Easy Hush Puppies Recipe

Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table. These golden, crispy cornmeal fritters are the perfect companion for fried fish, barbecue, or any hearty Southern-inspired meal. Lightly sweet, tender on the inside, and perfectly crisp on the outside, this easy hush puppies recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or backyard cookouts.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• ½ cup buttermilk (you may not need all of it)
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Preheat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Add the egg to the dry mixture along with most of the buttermilk, stirring until a thick batter forms. Add more buttermilk only if needed. The dough should be moist but not runny.
4. Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter (about 1 teaspoon each) into the hot oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes until golden brown, turning once to ensure even cooking.
5. Remove hush puppies with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve warm with honey butter, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Hush puppies are best enjoyed fresh and hot, right out of the fryer. Serve them with honey butter, tartar sauce, remoulade, or ranch dressing for dipping. They pair beautifully with fried fish, shrimp, crab boils, or Southern barbecue.
• Make it a meal: Add them to a Southern platter with coleslaw, collard greens, mac and cheese, and fried chicken.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Once cooled, place hush puppies in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To keep them crispy, reheat in an oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Variations with Details

1. Onion Hush Puppies
Add ½ cup finely chopped sweet onion or green onions into the batter for a savory kick. The onions caramelize slightly when fried, adding flavor and texture.

2. Cajun Hush Puppies
Season the batter with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or Creole spice mix. Pair them with seafood boils or blackened fish for a Louisiana-inspired dish.

3. Ranch Hush Puppies
Mix in 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning for a zesty, herby twist. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.

4. Old Bay Hush Puppies
Add 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning for a seafood-friendly flavor. These are especially good with fried shrimp or crab cakes.

5. Beer-Battered Hush Puppies
Replace the buttermilk with light beer for a fluffy texture and subtle beer flavor. Great with fried fish or burgers.

6. Sweet Potato Hush Puppies
Substitute half of the cornmeal with mashed sweet potato for a slightly sweet, earthy version with beautiful color.

7. Pimento Cheese Hush Puppies
Fold in ½ cup pimento cheese spread to create a creamy, tangy, and cheesy variation.

8. Dill Pickle Hush Puppies
Add 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles and a splash of pickle juice to the batter for a tangy, crunchy bite.

9. Corn & Pepper Hush Puppies
Mix in ½ cup corn kernels and finely diced bell peppers for extra sweetness, color, and texture.

10. Tex-Mex Hush Puppies
Stir in chopped jalapeños, cilantro, and shredded pepper jack cheese. Serve with salsa or queso dip for a Southwestern twist.

11. Parmesan Garlic Hush Puppies
Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon garlic powder for a savory Italian-inspired flavor.

12. Cinnamon Sugar Hush Puppies
After frying, roll hush puppies in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. These make a sweet snack or dessert version.

13. Everything Bagel Hush Puppies
Sprinkle the batter with everything bagel seasoning before frying for a crunchy, flavorful crust.

14. Lemon & Herb Hush Puppies
Mix in 1 teaspoon lemon zest and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh, bright flavor that pairs well with seafood.

FAQs

1. Can I make hush puppies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, then fry when ready.

2. Can I air fry hush puppies instead of deep frying?
Yes, you can air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be as crispy but will still taste delicious.

3. Why are my hush puppies greasy?
If the oil temperature is too low, they’ll absorb too much oil. Make sure the oil is at 350°F before frying.

4. Can I make hush puppies without buttermilk?
Yes, substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

5. Why do my hush puppies fall apart in the oil?
The batter may be too thin or the oil not hot enough. Make sure the dough is thick and the oil is preheated properly.

6. Can I use self-rising cornmeal instead of plain?
Yes, but reduce or omit the baking powder and baking soda.

7. Can I bake hush puppies instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes. They will be less crispy but still flavorful.

8. What is the difference between hush puppies and cornbread?
Hush puppies are deep-fried, small, and savory, while cornbread is baked and more cake-like.

9. How do I know when hush puppies are cooked through?
They should be golden brown on the outside and soft but fully cooked in the center. Cut one open to check.

10. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd—perfect for fish fries or family gatherings.

This easy hush puppies recipe delivers the perfect balance of crispy, fluffy, and flavorful. With simple ingredients and quick prep, these golden bites are a must-have for seafood feasts, barbecues, or any Southern-inspired meal. Serve them hot with honey butter or dipping sauce, and watch them disappear fast.

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