We Now Know How to Tell a Pronto Pup From a Corn Dog

The Minnesota State Fair kicks off its 2024 run Thursday at the fairgrounds in Falcon Heights. And with it comes your chance to get 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's been around for over 75 years here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and it rears its head ever August when the Minnesota State Fair starts its annual run. Just what is the difference between a corn dog and a pronto pup?

One of the more iconic Minnesota food items the Great Minnesota Get-Together sells is the Pronto Pup. Sure, it looks a lot like a regular corn dog. Which, of course, you can also get at the State Fair. But the Pronto Pup, while available elsewhere these days, was originally only sold in the North Star State at the State Fair.

So are you a Pronto Pup supporter or are you on Team Corn Dog? Just what's the difference between the two anyway? According to this Minnesota Star Tribune story, it's all in the ingredients that make up the batter surrounding the hot dog. And, it's not as simple as that old tale about the Pronto Pup not having cornmeal, while the corn dog does.

The original Pronto Pup stand in Rockaway Beach, Oregon. (CSJ/TSM-Rochester/Canva)

The story says that the Minnesota State Fair version of the Pronto Pups, do, in fact, contain cornmeal. But they also contain a few other ingredients that your regular corn dogs don't, the story noted.

The Pronto Pup batter has corn flour, as well as wheat and rice flours, which give it a more grain-forward taste. There’s only a dash of sugar, unlike the sweeter corn dog crusts. And the sausages inside the savory breading are blended fresh in Wisconsin.

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The story also went on to say that while the Pronto Pup can be found at other fairs, festivals, and food trucks across the Land of 10,000 Lakes these days, it made its first appearance on the midway, way back at the 1947 State Fair.

And, no, it's not a Minnesota original-- the Pronto Pup was actually invented in Rockaway Beach, Oregon, and then franchised to different vendors around the country, where it became very popular at places like our State Fair.

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So, which one is better? The Pronto Pup or the Corn Dog? Well, that's up to you, it appears (though I, myself, am on Team Pronto Pup.) So that answers that-- kind of. Now, if you're not planning to head up to the Great Minnesota Get-Together this year, never fear-- because there we've found a recipe that will allow you can make your OWN Pronto Pup right there at home.

And, if you ARE going to the State Fair, keep scrolling to check out all the new exhibits, events and attractions as well as all the new foods that you'll be able to find this year!