Jul 09 2026
Restaurants›Mac's Tavern›Mac’s Appetizer Basket Recipe

Mac’s Appetizer Basket Recipe

Inspired by Mac's Tavern
Time1h 30m
Serves4

Black & Tan Onion Rings, Fried Pickles, Mushrooms, & Cheese Curds Served with House Ranch & Chipotle Pub Sauce

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Ingredients

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Black & Tan Onion Rings

Fried Pickles

Fried Mushrooms

Cheese Curds

House Ranch Dressing

Chipotle Pub Sauce

Method

Black & Tan Onion Rings

  1. 1

    Prepare the Onions

    Slice the large onions into 1/4 inch thick rings and separate the rings.

  2. 2

    Make the Batter

    In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and beer until smooth.

  3. 3

    Heat the Oil

    In a large pot or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°F (190°C).

  4. 4

    Fry the Onion Rings

    Dip the onion rings into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Fry in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Fried Pickles

  1. 5

    Prepare the Pickles

    Drain the dill pickle slices and pat dry with paper towels.

  2. 6

    Make the Breading

    In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk.

  3. 7

    Heat the Oil

    In a large pot or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°F (190°C).

  4. 8

    Fry the Pickles

    Dip each pickle slice in the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture. Fry in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Fried Mushrooms

  1. 9

    Prepare the Mushrooms

    Clean the button mushrooms with a damp cloth and remove the stems.

  2. 10

    Make the Breading

    In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk.

  3. 11

    Heat the Oil

    In a large pot or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°F (190°C).

  4. 12

    Fry the Mushrooms

    Dip each mushroom in the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture followed by breadcrumbs. Fry in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Cheese Curds

  1. 13

    Prepare the Cheese Curds

    Set out the cheese curds and allow them to warm slightly at room temperature.

  2. 14

    Make the Breading

    In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk.

  3. 15

    Heat the Oil

    In a large pot or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°F (190°C).

  4. 16

    Fry the Cheese Curds

    Dip each cheese curd in the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture followed by breadcrumbs. Fry in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

House Ranch Dressing

  1. 17

    Mix the Ingredients

    In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.

  2. 18

    Refrigerate

    Cover and refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Chipotle Pub Sauce

  1. 19

    Mix the Ingredients

    In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

  2. 20

    Refrigerate

    Cover and refrigerate the chipotle pub sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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