Valleyfair

Minnesota Eats is more than just your average food festival. With three weekends of the most quirky, delicious, and uniquely Minnesotan food combinations successfully done, let’s take a look at the fan favorites!

Last weekend’s menu included the most epic Juicy Lucy we’ve ever seen. Pepper jack cheese stuffed inside of cooked-to-perfection beef topped with a bacon jam, all in between two sharp cheddar grilled cheese sandwiches. While these Juicy Lucys were truly something to behold, it wouldn’t have been Minnesota Comfort without Tater Tot Hotdish. 

For those who may not be Minnesota natives, Tater Tot Hotdish (or casserole, as other states would call it) features layers of beef, cheese, tater tots, and other special ingredients that make this dish a classic staple food. Cornmeal fried walleye on a French baguette with shredded lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce was also featured on the menu. And for dessert, a cupcake and strawberry fluff parfait.

The first two weekends of this MN cultural jamboree were themed as Campfire Cuisine and International Fusion. Campfire Cuisine’s menu offered foods that you’re likely to find at a Minnesota campground, like Foil Pack Walleye (or a “hobo dinner” as many Northerners call it) and S’mores. 

S’mores may seem pretty typical, but our toasty marshmallows were topped with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and stuffed between two huge Oreo wafers. Pepper Jack Juicy Lucy and Goulash Hotdish were also on the menu so guests could get their cheese fix for the day!

International Fusion featured Minnesota classics with an international twist such as Walleye Tacos, Mediterranean Chicken Hotdish, Cheesecake with Lingonberry Sauce, and Bahn Mi Juicy Lucy. Each of these dishes were packed with flavor and they made for a delicious kick-off of Minnesota Eats! Of course, a locally brewed beer could be paired with each dish from each weekend for those over 21 as well.

On top of all that deliciousness, fun was being had each weekend as guests were brought on stage for challenges and games by our Great Gazebo Get-Together hosts. Giant Jenga, live music from Minnie & The Saint Pauls, and more kept families entertained as they devoured their favorite foods. The event made for great family bonding and fun friendship experiences!

If you missed out on all the awesome – don’t fret! Minnesota Eats will be back again this weekend with a Minnesota Potluck. You are not going to want to miss this delectable menu featuring Walleyes Cakes, Mexican Juicy Lucy - a perfect burger stuffed with pepper jack cheese topped with pico de gallo and guacamole, Swedish Meatball Hotdish - soft egg noodles smothered in beef gravy topped with Swedish meatballs, and French Toast topped with a mixed berry compote. This will be the final weekend of Valleyfair’s quirky, delicious, and unique food festival, so don’t miss out on your last chance to get a taste!