Homemade Hush Puppies Recipe

Introduction

These Homemade Hush Puppies are a simple and delicious Southern classic. Golden brown and perfectly crispy on the outside with a soft, savory cornmeal center, they are an irresistible side dish. They come together quickly with basic pantry ingredients for a comforting treat that pairs wonderfully with seafood or barbecue.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create Homemade Hush Puppies that are wonderfully crispy and golden.

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	5 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes

Context: This quick recipe for Homemade Hush Puppies is about 20% faster than similar recipes, getting you from bowl to table in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and any other dry seasonings like onion powder or cayenne pepper. This ensures the leavening agents and flavors are evenly distributed throughout your Homemade Hush Puppies batter.

Step 2 — Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then stir in the buttermilk. For the best texture, use cold buttermilk straight from the refrigerator. The acidity in the buttermilk reacts with the baking powder, which helps the hush puppies become light and fluffy.

Step 3 — Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. The key is to avoid overmixing; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and will prevent tough hush puppies.

Step 4 — Fold in the Add-Ins

Gently fold in finely chopped onion. For extra flavor, you can also add ingredients like canned corn (well-drained) or minced jalapeños at this stage. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as this can deflate the batter.

Step 5 — Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable or peanut oil into a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or deep fryer to a depth of about 3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 365°F (185°C). Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately, as oil that is too hot will burn the outside while leaving the inside raw, and oil that is too cool will make the hush puppies greasy.

Step 6 — Form and Fry the Hush Puppies

Using two spoons or a small cookie scoop, carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of the batter into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot; fry in batches of 5-6 at a time. The hush puppies should sizzle immediately when they hit the oil.

Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, until they are a deep golden brown and crispy on all sides. This is your visual cue that they are cooked through.

Step 7 — Drain and Serve

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried Homemade Hush Puppies to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let them rest for a minute before serving hot. They are best enjoyed immediately while still warm and crispy.

Nutritional Information

Calories	210
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	9g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	380mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

These simple ingredient swaps can help you create a version of Homemade Hush Puppies that better suits your dietary needs without sacrificing that classic cornmeal flavor.

• Whole-Wheat or Almond Flour — For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend or almond flour for a nuttier, lower-carb option.
• Baked Instead of Fried — For a lighter alternative, drop the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F until golden, reducing the oil content significantly.
• Greek Yogurt or Applesauce — Replace buttermilk with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce for a dairy-free or lower-fat version that adds moisture.
• Reduced Sodium — Cut the salt in the recipe by half and rely on herbs like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper to boost flavor without the sodium.
• Chickpea Flour — A great high-protein, gluten-free alternative to cornmeal that provides a slightly earthier taste and firmer texture.
• Flax or Chia “Egg” — For an egg-free binder, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg required.
• Add Veggies — Fold in finely grated zucchini or carrots to the batter for added moisture, fiber, and nutrients.
• Air Fryer Method — Cook your Homemade Hush Puppies in an air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, using just a light spray of oil for a crispy exterior with much less fat.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these golden Homemade Hush Puppies as a classic side dish with a seafood feast, such as fried catfish or shrimp.
• For a Southern-style barbecue, pair them with pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw.
• Turn them into a fun appetizer by serving with a trio of dipping sauces like spicy remoulade, creamy ranch, and zesty cocktail sauce.
• Create a comforting meal by adding them to a bowl of chili or a hearty bean soup.
• For a casual backyard party, serve Homemade Hush Puppies in a basket lined with parchment paper for easy sharing.
• Elevate your brunch by serving them alongside eggs, grits, and crispy bacon.

No matter how you serve them, these Homemade Hush Puppies are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the fryer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using a batter that’s too thin, causing the hush puppies to absorb excess oil. Fix: Aim for a thick, scoopable consistency that holds its shape when dropped into the hot oil.
• Mistake: Overmixing the batter, which develops gluten and leads to a tough, dense texture. Fix: Gently stir the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
• Mistake: Frying at an incorrect oil temperature, resulting in greasy or burnt hush puppies. Fix: Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent oil temperature of 365-375°F (185-190°C).
• Mistake: Crowding the pot with too many hush puppies at once, which lowers the oil temperature. Fix: Fry in small batches to ensure each Homemade Hush Puppy has enough space to cook evenly and become crispy.
• Mistake: Skipping the resting time for the batter, which can affect the final texture. Fix: Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before frying to allow the cornmeal to hydrate fully.
• Mistake: Adding too many wet ingredients like buttermilk or eggs, throwing off the dry-to-wet ratio. Fix: Measure carefully and add liquids gradually until the desired thick batter consistency is achieved.
• Mistake: Using old baking powder, which won’t provide enough leavening for a light, airy interior. Fix: Always check the expiration date of your leavening agents to ensure they are active.
• Mistake: Not draining the hush puppies properly after frying, leaving them soggy. Fix: Transfer them immediately to a wire rack set over a baking sheet instead of a paper towel-lined plate.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled Homemade Hush Puppies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Place the Hush Puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer until hot and crisp, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Always allow your Homemade Hush Puppies to cool completely to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Conclusion

These Homemade Hush Puppies are the perfect golden, crispy side dish for any Southern-inspired meal. We hope you love making them as much as we do! Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below.

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FAQs

What is the best oil for frying Homemade Hush Puppies?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil. This ensures your Homemade Hush Puppies fry up crispy and golden brown without absorbing any unwanted flavors.

Can I make the batter for Homemade Hush Puppies ahead of time?

It is not recommended to make the batter too far in advance. The baking powder will lose its leavening power, resulting in dense hush puppies. For best results, mix the batter just before frying.

Why are my Homemade Hush Puppies greasy?

Greasy hush puppies are often caused by oil that is not hot enough. Ensure your oil reaches the correct temperature (around 365-375°F) before frying. Also, avoid overcrowding the pot, which can cause the oil temperature to drop significantly.