DES MOINES, Iowa — Editor's Note: The above video was originally published on July 18, 2023.
It's official: the Deep Fried Brisket Mac-n-Cheese Grilled Cheese from What's Your Cheez is the 2023 Iowa State Fair People's Choice Best New Food.
This decadent twist on a grilled cheese combines a few state fair favorites. The restaurant's signature mac-n-cheese is paired with layers of American cheese and sandwiched between two slices of bacon cheddar bread. But that's not all: the sandwich is then deep-fried and served with raspberry chipotle BBQ sauce.
A total of 64 new foods hit the fairgrounds this year, but only three were in the running for the Best New Food title.
The Deep Fried Brisket Mac-n-Cheese Grilled Cheese faced tough competition from the Grinder Ball (Bacon Box) and the Iowa Twinkie (Whatcha Smokin' BBQ & Brew).
8,524 people voted in the Best New Food competition. Out of those, the Deep Fried Brisket Mac-n-Cheese Grilled Cheese garnered 47.2% of the vote.
Fairgoers had the opportunity to cast their votes from Aug. 10 through Aug. 14 using the Iowa State Fair's official website or app.
The Deep Fried Brisket Mac-n-Cheese Grilled Cheese and all other new fair foods are available for purchase through the last day of the fair: Sunday, Aug. 20.
For a full list of new fair foods, click here.
Local 5 and CW Iowa 23 are bringing exciting 2023 Iowa State Fair experiences to you, from live newscasts to an interactive Local 5 Weather Lab experience. Come see us in front of the Administration Building (Grand Concourse) each day between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
WATCH: Complete coverage of the 2023 Iowa State Fair