Name: Crispy Fried Mushrooms with Cool Ranch Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487103H50M9S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb button mushrooms; 1 cup flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 2 eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best); ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp ranch seasoning; 1 tsp dill; 1 tsp garlic powder

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These crispy fried mushrooms are a delicious appetizer or snack, featuring button mushrooms coated in a crunchy, seasoned breadcrumb crust. Paired with a creamy and tangy Cool Ranch Dip, this dish is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings for something crunchy and savory. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a tasty treat, these fried mushrooms with cool ranch dip are the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy fried mushrooms are always a crowd-pleaser! The mushrooms soak up the coating perfectly, providing a delightful crunch in every bite while maintaining their tender, juicy texture inside. The combination of flour, cornstarch, and breadcrumbs gives the mushrooms an extra crispy and golden finish. Paired with the homemade Cool Ranch Dip, this recipe offers a great balance of flavors and textures—creamy, tangy, and savory. It’s an irresistible treat that works well as an appetizer or snack.

Crispy Fried Mushrooms with Cool Ranch Dip

Ingredients

For the Mushrooms:

1 lb button mushrooms
1 cup flour
½ cup cornstarch
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups breadcrumbs (panko)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)

For the Cool Ranch Dip:

½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp ranch seasoning
1 tsp dill
1 tsp garlic powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Fried Mushrooms:

Prepare the mushrooms: Clean the button mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel. Trim the stems if necessary, but leave the caps whole.
Set up the breading station: In one shallow dish, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In a third shallow dish, add the breadcrumbs (panko).
Coat the mushrooms: Dip each mushroom into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
Heat the oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry the mushrooms: Fry the mushrooms in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mushrooms to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve: Serve the crispy fried mushrooms immediately while hot.

For the Cool Ranch Dip:

Mix the dip: In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, dill, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Chill: For the best flavor, refrigerate the dip for at least 15 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people as an appetizer.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes (depending on batch size)
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick.
Cheese-Coated Mushrooms: For an extra cheesy flavor, mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs before coating the mushrooms.
Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, substitute the buttermilk and eggs with plant-based alternatives (such as almond milk and a flaxseed egg) and use a dairy-free ranch seasoning for the dip.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover fried mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the mushrooms in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer for 3-5 minutes.
Dip Storage: The Cool Ranch Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of mushroom?

Yes, you can use other types of mushrooms, such as cremini or portobello, if you prefer. Just keep in mind that larger mushrooms may need to be sliced into smaller pieces for even frying.

2. How do I make the coating extra crispy?

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs and press them firmly onto the mushrooms during breading. You can also double-dip the mushrooms by dipping them in the egg and breadcrumbs twice.

3. Can I bake the mushrooms instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the mushrooms. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the breaded mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

4. How do I prevent the breading from falling off while frying?

Make sure each mushroom is well-coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and give them a gentle press when dipping into the breadcrumbs to ensure the coating sticks. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

5. Can I use a deep fryer instead of a skillet?

Yes, a deep fryer works well for frying the mushrooms. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and fry the mushrooms in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.

6. How can I make the dip spicier?

To make the Cool Ranch Dip spicier, add a teaspoon of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños to the dip.

7. Can I prepare the breading in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the breading mixture (flour, cornstarch, seasonings, and breadcrumbs) ahead of time and store it in separate containers until ready to use.

8. How do I make the dip thicker?

To make the dip thicker, reduce the amount of buttermilk or add a bit more sour cream or mayonnaise until the desired consistency is achieved.

9. Can I freeze the fried mushrooms?

Yes, you can freeze the fried mushrooms before or after frying. Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, bake them directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.

10. Can I make the Cool Ranch Dip without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use a vegan mayo alternative for a healthier or dairy-free option.

Conclusion

These crispy fried mushrooms with Cool Ranch Dip are the perfect snack or appetizer to serve at your next gathering. The crispy coating and tender mushrooms are paired with a creamy, tangy dip that elevates the dish to the next level. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just indulging in a delicious treat, these mushrooms are sure to be a hit!

Crispy Fried Mushrooms with Cool Ranch Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe