Hush Puppies Recipe

Save this recipe on:

Golden, crispy, and tender on the inside, Hush Puppies are the ultimate Southern comfort snack. These deep-fried cornmeal balls are the perfect sidekick to fried fish, barbecue, or a bold remoulade sauce. Whether you’re preparing a backyard fish fry or just craving something crunchy, these hush puppies deliver pure nostalgic joy in every bite.

What makes them extra special is the balance of texture—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy within—plus that slight touch of sweetness that makes them irresistible. Once you’ve made these from scratch, you’ll never go back to the frozen kind again. They’re quick to mix, easy to fry, and always a crowd favorite.

---

What Kind of Cornmeal Should I Use?

Use finely ground yellow cornmeal for that iconic golden hue and traditional taste. Avoid using coarse cornmeal, which can make the texture gritty rather than light and fluffy. If you’re aiming for an even more tender interior, a mix of cornmeal and all-purpose flour does the trick beautifully.

---

Ingredients for the Hush Puppies Recipe

Yellow Cornmeal – The star of the show, giving hush puppies their classic flavor and texture.
All-Purpose Flour – Helps to lighten the batter and gives structure.
Baking Powder – Essential for lift and fluffiness inside.
Sugar – Adds just a hint of sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory flavors.
Salt – Enhances all the other ingredients.
Buttermilk – Keeps the inside moist and slightly tangy.
Egg – Binds everything together.
Onion (grated or finely minced) – Adds a savory depth and signature Southern taste.
Oil for Frying – Peanut or vegetable oil works best for even browning and crisp texture.

---

How To Make the Hush Puppies Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg until well blended.

Step 3: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the finely minced onion. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes to hydrate.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature.

Step 5: Fry the Hush Puppies

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop the batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Remove the hush puppies with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

---

How to Serve and Store Hush Puppies

Serve hush puppies warm, ideally right after frying, when their edges are still crispy and the insides pillowy soft. Pair them with fried fish, shrimp, or classic BBQ plates. They also shine with a dollop of Louisiana remoulade or spicy aioli.

To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely and place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore the crispiness—avoid microwaving, which makes them soggy.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use white cornmeal instead of yellow?

Yes, you can, but the flavor will be slightly milder and the color won’t have that classic golden hue.

Can I make hush puppies in an air fryer?

You can, but they won’t have quite the same deep-fried crunch. Air fry at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

How do I keep hush puppies from falling apart in the oil?

Make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F) and don’t overcrowd the pan. Also, avoid overmixing the batter.

Can I add other ingredients like jalapeño or cheese?

Absolutely! Chopped jalapeños, scallions, or shredded cheese are great additions for extra flavor.

Can I freeze hush puppies?

Yes, freeze them after they’ve cooled. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best texture.

---

Want More Southern Side Ideas?

If you love these hush puppies, you’ll definitely want to try these other cozy favorites:

• Louisiana Remoulade Sauce to pair perfectly with hush puppies.
• Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecanbread for a sweet counterpoint.
• Cheesy Cauliflower Patties for a veggie-packed alternative.
• Winter Brittle if you’re after something crunchy and sweet.
• Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites for a hearty main to go alongside.

For more recipes like this, check out my daily creations on Pinterest: Life with Jam.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so it’s always within reach when the craving hits.

Have you tried this hush puppies recipe? Did you mix in anything extra like cheddar or hot sauce? Let me know how they turned out in the comments below. I love seeing how others put their spin on it!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: