Hush Puppies

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Golden, crispy, and full of Southern charm — Hush Puppies are the perfect bite-sized treat that never fail to impress. Whether you’re pairing them with seafood, barbecue, or enjoying them as a savory snack all on their own, these little cornmeal fritters are a delightful blend of crunch and comfort. With a warm, fluffy center and a perfectly seasoned crust, they bring a rustic soul-food flavor to any table.

Traditionally deep-fried and made from a simple batter of cornmeal, flour, and a touch of sugar, Hush Puppies are quick to whip up and deeply satisfying. Serve them with tangy dipping sauces or creamy coleslaw, and you’ll have a plate of pure Southern bliss. They’re also a fun crowd-pleaser, ideal for cookouts, parties, and cozy family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Hush Puppies Recipe

These Hush Puppies are:

• Extra crispy on the outside, yet soft and tender inside.
• Made with pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes.
• Easy to customize with add-ins like jalapeños, cheese, or crumbled bacon.
• Great as a side dish, appetizer, or snack.
• Naturally vegetarian, and can be made gluten-free.

What Kind of Cornmeal Should I Use for Hush Puppies?

For the best texture and flavor, use fine or medium-ground yellow cornmeal. Avoid coarse cornmeal as it can make the hush puppies gritty. Self-rising cornmeal is a great shortcut if you have it, but you can also make your own mix using plain cornmeal with baking powder and a pinch of salt. The yellow cornmeal adds that signature color and a slightly sweet, toasty flavor that’s key to authentic hush puppies.

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Ingredients for the Hush Puppies

Each ingredient in this Hush Puppies recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance of crispy edges and tender interior:

• Yellow Cornmeal – This is the foundation of the recipe, giving hush puppies their signature color, texture, and slightly sweet flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – Helps provide structure and binds the batter together.
• Baking Powder – Leavens the mixture, creating a fluffy, light interior.
• Salt – Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Sugar – Just a touch to balance the savory ingredients and enhance browning.
• Buttermilk – Adds tang and moisture, making the batter rich and flavorful.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients and helps create a fluffy texture.
• Grated Onion – Adds a mild, savory depth and classic hush puppy taste.
• Optional Mix-ins (like jalapeños, shredded cheese, or crumbled bacon) – For a custom twist on the classic.
• Oil for Frying – Neutral oil like vegetable or peanut oil is best for deep frying.

How To Make the Hush Puppies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir everything together so it’s evenly distributed.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Make a well in the center of your dry mixture and add the buttermilk, egg, and grated onion. Stir just until the batter comes together. It should be thick but scoopable.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate frying temperature.

Step 4: Scoop and Fry

Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if needed.

Step 5: Cook Until Golden Brown

Fry the hush puppies for 2–3 minutes per side, turning occasionally until they’re evenly golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm with dipping sauces or as a side dish.

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Serving and Storing These Hush Puppies

These hush puppies are best served hot and fresh from the fryer when their crispy crust is at its peak. They make a fantastic side dish, appetizer, or even a fun snack for gatherings. This recipe makes about 20 hush puppies, easily serving 4–6 people depending on portion size.

To store leftovers, let them cool completely and place in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and re-crisped.

For longer storage, you can also freeze hush puppies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer for a quick snack or side.

What to Serve With Hush Puppies?

Fried Catfish

A Southern classic combo – crispy hush puppies and golden fried catfish are a match made in heaven.

Barbecue Ribs

The smokiness of slow-cooked ribs pairs beautifully with the savory bite of hush puppies.

Creamy Coleslaw

The tang and crunch of coleslaw offer a refreshing contrast to the fried goodness.

Shrimp and Grits

Add a Southern twist by serving hush puppies alongside shrimp and grits.

Chili

Dip hush puppies in a warm, hearty chili for a comfort food feast.

Crab Cakes

For a seafood platter, hush puppies are the ideal fried counterpart.

Spicy Remoulade or Aioli

These zesty sauces make excellent dips for hush puppies.

Southern Greens

A side of collard or mustard greens rounds out a full Southern meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make hush puppies ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the batter a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry. Fried hush puppies are best eaten fresh, but reheating in an oven or air fryer will help bring back their crispiness.

Q2: Can I bake hush puppies instead of frying them?
While traditionally deep-fried, hush puppies can be baked in a mini muffin pan at 400°F for 12–15 minutes. They won’t be as crispy but will still taste great.

Q3: How do I keep hush puppies from falling apart in the oil?
Make sure your batter is thick enough and that the oil is at the correct temperature (around 350°F). If the oil is too cold, the batter absorbs it and gets soggy. Too hot, and they burn before cooking through.

Q4: What oil is best for frying hush puppies?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Q5: Are hush puppies gluten-free?
This recipe is not, but you can make it gluten-free by substituting a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest snack or side dish board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add jalapeños or bacon bits? Maybe a cheesy twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.
Find even more everyday Southern favorites on my Life With Livia Pinterest.

Conclusion

These hush puppies are a delicious way to bring a taste of the South to your table. Crunchy, golden, and packed with comforting flavor, they’re a breeze to whip up and always a hit. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving something crispy and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time.

Enjoy them fresh, dip them in something zesty, and don’t forget to bookmark or pin the recipe – you’ll want to come back to this one again and again.

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