These easy Hush Puppies are a popular Southern side dish of cornmeal batter deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Very easy to make and fun to eat!
If you are looking for more comfort food recipes, you may also like the Biscuits and Sausage Gravy or Sweet Corn Casserole.
Hush Puppies are deep-fried balls of savory cornmeal batter. It's a classic side dish to seafood meals, although we always ordered them in a BBQ restaurant, here in Midwest. There is really no secret to making these delicious bites! The batter is based on cornmeal and buttermilk although you can easily make a homemade version with half and half (or whole milk) and vinegar.
Ingredients:
- cornmeal: I used yellow kind
- flour: I used all-purpose but whole wheat works too
- sugar:
- baking powder and baking soda
- seasoning: salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder
- egg
- buttermilk: I made my homemade version with half and half and apple cider vinegar
- oil for frying: peanut, canola or vegetable
How to make Hush Puppies?
- Start by whisking dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- In a smaller bowl or measuring glass cup, whisk wet ingredients.
- Add liquid gradually to dry ingredients and stir until the batter is thick. See the photo below for visual reference.
- Heat up oil in a pot, until it reaches 365 degrees F.
- Drop tablespoons of batter into oil and fry until golden brown.
- Remove from oil and place on a paper-lined plate.
- Serve.
How to serve Hush Puppies?
It's very common to serve hush puppies with honey butter or tartar sauce for dipping.
Variations:
This recipe is a great base so you can add other ingredients for more flavor:
- cheese: add shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese to the batter before frying
- peppers: add chopped green bell peppers or jalapenos to batter
- sweet: roll fried hush puppies in cinnamon sugar
Storing:
Hush puppies are best served right after frying, however, you can make a batch ahead of time, cool completely and store in the fridge. Heat up in a microwave just before serving.
More side dish recipes:
For more recipes like this one, feel free to browse my Side Dish Category.
If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! 😀
Hush Puppies
Ingredients
- ¾ cup yellow cornmeal
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup buttermilk See note for homemade version
- oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and seasoning).
- In a smaller bowl or measuring glass cup, whisk wet ingredients (egg and buttermilk).
- Add liquid gradually to dry ingredients and stir until the batter is thick.
- Heat up oil in a pot, until it reaches 365 degrees F.
- Drop tablespoons of batter into oil and fry until golden brown.
- Remove from oil and place on a paper-lined plate.
- Serve.
Notes
Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.
Annette says
This is a great base recipe. I made a few different types. I added a small finely chopped fresh jalapeno and about 3 T shredded cheddar cheese with a little dash of hot sauce. Delicious! Another one I just added about 3 T of crushed pineapple. Super delicious also. Thus, depending if you have some that want spicy and some sweet like my family - just cut in half and do the above with the half of the base. Enjoyed thoroughly by all!
Sheryle says
These look so easy to make. I am wondering if I can skip some of the ingredients in your recipe and use Jiffy muffin mix. I usually have that on hand. When I buy cornmeal I end up throwing a lot of it away.
David Chapman says
I tried Jiffy in the past. It falls apart and won't fry up correctly.
Laura Reese says
I’ve always wanted to make these. They were delicious. Thanks for the easy recipe.
Anna says
Awesome! Thank you, Laura!
Julie Blanner says
Love this! Served this with our lemon shrimp skewers, and it was delicious. We're making them with jalapeños next time!
Anna says
Thank you, Julie!
Natasha says
Hi! I made this a few days ago & it was delicious! I followed your recipe exactly.
Getting ready to make it again tonight. This is for sure on my saved list.
Anna says
Thank you, Natasha!