If you’re looking for a classic Southern side dish that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor, these Southern hush puppies are exactly what you need. Perfect for pairing with seafood, fried chicken, or a simple BBQ spread, hush puppies have that comforting, nostalgic quality that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t tried them sooner!
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Why You’ll Love Southern Hush Puppies
These little fried delights are more than just a tasty treat—they’re a Southern tradition that’s been loved for generations. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
Crispy & Fluffy: The outside gets perfectly golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft and fluffy. The texture is just irresistible!
Quick & Easy: You don’t need to be a seasoned cook to make hush puppies. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have them ready in no time.
Perfect for Pairing: Whether you’re serving them alongside fried fish, shrimp, or even as an appetizer for a BBQ, these hush puppies will always be the star of the show.
Customizable: Want to spice things up? You can toss in some chopped jalapeños or bell peppers for an extra kick. Or, keep it classic—either way, they’ll be delicious.
Crowd-Pleasing: They’re always a hit at parties and gatherings. Kids and adults alike can’t resist these crunchy little bites!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these golden, crispy bites of goodness:
Cornmeal: The base for the hush puppies. It gives them that signature texture and flavor.
Flour: A bit of flour helps give them structure and balance out the cornmeal.
Baking Powder: This little ingredient is what gives your hush puppies that fluffy, light texture inside.
Eggs: They help bind everything together, ensuring your hush puppies hold their shape.
Milk: The liquid that makes the batter smooth and gives it the right consistency.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch to each bite.
Sugar: Just a pinch of sugar brings a hint of sweetness that balances out the savory flavors.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning—don’t forget to taste as you go!
Oil: For frying. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil or canola oil, to achieve that crispy, golden exterior.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make these crispy bites? Let’s go!
Prepare the Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F. The oil should be hot enough to cook the hush puppies quickly and evenly.
Make the Batter: In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chopped onion. Add the eggs and milk, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick but spoonable.
Fry the Hush Puppies: Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the hush puppies are golden brown and cooked through.
Drain & Serve: Once they’re crispy and golden, remove the hush puppies from the oil and drain them on paper towels. Serve warm!
How to Serve Southern Hush Puppies
These hush puppies are the perfect accompaniment to any Southern meal. Here are some ways to serve them:
With Fried Fish or Shrimp: A classic Southern pairing—crispy hush puppies alongside fried seafood is a match made in heaven.
BBQ: Serve them with smoky, flavorful BBQ for a true Southern feast. They soak up the sauces beautifully!
As an Appetizer: These little bites are perfect as a snack or appetizer at your next get-together.
With Gravy or Honey Butter: For an extra treat, drizzle them with some homemade gravy or serve with honey butter for dipping.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make these hush puppies even better:
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the hush puppies in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent and ensure they cook evenly.
Check Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the hush puppies might burn on the outside and stay raw inside. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and be greasy.
Make Them Spicy: If you like a little heat, try adding finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the batter.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (unlikely, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven or in a hot pan to bring back that crispy texture.
Double the Batch: These hush puppies freeze well! Make extra and freeze them for a future snack or meal.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make hush puppies ahead of time?
A1: They’re best fresh, but if you need to make them ahead of time, you can fry them and then reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Q2: Can I use a different type of flour?
A2: You can experiment with corn flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but cornmeal is key to the texture of hush puppies.
Q3: Can I bake hush puppies instead of frying them?
A3: While frying gives them that crispy texture, you can bake them at 375°F for about 20 minutes. Just know they might not be quite as crispy.
Q4: How do I store leftover hush puppies?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or a skillet to crisp them up.
Q5: Can I freeze hush puppies?
A5: Yes! After frying, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Q6: Can I make these without onions?
A6: Yes! You can skip the onions if you prefer, or even try adding other seasonings or ingredients like garlic or bell peppers.
Q7: How do I know when the hush puppies are done frying?
A7: When they’re golden brown and float to the top of the oil, they’re ready to be removed.
Q8: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A8: Yes! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before frying.
Q9: What kind of oil should I use?
A9: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for the best frying results.
Q10: Can I make hush puppies in a deep fryer?
A10: Absolutely! A deep fryer is perfect for cooking hush puppies evenly, just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for oil temperature and frying times.
Conclusion
Southern hush puppies are a must-have at any meal. With their perfect balance of crispy and fluffy, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re serving them at a BBQ, with fried fish, or just as a snack, these hush puppies are bound to be a hit every time. Enjoy!
Print
Southern Hush Puppies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy, golden fried hush puppies are the perfect side dish for any Southern meal, with a delightful crunch and flavor
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add wet ingredients:
- Stir in the egg, buttermilk, and milk, and mix until just combined. Add the chopped onion and stir to distribute. The batter should be thick but slightly spoonable.
- Heat the oil:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the hush puppies:
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and cool:
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the hush puppies from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like tartar sauce, ranch, or honey butter.
Notes
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Add-ins: You can mix in corn kernels or chopped bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Use self-rising flour: If you don’t have baking powder, you can use self-rising flour in place of the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
- Make ahead: You can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hush puppy
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg