These easy hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish made with a savory cornmeal batter, then fried until golden brown, crisp on the outside, and tender in the center. They are simple to prepare, delicious with dipping sauces, and always fun to serve.
If you enjoy cozy comfort food recipes, you may also like Biscuits with Sausage Gravy or a creamy Sweet Corn Casserole.
Hush puppies are small, deep-fried balls of seasoned cornmeal batter. They are especially popular as a side dish with seafood, but they are just as welcome next to barbecue, fried chicken, or any meal that needs a warm and crispy bite on the side. Their charm is in the contrast: a crunchy, golden crust with a soft, lightly savory inside.
This easy hush puppies recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, including yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, buttermilk, egg, and a few seasonings. The batter comes together quickly and does not require any complicated technique. Once the oil is hot, spoonfuls of batter are dropped in and fried until beautifully browned. Serve them fresh while they are still warm for the best texture.
There is no big secret to making great homemade hush puppies. The most important things are to mix the batter until thick, keep the oil at the right temperature, and avoid overcrowding the pot while frying. Buttermilk gives the batter a tender texture and a slight tang. If you do not have buttermilk, a homemade version made with half-and-half or whole milk and apple cider vinegar can be used.
Ingredients:
- cornmeal: Yellow cornmeal gives hush puppies their classic flavor and texture.
- flour: All-purpose flour helps hold the batter together. Whole wheat flour can also be used.
- sugar: A small amount balances the savory flavor without making the hush puppies too sweet.
- baking powder and baking soda: These help the batter puff up as it fries.
- seasoning: Salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder add simple savory flavor.
- egg: The egg helps bind the batter.
- buttermilk: Use store-bought buttermilk or a homemade version made with half-and-half and apple cider vinegar.
- oil for frying: Peanut, canola, or vegetable oil works well for deep frying.
How to make Hush Puppies?
- Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. This includes cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and seasonings.
- In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk the egg and buttermilk until smooth.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until a thick batter forms.
- Heat the oil in a pot until it reaches 365 degrees F.
- Carefully drop tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, working in batches.
- Fry until the hush puppies are golden brown and crisp.
- Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to serve Hush Puppies?
Hush puppies are best served hot, soon after frying, when the outside is still crisp. They are commonly served with honey butter or tartar sauce for dipping. They also pair well with seafood dinners, barbecue meals, and casual family-style spreads. Their mild cornmeal flavor makes them a versatile side dish that works with both rich and tangy sauces.
Variations:
This homemade hush puppies recipe is a great base for adding extra flavor. Keep the batter thick and avoid adding too many mix-ins at once so the hush puppies fry evenly.
- cheese: Stir shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the batter before frying.
- peppers: Add chopped green bell peppers or jalapenos for more flavor and a little heat.
- sweet: For a dessert-style variation, roll freshly fried hush puppies in cinnamon sugar.
Storing:
Hush puppies taste best right after frying, while they are hot and crispy. If you need to make them ahead, let them cool completely, then store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the microwave just before serving. The texture will be softer than freshly fried hush puppies, but they will still make a tasty side dish.
More side dish recipes:
- Crispy Zucchini Fries
- Fried Ravioli
- Hashbrown Casserole
- Corn Fritters
For more recipes like this one, browse the Side Dish Category.
Hush Puppies
Ingredients
- ¾ cup yellow cornmeal
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup buttermilk See note for homemade version
- oil for frying
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
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In a smaller bowl or measuring cup, whisk the egg and buttermilk until combined.
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a thick batter forms.
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Heat the oil in a pot until it reaches 365 degrees F.
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Drop tablespoons of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
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Remove the hush puppies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
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Serve warm with honey butter, tartar sauce, or your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 36g
| Protein: 7g
| Fat: 4g
| Sodium: 395mg