How to Make Montana Fair Vikings on a Stick at Home

I didn't attend the Fair this year. Time got away from us. Plus, we weren't super interested in the concerts, my family isn't big into rodeo, and my kids already got to do the whole carnival thing earlier this summer at the Havre fair.

One of the most popular fair foods is the Vikings on a Stick from the Sons of Norway, and it's one of my wife's favorite fair food items. We considered going to the fair for an evening to get some Fair food. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.

Last year, Vikings on a Stick were absent from our fair because they didn't get their fire suppression system installed (or approved) in time. The Sons of Norway shack returned this year with its signature snack, to the delight of many.

Where the Vikings on a Stick a little... off this year at the Fair?

A Billings social media gossip page stirred up a little drama when several fair attendees shared that they were less-than-pleased with the quality of their Vikings on a Stick this year, noting with disappointment that the ones they received were very dry and bland. Some fans were questioning if the recipe had changed, or perhaps they were pre-made and rewarmed.

Others said their Vikings on a Stick were perfectly fine, so maybe it was a one-off bad night for those who received less-than-satisfying products. Regardless, a fan has shared a Viking on a Stick recipe that vouches to be nearly identical, should you like to recreate this Montana fair staple at home.

Vikings Recipe for Western Montana Fair

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1.5 teaspoons of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• Krusteaz pancake mix

Sauté the onion in butter until soft. In a large bowl, mix oatmeal, eggs, and canned milk, then blend that mixture with the meat, beating with a mixer until fluffy.

Using 1/2 to 1/3 cup of the meat mixture, form balls or short, fat sausage shapes, and place the balls on a baking sheet or pan. Bake in a 400-degree oven for about 15 minutes, or until done. When they are cool enough to handle, stick a popsicle stick into each one.

Batter and fry.

Mix the Krusteaz pancake batter with water, making it thicker than usual so it will coat and stick to the meatballs. Swirl your Viking into the batter and drop it in a deep-fat fryer set at 375, rolling it around in the oil to evenly cook all sides. Cook until golden brown and drain on paper towels. Serve with mustard, ketchup, horseradish sauce, or whatever you'd like, and enjoy.

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Some "real" Norwegians claimed this recipe isn't the same as the fair recipe (or their secret family recipe), but it's probably very close. Vikings on a Stick are essentially miniature servings of breaded, deep-fried meatloaf, and you could certainly add or subtract seasonings or ingredients to dial in the perfect flavor profile.