Crispy Fried Mushrooms with Cool Ranch Dip are the ultimate snack or appetizer, combining crunchy, golden-brown mushrooms with a creamy, tangy ranch dip. The mushrooms are coated in a seasoned batter, deep-fried to perfection, and paired with a refreshing homemade ranch sauce that enhances their earthy flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a movie night, or simply craving a satisfying bite, this recipe delivers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Fried Mushrooms:
- 1 lb button mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cool Ranch Dip:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel (avoid rinsing them under water to prevent excess moisture).
- Trim the stems and set the mushrooms aside.
- Make the Buttermilk Soak:
- In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the mushrooms and let them soak for 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, and additional salt and pepper.
- Coat the Mushrooms:
- Remove the mushrooms from the buttermilk soak and dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Until Golden:
- Carefully drop the coated mushrooms into the hot oil.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Cool Ranch Dip:
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley.
- Chill for 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the crispy mushrooms on a platter and serve with the cool ranch dip.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with spicy ketchup or honey mustard for variety.
- Serve alongside fresh vegetable sticks for a balanced snack.
- Enjoy with a cold drink or cocktail for a perfect appetizer.
Tips for the Best Fried Mushrooms:
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They create an extra crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Fry in batches to maintain even cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Add more cayenne or smoked paprika for extra spice.
These Crispy Fried Mushrooms with Cool Ranch Dip are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a satisfying crunch with a creamy, flavorful dip. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just treating yourself, they’re sure to be a hit! 🍄✨
For more details, check out this recipe.