Description
Crispy Fried Mushrooms with Cool Ranch Dip offer a crunchy, golden-battered mushroom snack paired perfectly with a creamy, tangy ranch sauce infused with fresh herbs. This easy-to-make, vegetarian-friendly appetizer is an irresistible crowd-pleaser ideal for parties, game days, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh whole white or cremini mushrooms
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying (about 4 cups)
Cool Ranch Dip
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet cool ranch dip mix (about 1 oz)
Instructions
- Prep the Mushrooms: Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and trim stems if needed. Make sure the mushrooms are thoroughly dry before starting the battering process to ensure coating sticks well.
- Mix the Batter: In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
- Coat the Mushrooms: Dip each mushroom first into the egg and buttermilk mixture, then thoroughly dredge it in the flour mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the dip and dredge process.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking and a crunchy texture.
- Fry the Mushrooms: Carefully place coated mushrooms into the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until deep golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- Prepare the Cool Ranch Dip: In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning mix until smooth. Chill the dip to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the warm crispy mushrooms with the chilled cool ranch dip. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Ensure mushrooms are as dry as possible before coating to help batter stick better.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to avoid soggy or burnt mushrooms.
- Double dredging the mushrooms creates an extra thick and crispy crust.
- Make the ranch dip ahead of time and refrigerate to enhance flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Drain fried mushrooms on a wire rack to preserve their crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Deep frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: fried mushrooms, crispy mushrooms, ranch dip, appetizer, vegetarian snack, party food, game day snack