Try these 7 new foods during Vikings home games at U.S. Bank Stadium

As U.S. Bank stadium gleams and purple and gold optimism optimism fills the air, it’s a sure sign that Vikings season is underway. Along with our gameday rituals — the jerseys, the chants, the Gjallarhorn — comes another tradition: planning what to eat.

The Taste team was treated to a preview of both returning favorites and new vendors inside the home of the Minnesota Vikings. We ate our way through a collection of local makers and scored a touchdown-worthy lineup of tasty bites, plus an extra point that had us on our feet, ready for the home opener.

Prices for items are not available until opening day. We will update this story when they are released.

The dessert and/or appetizer we never knew we needed, apple sticks are lightly fried and coated in cinnamon and crunchy sugar crystals, with caramel sauce for dipping. This should be on the menu at every stadium, State Fair and apple orchard. Also from this vendor, corn dog-crusted brats are another fun, handheld win.

Minnesota’s Original Brat Dogs, Sections 143, 333, 347

Surly knows how to deliver big flavor in meaty bites, and this new sandwich includes thick slices of tender, smoked pork, blushing from that good, slow-and-low care. Topped with a fresh, crunchy slaw with a little habanero hot sauce on a Turtle Bread bun, it’s a hearty hunk of big flavor.

Surly Smokehouse, Section 336

The Rabbit Hole, Section 129

Mac and cheese smothered by a variety of toppings is on a number of menus this year, and our favorite came from Old Southern BBQ. Their ultra-creamy mac would be perfect just plain. But top it with their chopped brisket, jalapeños and breadcrumbs — chef’s kiss.

Old Southern BBQ, Section 122

There are plenty of burgers to choose from at the stadium, but we like to go local when we can, and this would be our new top pick: Birch’s on the Lake’s supremely smashed, skirt-encrusted double patty with a sauce that’s surprisingly spicy. (Shout-out to another excellent contender, the Parlour burger, in Sections 118 and 344).

Birch’s on the Lake, Sections 111, 328

Tender Lovin’ Chix, Section 121

Extra point:

Hippo Pockets makes its U.S. Bank Stadium debut with two flavors of its signature pressed wraps, but the thing that got us talking? This cinnamon crunch bar, a breakfast cereal treat that comes in a giant slab for sharing. It’s elevated by brown butter, marshmallow cream, and yes, those little Lucky Charms marshmallows on top.