Crispy Southern Hush Puppies
Golden, crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside, these homemade Southern hush puppies are the perfect side dish for any meal! Whether you’re serving them with fried fish, barbecue, or enjoying them as a snack, this easy hush puppy recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Hush Puppies Recipe
Hush puppies are a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, known for their crunchy texture and rich, cornbread-like flavor. This recipe is simple, customizable, and perfect for any occasion.
✔️ Crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior
✔️ Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
✔️ Perfect pairing for seafood, barbecue, or comfort food
✔️ Easy to customize with add-ins like cheese, jalapeños, or bacon
What Are Hush Puppies?
Hush puppies are deep-fried cornmeal fritters, a classic Southern side dish. They have a golden, crunchy exterior and a tender, airy interior. Traditionally served with fried catfish or shrimp, they’re a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.
Tips for Perfect Hush Puppies
Follow these tips to make the best hush puppies every time:
✔️ Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even frying.
✔️ Avoid overmixing the batter to keep them light and fluffy.
✔️ Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even cooking.
✔️ Customize with add-ins like cheese, bacon, or sweet corn.
✔️ For a healthier option, bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes in a mini muffin pan.
What to Serve with Hush Puppies
These crispy bites pair perfectly with:
🍽️ Fish or shrimp
🍽️ Barbecue ribs or pulled pork
🍽️ Southern-style mac and cheese
🍽️ Collard greens or coleslaw
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers:
Let hush puppies cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Freeze hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating:
For the best results, reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
FAQs About Hush Puppies
Can I make hush puppies without buttermilk?
Yes! Substitute with whole milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar.
Why are my hush puppies greasy?
The oil temperature might be too low. Keep it at 350°F to avoid excess oil absorption.
Can I air-fry hush puppies?
Absolutely! Spray with oil and air-fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
This crispy hush puppy recipe brings a touch of Southern comfort to any meal. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a dipping sauce, they’re sure to become a family favorite!
Crispy Southern Hush Puppies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- Cornmeal – Creates the classic crisp texture.
- All-purpose flour – Helps keep them light and fluffy.
- Baking powder & baking soda – Adds lift for a soft inside.
- Salt sugar, onion powder & garlic powder – Enhances flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
- Buttermilk – Adds richness and a slight tang. Substitute: Whole milk + 1 tsp vinegar
- Egg – Helps bind the batter together.
- Melted butter – Gives extra flavor and softness. Optional
- Finely diced onion – Traditional for added flavor. Optional
- Diced jalapeños – For a spicy kick! Optional
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil – Heats evenly and crisps the hush puppies perfectly
Instructions
Heat the Oil
- Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or Dutch oven. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Keeping the oil at the right temperature is essential for crispy, golden hush puppies.
Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, diced onion, and jalapeños (if using). Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The batter should be thick but not overmixed, as this ensures light, airy hush puppies.
Fry the Hush Puppies
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally for even browning. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Once done, remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve & Enjoy
- Hush puppies are best served warm, paired with honey butter, tartar sauce, or remoulade.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a touch of sweetness, increase the sugar to 1 tablespoon.
- For extra crispiness, use self-rising cornmeal and a splash of club soda.
- For a healthier option, bake in a mini muffin tin at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.
- For even cooking, avoid crowding the pan when frying.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with your friends.
More Southern Comfort Recipes to Try:
👉 Southern Fried Catfish
👉 Homemade Buttermilk Cornbread
👉 Classic Shrimp & Grits
Pin This Recipe for Later! 📌
