Can I make hush puppy batter ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter up to 2 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated, but for best results, don't make it too far in advance. The baking powder and soda begin working immediately, and your hush puppies may not rise as well if the batter sits too long.

What if I don't have buttermilk?

No problem! Make your own by adding 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This quick substitute works perfectly in this recipe and many other baked goods.

Why are my hush puppies falling apart in the oil?

This typically happens when the oil isn't hot enough or when the batter is too wet. Make sure your oil is at 350°F and if needed, add a tablespoon or two more cornmeal to thicken the batter slightly.

Can I use cornbread mix instead of cornmeal?

While cornbread mix will work in a pinch, you'll need to adjust the recipe significantly. Omit the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda since these ingredients are already in the mix. The flavor and texture won't be quite the same as traditional hush puppies.

Homemade Southern Hush Puppies Recipe

Name: Homemade Southern Hush Puppies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Pinch of cayenne pepper; ¾ cup buttermilk or whole milk; 1 large egg; ¼ cup grated onion; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly; Peanut oil (or oil of your choice) for frying; Softened butter, for serving (optional)

Description

These Homemade Southern Hush Puppies are a delightful southern classic. They are perfectly crispy on the outside with a soft and savory interior. These bite-sized gems are made with a delicious cornmeal base, a perfect blend of seasonings, and optional extras you can customize to your liking. Paired with softened butter, they make a fantastic side dish or appetizer for any comfort food meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup buttermilk or whole milk
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated onion
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

For Frying

Peanut oil (or oil of your choice) for frying
Softened butter, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the Oil
In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed skillet with deep sides, pour peanut oil about 3–4 inches high up the side of the pan. Heat the oil over medium heat to reach a temperature of 350°F.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well mixed.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and grated onion. Once combined, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until no dry patches remain.
Incorporate the Butter
Add the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter to the batter. Stir until fully combined.
Fry the Hush Puppies
Once the oil has reached 350°F, carefully drop tablespoon-sized dollops of batter into the hot oil. Fry them for 1–2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use caution while frying to avoid splashing oil. Transfer the cooked hush puppies to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and repeat with the remaining batter.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with softened butter on the side for dipping, if desired.

Notes

Buttermilk Alternative: While buttermilk provides the best flavor, whole milk can be substituted if needed. You can also make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Customization: Additional ingredients such as chopped jalapeños, shredded cheese, or crumbled bacon can be added to the batter for extra flavor.
Freezing: These hush puppies freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in an oven or air fryer until crispy.
Oil Temperature: Using a thermometer will help you maintain a consistent oil temperature, ensuring evenly fried hush puppies.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 hush puppy
Calories: 55
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg