Get your taste buds ready, Texas\u2019 most creative Fair foods are vying for the ultimate bragging rights! The State Fair of Texas is proud to present the finalists for the 22nd Annual Big Tex\u00ae Choice Awards presented by Karbach Brewing Company. Winners will be crowned on Tuesday, August 18, in the categories of\u00a0Best Taste \u2013 Savory,\u00a0Best Taste \u2013 Sweet,\u00a0Best Taste \u2013 Sipper, and\u00a0Most Creative.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, the competition kicked off with a record-breaking 77 entries from 46 different concessionaires. Open exclusively to State Fair of Texas concessionaires with at least\u00a0two\u00a0years\u00a0of experience at the Fair, the Big Tex Choice Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication of the small business owners who help make Fair food one of the most beloved traditions in Texas.<\/p>\n
To earn a spot among this year\u2019s finalists, concessionaires first put their imaginations to the test by\u00a0submitting\u00a0an original recipe complete with an enticing name and description. From there, entries undergo the Big Tex Choice Awards\u2019 signature blind judging process, where a panel of internal judges evaluates each submission without knowing which concessionaire created it. By keeping every recipe anonymous, the competition ensures each entry is judged solely on its own merits.<\/p>\n
From the original 77 entries, the top 15 finalists advanced to the\u00a0next\u00a0round, where they will compete for four of the Fair\u2019s most coveted culinary titles:\u00a0Best Taste \u2013 Savory,\u00a0Best Taste \u2013 Sweet,\u00a0Best Taste \u2013 Sipper, and\u00a0Most Creative. During the final judging event, a panel of 35 distinguished judges,\u00a0including hometown celebrities, television personalities, food experts, and well-known creators\u00a0will evaluate each dish based on four key Fair-food elements: taste, value, creativity, and fairgoer appeal. After a day of unforgettable flavors, the scores will be tallied, and this year\u2019s Big Tex Choice Awards winners will be crowned.<\/p>\n
Without further ado, the State Fair of Texas is proud to present the 15 finalists competing for the coveted 2026 Big Tex\u00ae Choice Awards titles.<\/p>\n
SAVORY<\/p>\n
Burger Chop Tater Tacos,\u00a0Tom Grace<\/p>\n
A fresh burger patty is seared to perfection, chopped, and combined with saut\u00e9ed onions and jalape\u00f1os. Topped with mozzarella and American cheese, the mixture is placed atop a bed of cheddar cheese tater tots formed into a taco shell and finished with buffalo buttermilk ranch coleslaw, garlic parmesan buffalo sauce, and more tots, making for the ultimate\u00a0Burger Chop Tater Tacos!<\/p>\n
Dickel\u2019s Texas Two Step\u00a0Tacos,\u00a0Dickel\u2019s Smokehouse<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Dickel\u2019s\u00a0Texas Two Step Tacos\u00a0are a bold, delicious taco duo that brings pure backyard flavor to every bite. The first taco features a fire-roasted jalape\u00f1o stuffed with juicy pineapple pork sausage and melted mozzarella, tucked into a warm blue corn tortilla with rich, charred flavor. The second taco brings the smoke, with tender-sliced brisket wrapped around a roasted jalape\u00f1o, layered with melted mozzarella, and served on a heat-kissed yellow corn tortilla finished with crisp purple pickled onion and a drizzle of sweet, smoky barbecue sauce or house made Lone Star Habanero Fuego.<\/p>\n
Flamin\u2019 Crunch Pizza,\u00a0Tom Grace<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Flamin\u2019 Crunch Pizza\u00a0consists of hand-tossed, fresh-made pizza dough topped with a jalape\u00f1o cheddar queso base and covered with a freshly grated blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. After baking to perfection, the pizza is topped with handfuls of Flamin\u2019 Hot Cheetos\u00ae, a drizzle of jalape\u00f1o queso blanco and house-made buffalo buttermilk ranch dressing, and a hefty sprinkle of Flamin\u2019 Hot Cheetos\u00ae dust over the entire pizza! Can you handle the heat?<\/p>\n
Golden Crunch Melt,\u00a0Tony & Terry Bednar<\/p>\n
Get ready for the ultimate Texas fair-food crunch! A tortilla brushed in a signature seasoned butter oil and grilled to a crispy golden finish is packed with juicy marinated chicken pastor, fire-roasted peppers, caramelized onions, smoky chipotle mayonnaise, melted three-cheese\u00a0blend, and crispy potato strings in every bite and finished with a signature smoky chipotle crema. The result is the perfect combination of crunch, creamy heat, and cheesy goodness \u2013 the\u00a0Golden Crunch Melt!<\/p>\n
Nacho Wings,\u00a0Cody & Lauren Hays<\/p>\n
Get ready for the ultimate flavor explosion!\u00a0Nacho Wings\u00a0are crispy chicken wings tossed in zesty taco seasoning, smothered in creamy nacho cheese, and piled high with cilantro, green onions, cotija cheese, tomatoes, pickled red onions, and jalape\u00f1os. Served on a bed of hot, golden fries and drizzled with ranch, this larger-than-life creation brings together Fair-food classics: nachos, wings, and loaded fries in one wildly delicious bite!<\/p>\n
SWEET\u00a0<\/p>\n
Berry Me in Matcha,\u00a0Stephen El\u00a0Gidi<\/p>\n
Introducing\u00a0Berry Me in Matcha\u00a0\u2014 a luxurious flavor experience that fuses creamy cheesecake indulgence with bold Japanese-inspired flair. This rich New York-style cheesecake is hand-dipped in silky Belgian white chocolate, rolled in crushed matcha cookies for a delicate earthy crunch, then drizzled with luscious white chocolate and sweet strawberry jam. Finished with a fresh strawberry slice on top, every bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, fruity, and sweet matcha bliss.<\/p>\n
Fernie\u2019s Frozen Espresso-tini\u00a0Bar,\u00a0Christi Erpillo\u00a0&\u00a0Johnna\u00a0McKee<\/p>\n
This espresso martini popsicle delivers rich, divine indulgence in a perfectly frozen form.\u00a0Robust\u00a0cold-brew espresso is blended with a spirited kick of Fernie\u2019s Funnel Cake Cream Cocktail\u2122, creating layers of deep coffee flavors and hints of vanilla. Each\u00a0Fernie\u2019s Frozen Espresso-tini\u00a0Bar\u00a0is artfully drizzled with ribbons of chocolate shell coating, hardening into a delicate, crackable bite, making for the ultimate pick-me-up on a stick!<\/p>\n
Fletcher\u2019s\u00a0Chocolate\u00a0Corny Dog,\u00a0Beck Fletcher<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Fletcher\u2019s\u00a0Chocolate Corny Dog\u00a0consists of\u00a0smooth\u00a0milk chocolate fudge hand dipped in Fletcher\u2019s famous Original Corny Dog batter and\u00a0is\u00a0deep fried until golden perfection. Topped with a\u00a0drizzle of\u00a0yellow vanilla icing and served with raspberry compote for a sweet twist on the iconic Corny Dog. One bite and\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0taste why\u00a0this sweet\u00a0treat\u00a0is\u00a0top\u00a0dog!<\/p>\n
Holy Flan!\u00a0Bu\u00f1ueloco,\u00a0The\u00a0Garza\u00a0Family<\/p>\n
Indulge in a sweet celebration of tradition and creativity with\u00a0Holy Flan!\u00a0Bu\u00f1ueloco. This sweet treat starts with a warm, crispy\u00a0bu\u00f1uelo\u00a0bowl filled with creamy, homemade arroz con leche and a scoop of premium cinnamon Blue Bell\u00ae Ice Cream. The highlight is a decadent, deep-fried flan encased in a delicate puff pastry shell, topped with fluffy whipped cream topping and a rich caramel sauce drizzle for a perfect harmony of textures.<\/p>\n
Texas Pecan Praline Cheesecake Cone,\u00a0Brad Weiss<\/p>\n
A warm waffle cone fresh off the iron is dipped in white chocolate, rolled in buttery Texas pecan praline, crushed Biscoff\u00ae cookies, and freeze-dried strawberries, and filled with homemade, creamy scoopable cookie butter cheesecake. The\u00a0Texas\u00a0Pecan Praline\u00a0Cheesecake Cone\u00a0is topped with a pinch of sea salt, whipped cream, Biscoff\u00ae crumble, warm cookie butter drizzle, white chocolate sauce, and finished with a signature Biscoff\u00ae cookie, making for one unforgettable State Fair bite.<\/p>\n
SIPPER\u00a0<\/p>\n
Corn Flake\u00a0Shapp\u00e9,\u00a0Milton & Gracie Whitley<\/p>\n
Forget the bowl and grab a straw \u2014\u00a0the\u00a0creamy\u00a0Corn Flake\u00a0Shapp\u00e9\u00a0blends toasted corn flakes into a rich creation with silky dulce de leche, buttery Texas pecan notes, and a signature blend of warm spices. Finished with whipped cream, golden corn flake crunch, sweet strawberry crumble, and a dusting of powdered sugar, this creamy-and-crunchy sip is ready to cereal-ously\u00a0two-step its way into your favorites.<\/p>\n
Nevins Soft Serve Peach Bellini Float,\u00a0Tami\u00a0& Josey\u00a0Nevins Mayes<\/p>\n
Feeling nostalgic? Revisit this childhood classic\u2014now with a boozy twist! The\u00a0Nevins Soft Serve Peach Bellini Float\u00a0featuring\u00a0rich, creamy peach bellini soft serve infused with sparkling wine, topped with sparkling\u00a0sugar\u00a0and grated frozen peach for the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and bubbly flavors. Finished with a sugary-sweet golden topping, this boozy float is a sophisticated spin on a childhood favorite\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0sure to raise a glass to Fair fun.<\/p>\n
Rousso\u2019s Bacon Jam Caramel Apple Hard Cider,\u00a0Rousso\u2019s Concessions<\/p>\n
Straight from Deep Ellum, the\u00a0Rousso\u2019s Bacon Jam Caramel Apple Hard Cider\u00a0is crafted with hints of apples, caramel, churros, cinnamon sugar, and a smoky bacon jam twist for bold Texas flavors that hit your sweet, salty, and smooth cravings all at once.<\/p>\n
Sunset Soft Serve Rita,\u00a0Dwania Morris<\/p>\n
The Sunset Soft Serve Rita\u00a0combines a strawberry and mango margarita with vanilla soft-serve ice cream, a bold Taj\u00edn\u00ae rim, rich\u00a0chamoy\u00a0drizzle, and a crunchy hot honey Taj\u00edn\u00ae topping for the perfect balance of sweet-heat indulgence. This over-the-top frozen creation blends creamy tropical flavors with spice and irresistible texture in every bite.<\/p>\n
Tropical Coco Fresca,\u00a0Fruteria\u00a0Cano<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Tropical Coco\u00a0Fresca\u00a0is a layered pineapple-watermelon\u00a0agua\u00a0fresca with\u00a0chamoy\u00a0lava Tajin\u00ae rim, paired with a scoop of icy coconut\u00a0snow\u00a0that melts into a creamy tropical explosion of flavors, sure to keep you cool in the Texas heat!<\/p>\n
While these 15 creations earned a spot in the finalist round, the State Fair of Texas also recognizes this year\u2019s semi-finalists whose innovative entries will still make their debut at the 2026 State Fair, as new foods. Fairgoers can look forward to enjoying these creative new foods throughout the Fair:<\/p>\n
All Shook Up
\nButter-Dipped Toffee Crunch Nutty Bar
\nDeep Fried Thai Tea Tres Leches Cake
\nDirty Dr Pepper\u00ae Do-Si-Do Float
\nFried Gobbler Roll
\nLimonata Fresca Float
\nLoaded Lone Star Rings
\nLove Me Jam Sandwich
\nMango Strawberry Shortcake
\nMatcha Parfait
\nMidnight Ruby Rush
\nSoft Serve Smoked Peach Bourbon Smash
\nThe Niece
\nTriple Chocolate Flautas
\nTwinkle Twinkle Brisket Star<\/p>\n
From bold bites and deep-fried delights to sweet treats and drinks, the competition for Fair food glory will reach its tastiest stage on Tuesday, August 18, at 2 p.m. CST when the 15 finalists will battle it out for the most iconic food titles in all of Texas. While the Big Tex Choice Awards event is closed to the public, folks can follow along online by tuning into one of our social media channels \u2013 @StateFairofTX on Instagram and Facebook.<\/p>\n
The 2026 State Fair of Texas, themed \u201cStars, Stripes, & Howdies,\u201d will open on Friday, September 25, and will run through Sunday, October 18. Head on over to BigTex.com\/Tickets to purchase your season passes and FLEX Tickets today and join us this fall at the Most Texan Place on Earth\u00ae.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Get your taste buds ready, Texas\u2019 most creative Fair foods are vying for the ultimate bragging rights! The…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":404777,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[102,104,103],"class_list":["post-404776","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-dallas","tag-dallas","tag-dallas-headlines","tag-dallas-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/404776","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=404776"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/404776\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/404777"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=404776"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=404776"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=404776"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}