Hush Puppies are flavorful cornmeal fritters, originating from the Southern culinary tradition, renowned for their crispy outer layer and soft interior. Typically consisting of yellow or white cornmeal, all-purpose flour, buttermilk, egg, Creole or Cajun seasoning, and other basics.
These Homemade Hush Puppies stand out as one of the most delightful and easily prepared fried treats. They're commonly enjoyed as a snack with dipping sauces like tartar and remoulade sauce. Additionally, they make a fantastic side dish to accompany fried chicken dishes, salads, and various other Southern-style dishes.
In the recipe I've provided below, you'll find step-by-step instructions to guide you through creating Hush Puppies in the comfort of your home. To further aid your cooking experience, I've included a detailed video of the recipe, ensuring that each cooking stage is visually comprehensible.
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What are Hush Puppies?
Hush Puppies are a beloved Southern treat cherished for their crispy outside and soft insides. They're usually made with cornmeal, all-purpose flour, buttermilk, eggs, and essential seasonings. These homemade delights are often enjoyed with dipping sauces or as a side dish to fried chicken dishes and simple salads, making them a staple in Southern meals.
The mix of hearty ingredients and spices creates Hush Puppies' distinctive flavor. If you're aiming for a sweeter variation, you have the option to use white cornmeal in place of the regular yellow variety. Additionally, increasing the amount of sugar can enhance the sweetness. On the other hand, for those seeking a fully savory experience, omitting the sugar is a viable choice. However, a touch of sugar contributes to a well-rounded taste without becoming overly sugary.
In summary, Hush Puppies are versatile treats perfect for snacking or enhancing your Southern spread. They can easily round off a satisfying lunch or dinner, fitting well alongside main dishes and contributing to a fulfilling meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
To create Hush Puppies, you'll require common ingredients found in most grocery stores, along with some spices. So let's explore them below.
- Cornmeal: A special ingredient that gives Hush Puppies their unique texture and hearty taste
- All-Purpose Flour: It makes sure everything holds together nicely. It helps the batter come together and keeps things balanced
- Baking Soda and Powder: These leavening agents make the Hush Puppies fluffy and light. They're the reason the inside is soft and delicious
- Buttermilk: Offers a subtle tang and moisture, it ensures the inside remains tender while complementing the crispy exterior
- Egg: Bind all the ingredients together. It gives the Hush Puppies structure and a nice richness
- Onion: Finely chopped onion brings a delicate savory note, enhancing the complexity of flavors
- Seasonings: A combination of Creole or Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and salt introduces layers of taste, inviting a touch of warmth and a well-rounded savoriness
- Sugar: Whether it's brown or white sugar, it makes everything come together. It balances the various elements for a satisfying taste
- Oil: Oils like canola or vegetable oil ensure a crisp, golden exterior while allowing the interior to remain tender when fried. You can also use other neutral cooking oils of your preference
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Hush Puppies at Home?
The recipe I've shared here is Hush Puppies, a delectable Southern treat, boasting a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. These golden-fried cornmeal delights are often served with dipping sauces as a snack or a savory addition to Southern-style meals.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
- Prepare Buttermilk and Egg Mixture: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this mixture aside to use later in the recipe
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, Creole or Cajun seasoning, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Stir these ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed
- Add Chopped Onion: Incorporate finely chopped onion into the dry mixture. Make sure the onion is finely chopped to ensure it's evenly distributed throughout the batter
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the buttermilk and egg mixture that you prepared earlier into the bowl with the dry ingredients and chopped onion. Mix everything together until you have a uniform thick batter. Start with a whisk and then switch to a spatula for thorough mixing. Set this batter aside while you heat the oil for frying
- Heat the Oil: In a frying pan, pour enough oil to submerge the Hush Puppies during frying. Heat the oil to a temperature between 350-365 °F (175-185 °C). To check if the oil is ready, you can drop a small portion of the Hush Puppy mixture into the oil. If it immediately floats to the surface and sizzles, the oil is at the right temperature
- Shape and Fry: Using either a cookie dough spoon or your hands, shape the Hush Puppy batter into round scoops. If using your hands, it's a good idea to shape the mixture and then transfer it onto a spoon before gently placing it into the hot oil. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan, as the Hush Puppies need space to fry evenly
- Fry Until Golden Brown: Gently drop the shaped batter into the hot oil. Fry the hush puppies for about 3-5 minutes on each side or until they turn a golden brown color. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking
- Remove and Drain: Once the Hush Puppies are cooked and have attained a crispy golden exterior, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them from the oil. Place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil
- Serve and Enjoy: Your freshly Fried Hush Puppies are now ready to be enjoyed!
Tips
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature between 350-365°F (175-185°C) for optimal frying. If the oil is too hot, the outside might brown too quickly while the inside remains undercooked
- Consistency of Batter: The batter should be slightly thick but still pourable. Adjust the liquid (buttermilk and egg mixture) or dry ingredients (flour, cornmeal) as needed to achieve the right consistency
- Onion Size: Finely chop the onion to ensure even distribution throughout the batter. Larger pieces might lead to uneven cooking
- Even Frying: Use a spoon or scoop to ensure uniform-sized Hush Puppies. This helps in achieving even frying, as they will cook at the same rate
- Oil Depth: Make sure there's enough oil in the pan to submerge the Hush Puppies fully. This promotes even cooking and a crisp texture
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the Hush Puppies in batches, leaving enough space between them in the pan. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and sogginess
- Frying Time: Fry each batch for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking
- Testing Oil Readiness: If you don't have a thermometer, you can use a small piece of the batter to test the oil temperature. It should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately
- Flavor Variation: Feel free to experiment with the seasonings and spices to suit your taste. Traditional Creole or Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick, but you can adjust it according to your preference
- Serving: Hush puppies are best served immediately after frying when they are still crispy. Serve them with dipping sauces or alongside other Southern dishes
- Safety: Be cautious while working with hot oil. Use a spoon to place and remove Hush Puppies from the oil
Storage Suggestions
Hush Puppies can remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in a sealed airtight container. Enjoy them within this time frame to preserve their original flavor and freshness. For reheating, use an air fryer or oven to thoroughly heat them until warmed.
Serving Suggestions
Hush Puppies are often served as a side dish or appetizer alongside various main courses. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with them:
- Seafood: Hush Puppies are often served alongside fried shrimp, fried fish fillets, catfish, or oysters. This combination is a staple in many Southern seafood restaurants
- Barbecue: They pair well with barbecue dishes such as pulled pork, brisket, or ribs. The savory and slightly sweet flavor of Hush Puppies complements the smokiness of the barbecue
- Chili: They can add a delightful crunch and texture contrast to a hearty bowl of white chicken chili, turkey chili, or vegetarian chili
- Fried Chicken Dishes: Serve Hush Puppies with fried chicken, fried chicken wings, and fried chicken tenders, for a satisfying and comforting Southern meal
- Soul Food: Hush Puppies fit perfectly into a soul food spread, alongside collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and black-eyed peas
- Cornbread: If you're going for a corn-themed meal, serve Hush Puppies alongside cornbread and other corn-based dishes for a cohesive and flavorful meal
- Slaw: Coleslaw is a popular side dish that can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and slightly dense texture of Hush Puppies
- Sauces and Dips: Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as tartar sauce, remoulade, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli to enhance the flavor of the appetizer
- Southern Comfort Food: Consider serving Hush Puppies with other classic Southern comfort foods like grits, fried okra, or biscuits and gravy
- Salads: A fresh salad can balance out the indulgence of Hush Puppies. Consider serving a simple green salad or a tomato and cucumber salad
Related Recipes
You can also find similar fried foods below and more at snack recipes and appetizer recipes.
Hush Puppies Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Hush Puppies recipe below that I hope will help you make a delicious Southern dish at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Hush Puppies
Ingredients
- 1 cup Yellow Cornmeal, or white cornmeal for a sweeter version
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- ½ tsp Baking Soda
- ½ tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Creole Seasoning, or Cajun Seasoning
- ½ tsp Black Pepper, powder
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup Buttermilk, room temp
- 1 Egg, room temp
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
To make Hush Puppies
- In a bowl, pour buttermilk and egg, then whisk thoroughly and set aside for later use
- In another bowl, combine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, Creole or Cajun seasoning, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Mix the ingredients well
- Add finely chopped onion to the hush puppies mixture and incorporate
- Pour the previously prepared buttermilk and egg mixture into the hush puppy mixture, and mix until well combined. Begin with a whisk and switch to a spatula for thorough mixing. Set this mixture aside until the oil heats up for frying
- In a frying pan, pour enough oil for frying the hush puppy mix. Heat the oil to a temperature between 350-365°F (175-185°C). As an alternative method to check if the oil is ready, drop a small portion of the hush puppy mixture into the oil; if it immediately rises to the surface, the oil is ready
- Shape the hush puppy mixture into round scoops using a cookie dough spoon or your hands. If using your hands, it's advisable to shape the mixture and then transfer it onto a spoon before gently dropping it into the oil. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan, providing ample space for even frying
- Fry the hush puppies for about 3-5 minutes on each side or until they turn a golden brown color
- Once they are cooked, remove the hush puppies from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Your crispy outside and tender inside hush puppies are now ready to be enjoyed
To Serve
- Serve these Southern Hush Puppies with dipping sauces such as tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, aioli, honey mustard sauce, or ranch as a snack. You can also pair them with fried chicken, coleslaw, or other simple salads for a satisfying meal
Video
Notes
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature between 350-365°F (175-185°C) for optimal frying. If the oil is too hot, the outside might brown too quickly while the inside remains undercooked
- Consistency of Batter: The batter should be slightly thick but still addable using a cooking dough or spoon. Adjust the liquid (buttermilk and egg mixture) or dry ingredients (flour, cornmeal) as needed to achieve the right consistency
- Onion Size: Finely chop the onion to ensure even distribution throughout the batter. Larger pieces might lead to uneven cooking
- Even Frying: Use a spoon or scoop to ensure uniform-sized Hush Puppies. This helps in achieving even frying, as they will cook at the same rate
- Oil Depth: Make sure there's enough oil in the pan to submerge the Hush Puppies fully. This promotes even cooking and a crisp texture
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the Hush Puppies in batches, leaving enough space between them in the pan. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and fogginess
- Frying Time: Fry each batch for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking
- Testing Oil Readiness: If you don't have a thermometer, you can use a small piece of the batter to test the oil temperature. It should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately
- Flavor Variation: Feel free to experiment with the seasonings and spices to suit your taste. Traditional Creole or Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick, but you can adjust it according to your preference
- Serving: Hush puppies are best served immediately after frying when they are still crispy. Serve them with dipping sauces or alongside other Southern dishes
Safety: Be cautious while working with hot oil. Use a spoon to place and remove Hush Puppies from the oil
Nutrition
FAQ
You can use White cornmeal as an alternative to yellow cornmeal in this recipe. It offers a slightly different flavor and texture while still providing the base for the delicious Hush Puppies.
Yes, if you don't have buttermilk and want to use milk as a substitute, you can add a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk to mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk. For every cup of milk, you can add about 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before using it in the recipe. This will help create a similar acidic environment as buttermilk, which aids in tenderizing the batter and providing some of the desired flavor.
While shaping the hush puppy batter, it's important to handle it carefully. After forming the batter into round or oval shapes using a spoon or your hands, take extra care when dropping them into the hot oil. Use a spoon to gently lower the shaped batter into the oil, ensuring a smooth and controlled release. This helps to prevent any splattering and ensures safe and even frying.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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