesota State Fair Unveils Pickle Pie Among New Foods

The Minnesota State Fair, known as the "Great Minnesota Get-Together," has announced 36 new official food items and nine new vendors for its upcoming event, expanding its culinary offerings to approximately 1,600 menu items. While many additions align with traditional fair flavors, such as the "When Pigs Fly" dish, others introduce unconventional taste combinations. Among the most talked-about new items is the "Pickle Pie" from LuLu’s Public House stand. This vegetarian creation features a pie crust filled with a mixture of pickles, pickle juice, and cream cheese, topped with gherkin, dill, and a Ranch and Cholula frosting. The unique flavor profile has garnered attention, including a comment from Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith (D) on her X account, who expressed intrigue rather than opposition.

Another new offering exploring a similar flavor theme is the "Dill with it, Cookie!" from the Urban Glow Mocktails stand. This sweet treat incorporates finely chopped pickles and fresh dill into a cookie, complemented by white chocolate chips and finished with sugar and Maldon salt. The fair's new menu also includes items that blend sweet and savory elements, such as the "Apple Donut Ham Grinder" from the Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop. This dish utilizes Pleasant Valley Orchard’s First Kiss apples, pairing a deep-fried cinnamon sugar apple ring with uncured ham, whipped ricotta, hot honey, and served on a hoagie roll, aiming for a sweet and salty experience.