Homemade Southern Hush Puppies Recipe

These golden, crispy Homemade Southern Hush Puppies are the perfect bite-sized treats that bring authentic Southern comfort food right to your table. With a perfectly crisp exterior and a soft, flavorful interior, these cornmeal delights fry up in minutes and pair beautifully with everything from fish to barbecue. They’re surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and about 10 minutes of your time – making them the ideal side dish for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Yellow cornmeal: The foundation of any good hush puppy, providing that distinctive corn flavor and hearty texture.
• All-purpose flour: Works with the cornmeal to create the perfect structure and prevents the hush puppies from becoming too dense.
• Sugar: Just enough to add a slight sweetness that balances the savory elements.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the mix.
• Baking powder and baking soda: The dynamic duo that gives these hush puppies their light, fluffy interior.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Infuses savory depth without overwhelming the palate.
• Cayenne pepper: Adds just a hint of heat – enough to notice but not enough to burn.
• Buttermilk: Brings tanginess and helps create a tender texture; the acidity also activates the baking soda.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Grated onion: Incorporates fresh onion flavor and moisture throughout the batter.
• Melted butter: Enriches the batter with unmistakable buttery goodness and helps achieve that golden brown exterior.
• Peanut oil: Ideal for frying due to its high smoke point and subtle flavor that doesn’t interfere with the hush puppies.

Variations

Want to customize your hush puppies? Try these delicious twists:

• Cheesy Hush Puppies: Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a gooey surprise inside.
• Corn and Jalapeño: Mix in 1/4 cup fresh corn kernels and 1-2 finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed for milder heat) for a Southwestern flair.
• Herb-Infused: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or dill for a fragrant variation.
• Sweet Corn Hush Puppies: Increase sugar to 2 tablespoons and add 1/4 cup of sweet corn kernels for a dessert-like version that pairs wonderfully with honey butter.

How to Make Homemade Southern Hush Puppies

Step 1: Prepare the Oil

Heat 3-4 inches of peanut oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed skillet with deep sides. Bring the oil to 350°F over medium heat. Using a cooking thermometer is highly recommended to maintain consistent temperature.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and grated onion until well combined. The grated onion should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until no dry patches remain. Be careful not to overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Finally, add the melted butter and stir until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Once the oil reaches 350°F, carefully drop heaping tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until they achieve that signature golden-brown color.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked hush puppies to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy, alongside softened butter for dipping.

How to Serve

These versatile little bites shine in so many different meal contexts:

Classic Pairings:

Serve alongside fried catfish or shrimp with a side of coleslaw for an authentic Southern fish fry experience.

Dipping Options:

While traditionally served with butter, they’re equally delicious with remoulade sauce, honey butter, or even spicy ranch dipping sauce.

Complete the Meal:

Add hush puppies to your barbecue plate with pulled pork, brisket, or ribs and traditional sides like mac and cheese and collard greens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll lose some crispness but still taste great.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Place cooled hush puppies on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

For best results when freezing, slightly undercook them initially so they don’t overcook during reheating.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat frozen or refrigerated hush puppies in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it makes them soft rather than crispy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Southern Hush Puppies are little bites of Southern comfort that bring warmth and happiness to any meal. Their golden, crispy exterior giving way to a soft, flavorful center creates an irresistible combination that’s sure to have everyone asking for your secret recipe. Whether you’re recreating a beloved fish fry experience or looking for the perfect side to complement your next barbecue, these quick and easy hush puppies will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

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