Description
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
- Preheat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove hush puppies with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with honey butter, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
-
- 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.