Hush Puppies Recipe

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Golden, crisp, and utterly irresistible, hush puppies are a beloved Southern side that add the perfect crunch to any meal. These bite-sized cornmeal fritters are deeply satisfying on their own or paired with catfish, barbecue, or shrimp. With a tender, fluffy interior and a crackly, golden-brown crust, it’s no wonder hush puppies are a staple at cookouts and comfort food dinners.

This hush puppies recipe is simple but delivers big flavor thanks to onion, a touch of sugar, and creamy buttermilk. Whether you’re making them for a fish fry or just craving something savory and fried, these hush puppies come together quickly and fry up beautifully every time. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to get the best texture and taste.

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What Kind of Cornmeal Should I Use?

For authentic Southern hush puppies, yellow cornmeal is traditional and provides a rich, slightly sweet flavor with a hearty texture. Look for medium-grind cornmeal—it adds the perfect level of grit while still producing a soft interior. Avoid using cornmeal mixes that contain flour and leaveners, as we’ll be adding those separately for better control over the final result.

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Ingredients for the Hush Puppies Recipe

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal (medium grind)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• Vegetable oil for frying

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How To Make the Hush Puppies Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the chopped onion until well distributed.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix it with the buttermilk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix—a few lumps are okay.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a deep pot or cast iron skillet, pour in vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure consistent frying temperature.

Step 3: Fry the Hush Puppies

Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, carefully drop tablespoon-sized balls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the hush puppies to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Serve the hush puppies hot, ideally right after frying, with your favorite dipping sauces or as a side to a main dish. Enjoy the crunch!

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Serving and Storing Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are best served fresh and hot from the fryer. Their crispy exterior and steamy, fluffy interior are at their peak just minutes after cooking. Pair them with seafood dishes like fried catfish or shrimp, or serve them with barbecue ribs, coleslaw, or even a bowl of chili. A side of spicy remoulade, honey butter, or tartar sauce makes them even better.

If you have leftovers, store cooled hush puppies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep hush puppies from falling apart?

If your hush puppies are crumbling in the oil, the batter may be too dry. Try adding a bit more buttermilk to reach a scoopable consistency.

Can I bake hush puppies instead of frying?

They’re traditionally fried, but you can bake them at 400°F in a greased mini muffin pan for 12-15 minutes. The texture will be less crispy.

What oil is best for frying hush puppies?

Vegetable oil or peanut oil are ideal due to their high smoke points and neutral flavor.

Can I make hush puppies ahead of time?

You can mix the dry ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight container. Combine with wet ingredients just before frying.

Can I freeze leftover hush puppies?

Yes! Freeze in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If these crispy hush puppies won your heart, you’ll definitely want to try a few more irresistible snackable bites:

• Cheesy Pizza Bombs are gooey, golden, and perfect for game night.
• Candied Jalapeños deliver a sweet-heat combo that pairs wonderfully with hush puppies.
• Sausage Rolls make a hearty and satisfying party platter centerpiece.
• Funnel Cake Bites add a sweet finish to your snack spread.
• Buffalo Roasted Cauliflower is a tangy, spicy vegetarian favorite.

These crowd-pleasing recipes are sure to make your next gathering more delicious.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so it’s always within reach when the craving strikes.

And don’t forget to drop a comment! Did you add jalapeños to the batter? Maybe a sprinkle of cheese? I love hearing how these get personalized in your kitchen.

For more daily recipes and kitchen inspo, follow along on Pinterest at Nina Dishes. Let’s keep the cooking fun and flavorful!

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