These golden, crispy homemade hush puppies are the perfect Southern side dish – crispy outside, tender inside!
Quick Answer: Make perfect homemade hush puppies by combining cornmeal, flour, and seasonings into a thick batter. Drop spoonfuls into 350°F oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. The result is crispy outside, fluffy inside cornbread bites.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Southern American
Yield: 24 hush puppies (4 servings)
Dietary: Vegetarian
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly crispy exterior with a light, fluffy center
- Ready in under an hour with simple pantry ingredients
- Classic Southern comfort food that pairs with everything
- Budget-friendly side dish
- Great make-ahead appetizer for parties
Quick Benefits
Homemade hush puppies deliver restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen. These golden-brown cornmeal fritters are crispy outside, tender inside, and seasoned to perfection. They’re ideal for fish fries, barbecues, or anytime you crave Southern comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (fresh, less than one year old)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- Vegetable oil for deep frying (about 5 cm depth)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne until evenly blended.
- Add the milk and egg to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot to a depth of approximately 5 centimeters and heat to 190°C (375°F) using a deep-fry thermometer to monitor temperature accurately.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop small portions of batter into the hot oil, frying a few at a time without overcrowding. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove hush puppies with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm.
You Must Know
- Don’t overmix the batter – it should be slightly lumpy
- Oil temperature must stay at 350°F for crispy results
- Don’t overcrowd the oil when frying
- Test oil temperature with a small drop of batter
- Let batter rest to hydrate cornmeal
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fried fish and tartar sauce
- Pair with pulled pork and coleslaw
- Dip in honey butter or remoulade sauce
- Serve alongside barbecue ribs
- Great with seafood boils
Creative Variations
- Add jalapeños and cheese for spicy hush puppies
- Mix in corn kernels for extra sweetness and texture
- Add crumbled bacon and green onions
- Use cream-style corn for moisture and flavor
Cultural Notes
Hush puppies originated in the American South, where cooks would fry cornmeal batter to quiet hungry dogs during fish fries – hence the name “hush puppy.” This humble side dish became a staple of Southern cuisine, particularly along the Atlantic coast and Gulf states.
Pro Tips
- Use finely ground cornmeal for the best texture
- Let oil return to temperature between batches
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizing
- Don’t skip the resting time for the batter
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are my homemade hush puppies dense?
A: Overmixing the batter or old baking powder can cause dense results. Mix just until combined and check your leavening agent.
Q: Can I freeze hush puppies?
A: Yes, cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Q: What oil is best for frying?
A: Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work well due to their high smoke points.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead?
A: Yes, but no more than 2 hours in advance, kept refrigerated.
Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: They should be golden brown and float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
Health Benefits
While hush puppies are a fried food, using fresh ingredients and proper oil temperature minimizes fat absorption. Cornmeal provides fiber and essential minerals, while onions add antioxidants. Moderation is key to enjoying this Southern classic as part of a balanced diet.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 280 • Carbs: 35g • Protein: 6g • Fat: 12g • Sodium: 390mg
Notes
For best results, serve these hush puppies immediately while hot and crispy. They’re at their peak within the first 15 minutes after frying.
Homemade Hush Puppies
These golden, crispy homemade hush puppies are the perfect Southern side dish - crispy outside, tender inside!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- For best results, serve these hush puppies immediately while hot and crispy. They're at their peak within the first 15 minutes after frying.