The Minnesota State Fair kicks off its 2024 edition on Thursday at the Falcon Heights Fairgrounds, and with that comes your chance to snag a state fair classic: the Pronto Pup. But how is it different from that OTHER state fair classic: a corn dog?
It’s a question that has been asked here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes for over 75 years, and it resurfaces every August when the Minnesota State Fair begins its annual run. What exactly is the difference between a corn dog and a Pronto Pup?
One of the most famous Minnesota foods sold at the Great Minnesota Get-Together is the Pronto Pup. Sure, it looks a lot like a regular corn dog. You can find those at the State Fair, too. But the Pronto Pup, which is now available elsewhere, was originally only sold in the North Star State at the State Fair.
So are you a Pronto Pup fan or are you on Team Corn Dog? What’s the difference between the two anyway? According to this story from the Minnesota Star Tribune, it’s all in the ingredients that go into the batter around the hot dog. And it’s not as simple as the old story that the Pronto Pup doesn’t contain cornmeal while the Corn Dog does.
The original Pronto Pup stand in Rockaway Beach, Oregon. (CSJ/TSM-Rochester/Canva)
The story goes that the Pronto Pups offered at the Minnesota State Fair do indeed contain cornmeal. However, they also contain a few other ingredients not found in regular corn dogs, the story goes.
Pronto Pup’s dough contains corn flour as well as wheat and rice flour, giving it a more grainy flavor. Unlike the sweeter corn dog crusts, it contains only a pinch of sugar. And the sausages in the savory breading are mixed fresh in Wisconsin.
The story also states that while the Pronto Pup can now be found at other fairs, festivals, and food trucks throughout the Land of 10,000 Lakes, his first appearance on the fairgrounds was at the State Fair in 1947.
And no, it’s not a Minnesota original—the Pronto Pup was actually invented in Rockaway Beach, Oregon, and then marketed to various dealers across the country, where it became very popular at places like our State Fair.
So, which is better? The Pronto Pup or the Corn Dog? Well, that’s up to you, it seems (though I’m on Team Pronto Pup myself). So that answers that question — sort of. If you’re not planning on going to the Great Minnesota Get-Together this year, don’t worry — because we’ve found a recipe that will allow you to make your OWN Pronto Pup right at home.
And if you’re heading to the State Fair, keep scrolling to see all the new exhibits, events and attractions, as well as all the new foods to discover this year!
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New Food, Beverages and Vendors for the 2024 Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair just announced the 33 new foods and new vendors that will be part of the 2024 Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Gallery credit: Carly Ross
