Hush Puppies
Golden-brown, crispy cornmeal fritters with a soft, fluffy interior. These classic Southern hush puppies are slightly sweet and savory, perfect alongside fried fish or as a standalone appetizer. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Batter
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional cayenne pepper until well combined.
- c.In a separate medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk and the lightly beaten egg. Stir in the finely grated onion.
- d.Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until just combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine; do not overmix.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Rest the Batter
- b.Cover the bowl and let the batter rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This crucial step allows the cornmeal to fully hydrate and the baking powder to activate, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Heat the Frying Oil
- b.While the batter rests, pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot, Dutch oven, or deep skillet.
- c.Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a steady temperature of 365°F (185°C). Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer for the most accurate reading.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Hush Puppies
- b.Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, carefully drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Work in batches of 5-6 to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature.
- c.Fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning them gently as they cook. They will naturally roll over as they brown.
- d.The hush puppies are done when they are a deep golden brown on all sides and float to the surface.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Drain and Serve
- b.Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the cooked hush puppies from the oil.
- c.Transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and stay crispy. Avoid placing them on paper towels, which can make them steam and become soggy.
- d.Serve immediately while hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (365°F / 185°C). Too hot and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked; too cool and they'll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- 2A small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon size) is the perfect tool for creating uniform, round hush puppies that cook evenly.
- 3Do not overmix the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the hush puppies tender and light.
- 4If you don't have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a tiny bit of batter into it. If it sizzles immediately and turns golden in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready.
- 5Serve with a dipping sauce like tartar sauce, remoulade, or a simple honey butter for an extra treat.
- 6Leftover hush puppies can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1-2 tablespoons of finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) to the batter for a spicy kick.
CheesyCheesy
Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese into the batter before resting.
Sweet CornSweet Corn
Mix in 1/2 cup of fresh, frozen (thawed), or canned (drained) corn kernels for added texture and sweetness.
HerbyHerby
Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped scallions or chives to the batter for a fresh, oniony flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Energy
The cornmeal and flour provide complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of fuel, offering sustained energy.
Contains Protein
The inclusion of egg and buttermilk contributes a modest amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of 5 hush puppies contains approximately 485 calories. Each individual hush puppy has about 97 calories, primarily from carbohydrates and fat from the frying oil.