The Minnesota State Fair is currently underway and one of the most popular food items being offered is deep-fried ranch, which is served at Lulu’s Public House. The dish has attracted lines hundreds of people long, as fairgoers are either curious or eager to try the unique and buzzworthy fair food. Described by the fair as ranch dressing filling made with ranch seasoning, buttermilk, and cream cheese in a panko shell, deep-fried ranch is also dusted with ranch powder and served with a hot honey sauce made with Cry Baby Craig’s hot sauce. According to a sign at Lulu’s Public House, the dish is made with Hidden Valley Ranch and ranch flavorings.
Charlie Burrows, co-owner of Lulu’s, explained that Minnesotans have a particular affinity for ranch dressing, often requesting it as a side with most dishes. Burrows worked on the concept of deep-fried ranch for over a year and a half before debuting it at the fair. Despite the unconventional nature of the dish, Burrows was confident people would enjoy it and expressed his excitement about its debut. Just two days after the fair opened, he had to increase his order by 150% due to the overwhelming demand for the deep-fried ranch.
Celebrities and politicians visiting the fair have also tried and enjoyed the deep-fried ranch. Olympic gymnast Suni Lee sampled it during her fair visit, expressing her surprise and enjoyment. Country singer Blake Shelton also praised the dish during his concert at the fairgrounds, declaring it to be delicious. Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota, who has previously referred to ranch as a sacred condiment of the Midwest, also tried the deep-fried ranch and approved, noting the hot honey sauce as a standout component of the dish.
Deep-fried ranch has garnered positive reviews from various individuals beyond just politicians and celebrities. Social media posts praising the dish have surfaced, with comments highlighting the unique and delicious nature of the fair food. Even prominent food creators on platforms like TikTok have tried and enjoyed the deep-fried ranch, adding to its popularity among fair attendees. Overall, the dish has become a hit at the Minnesota State Fair, attracting widespread attention and positive feedback from those who have tried it.
