There’s nothing quite like a batch of Southern Hush Puppies: golden, crispy on the outside, pillowy and tender on the inside, with a subtle, savory sweetness that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re pairing them with fried fish at a backyard cookout or simply craving a classic taste of the South, these little cornmeal fritters have an iconic flavor that brings folks together. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making (and loving) these down-home favorites!

Southern Hush Puppies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best Southern Hush Puppies start with honest, simple ingredients—each one playing a crucial role in the final flavor and texture. From the rich tang of buttermilk to that Southern staple, yellow cornmeal, here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch that’ll disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

Yellow cornmeal: Gives hush puppies their authentic, earthy flavor and pretty golden color.
All-purpose flour: Adds lightness and structure to the batter, creating a perfect tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch balances out the savoriness and brings all the flavors to life.
Baking powder: Ensures those hush puppies puff up beautifully as they fry.
Baking soda: Works alongside the buttermilk for extra rise and tenderness.
Salt: Enhances all the classic Southern flavors in every bite.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle background warmth that keeps things interesting.
Onion powder: Gives that beloved savory note, so essential to a hush puppy’s charm.
Garlic powder: Provides a gentle aromatic lift, making each bite more complex.
Finely chopped onion: Brings moisture, texture, and a mellow, sweet-savory burst.
Buttermilk: The secret to a tangy, rich batter with unbeatable tenderness.
Large egg: Binds everything together and gives you that perfect hush puppy bite.
Vegetable oil for frying: Good-quality oil is key for crisp, golden results—don’t skimp here!

How to Make Southern Hush Puppies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing your biggest mixing bowl, because you’re going to want some elbow room! Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. The idea is to get these ingredients evenly combined so every hush puppy has the full spectrum of flavor.

Step 2: Add the Onion

Toss in the finely chopped onion, stirring it into the dry mixture. This bit of real, fresh onion is part of that classic hush puppy essence—it ensures moistness inside every bite, plus little flecks of sweetness throughout.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the egg until nice and uniform. Buttermilk brings a special tang and tenderness here, making sure your Southern Hush Puppies have that irresistible soft interior.

Step 4: Combine the Batters

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is just mixed—don’t overwork the batter! It should be thick, almost scoopable, so you’ll get gorgeous round hush puppies that fry up perfectly.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Fill a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet with about 2 inches of vegetable oil, heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one, as the right temperature is key for that crispy outside without any oiliness.

Step 6: Scoop and Fry

Using a small cookie scoop or a couple of spoons, carefully drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the hot oil—work in batches so you don’t crowd the pan. Each hush puppy will fry for 2 to 3 minutes, becoming beautifully golden and crisp. Make sure to turn them occasionally for even coloring.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Using a slotted spoon, transfer your golden morsels to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve these beauties warm, when they’re at their absolute best!

How to Serve Southern Hush Puppies

Garnishes

Southern Hush Puppies are delightful all on their own, but a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs—think chives or parsley—can add a pop of color and brightness. A dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot honey also brings an unexpected twist to the table.

Side Dishes

No Southern spread is complete without hush puppies nestled alongside your favorites. Pair them with crispy fried catfish, barbecue chicken, or tangy coleslaw for a balanced meal. They soak up sauces and juices like a dream, adding heartiness to any plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Southern Hush Puppies into an appetizer centerpiece by serving them with a trio of dipping sauces—think honey butter, creamy remoulade, and classic tartar sauce. You can even stuff the batter with jalapeños or cheddar for extra flair, or serve them “mini” on skewers for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftover hush puppies, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll stay tasty and soft inside, though reheating will help you bring back their best crispy finish.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked hush puppies cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a resealable bag and keep for up to two months. When hush puppy cravings hit, you’ll be ready!

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat leftover Southern Hush Puppies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 8 minutes, or pop them in an air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crunchy. Microwave reheating will work if you’re in a hurry, but you’ll sacrifice some of that golden crust.

FAQs

Can I substitute milk for buttermilk in this recipe?

Absolutely! Regular milk will work in a pinch, but for the tang and tenderness that make Southern Hush Puppies sing, you can make your own “quick buttermilk” by adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 3/4 cup milk and letting it sit for five minutes.

What’s the best oil for frying hush puppies?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil all work beautifully for frying. The key is to use an oil with a high smoke point so your hush puppies get crisp and golden without burning or turning greasy.

Why do my hush puppies sometimes turn out dense or oily?

This usually happens if the oil temperature is too low, causing the batter to absorb excess oil. Make sure your oil is at 350°F before adding batter, and fry in small batches to keep the temperature steady for light and fluffy hush puppies every time.

Can I add extras like cheese or jalapeños?

Yes! Chopped jalapeños, shredded cheddar, or even bits of cooked bacon can be folded right into the batter for a fun, flavorful twist. Just be sure not to overload, so your Southern Hush Puppies keep that perfect texture.

How do I keep hush puppies warm for serving a crowd?

After frying, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and keep them in a 200°F oven. They’ll stay crisp and warm until you’re ready to serve, making it easy to feed a crowd without stress.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Southern Hush Puppies have earned their spot as a staple at so many family tables—they’re easy, delicious, and guaranteed to put smiles on everyone’s faces. Don’t wait for your next fish fry; give these a try soon, and enjoy that unmistakable taste of Southern comfort!

Southern Hush Puppies Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 18 to 20 hush puppies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious Southern Hush Puppies – crispy, golden nuggets of cornmeal goodness. These savory fritters are perfect as a side dish or appetizer, with a hint of sweetness and a touch of spice.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Add chopped onion.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk and egg. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
Fry: Heat oil to 350°F, drop spoonfuls of batter into oil, fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Drain and Serve: Remove hush puppies, drain on paper towels, and serve warm.