Green Chile Hush Puppies with Garlic Aioli

If you’ve ever dreamed of crispy, golden, bite-sized morsels bursting with flavor, these Green Chile Hush Puppies with Garlic Aioli are going to make that dream a reality. Imagine tender, fluffy hush puppies with a slight kick from green chiles, paired with a garlicky, creamy aioli that takes every bite to the next level. They’re savory, slightly sweet, and utterly addictive—perfect for parties, dinners, or just a cozy snack on a chilly evening.

These hush puppies bring a little Southern charm to your kitchen while adding a playful twist with green chiles and a homemade garlic aioli. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and have just enough heat to make your taste buds sing. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll find yourself sneaking one… or ten!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Fluffy

The hush puppies are golden and crunchy on the outside while staying soft and tender inside—a perfect texture combination.

Flavorful Kick

Green chiles add a touch of heat and depth, while the garlic aioli balances with creamy, tangy richness.

Quick and Easy

Using a boxed hush puppy mix simplifies things, so you can focus on flavor and frying perfection without fuss.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving them as a side, appetizer, or snack, these hush puppies are always a hit.

Customizable

Want more spice? Add extra chiles or a dash of cayenne. Prefer mild? Just reduce the green chile amount.

Recipe Origin

Hush puppies are a Southern classic, traditionally made from cornmeal and deep-fried until golden. This version adds green chiles for a Southwestern twist, and a homemade garlic aioli takes the flavor to a gourmet level. Think of it as Southern comfort food meeting bold, zesty flavor—perfect for modern kitchens.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Paper towels for draining
• Small bowl for aioli
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients in Green Chile Hush Puppies with Garlic Aioli

These hush puppies are a symphony of crispy, tender, spicy, and creamy flavors that work together beautifully.

Green Chiles

Adds subtle heat and a smoky, tangy flavor that elevates the classic hush puppy.

Hush Puppy Mix

Provides the base—cornmeal goodness that bakes up soft inside and crispy outside.

Egg and Milk

Bind the batter and help create that light, fluffy texture everyone loves.

Honey

Just a touch of sweetness balances the savory flavors and enhances the golden crust.

Vegetable Oil

Essential for frying to achieve that perfect, crunchy exterior.

Garlic Aioli

Mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and a touch of ketchup make a creamy, flavorful dip that’s irresistible with each hush puppy bite.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make these crispy, flavorful hush puppies:

Prepare the Garlic Aioli

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, ketchup, parsley, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning as needed and set aside while you fry the hush puppies.

Make the Hush Puppy Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine Tony’s Crispy Creole Hush Puppy Mix, egg, milk, and honey. Fold in the green chiles until evenly distributed. The batter should be thick but scoopable.

Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or fryer, heat about 2 cups of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a drop of batter is added.

Fry the Hush Puppies

Scoop spoonfuls of batter and carefully drop into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain temperature and crispiness.

Drain

Remove hush puppies with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve

Serve warm with garlic aioli on the side for dipping. These hush puppies are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack.

Nutrition Facts

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How to Serve Green Chile Hush Puppies

Side Dish

Perfect alongside fried fish, shrimp, or a Southern-inspired meal.

Appetizer

Arrange on a platter with garlic aioli for parties, game days, or gatherings.

Snack

These hush puppies are equally satisfying as a quick snack straight from the fryer.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the aioli ahead of time and store in the fridge.
• Batter can be mixed and held for 15–20 minutes while oil heats.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or more green chiles.
• Cheesy Version: Fold in shredded cheddar or pepper jack for extra richness.
• Herb Twist: Mix in fresh cilantro or chives for a bright flavor.
• Mini Hush Puppies: Make smaller bites for party platters.
• Sweet & Savory: Add a touch more honey to the batter for a subtle sweet crunch.

Additional Tips

• Ensure oil is hot enough to avoid greasy hush puppies.
• Fry in small batches for consistent color and texture.
• Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
• Adjust seasoning in aioli to taste, balancing garlic, lemon, and salt.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I bake the hush puppies instead of frying?
A1: You can, but frying gives that signature golden, crispy exterior.

Q2: Can I make the aioli ahead of time?
A2: Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q3: Can I use canned green chiles?
A3: Absolutely! Just drain and chop before adding to the batter.

Q4: Can I make these hush puppies gluten-free?
A4: Substitute a gluten-free hush puppy mix to make them safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Q5: How long do they last?
A5: Best eaten immediately, but can be kept in the fridge for a day and reheated.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, just fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Q7: Can I use a different dipping sauce?
A7: Ranch, spicy mayo, or even a tangy aioli variation works beautifully.

Q8: Can I make mini hush puppies?
A8: Yes, adjust frying time slightly for smaller sizes.

Q9: How do I prevent them from absorbing too much oil?
A9: Ensure oil is at proper temperature and don’t overcrowd the pan.

Q10: Can I adjust the spice level?
A10: Yes, use mild or hot green chiles depending on your preference.

Conclusion

These Green Chile Hush Puppies with Garlic Aioli are a crunchy, flavorful, and slightly spicy Southern-inspired treat. Perfect as a side, appetizer, or snack, they’re easy to make yet impressive enough for parties or gatherings. Golden, crisp, and tender inside, with a creamy garlic aioli for dipping, they bring bold flavors and fun textures to your table. Make a batch, serve them warm, and watch everyone go back for seconds… or thirds!

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