Believe it or not, Pronto Pups have been a staple of the Minnesota State Fair since 1947.
Pronto Pup manager Mark Maroni says some contend”it’s the original food on a stick,” though others argue the candy apple was first. Either way, Maroni says Pronto Pups are great for a quick “grab and go” and since their introduction, “everybody tries to do something on a stick.”
The 25 millionth Pronto Pup is expected to be served at this year’s Great Minnesota Get Together. Manager Mark Maroni won’t give away any recipe secrets, but he does offer one hint as to why the popular food on a stick “sticks out” from the competition. He says the Pups aren’t floated when they’re cooked, which many fair items, such as mini donuts are floated. The food often flips over when you float them. But Maroni says the Pups go through on a timed wheel so they cook evenly all the way around.
Maroni says they’ve been keeping track and the 25-millionth Pronto Pup is expected to be served at this year’s Great Minnesota Get Together.
Fun Fact: about 70 tons of batter are used to make Pronto Pups at the fair each year.