Southern Hush Puppies

by

Indulge in the irresistible taste of the South with our Southern Hush Puppies recipe. These golden nuggets of goodness are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Made with a combination of cornmeal, flour, and a hint of spice, these hush puppies are the perfect accompaniment to any Southern meal or as a delightful snack on their own. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or bacon fat)
  • 1/2 cup jalapenos, seeded and chopped (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, black pepper, salt, Cayenne pepper, and baking powder.
  2. Add the egg, milk, melted butter, coconut oil (or bacon fat), and chopped jalapenos (if using). Mix until well combined.
  3. Cover the batter with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. In a Dutch oven, cast-iron skillet, or fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  5. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of batter into the hot oil, frying about 6 at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  6. Cook the hush puppies for about 3 minutes, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon to ensure even cooking.
  7. Once the hush puppies are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil and drain on a cooling rack or paper towel-covered plate.
  8. Repeat the frying process with the remaining batter until all hush puppies are cooked.
  9. Serve the hush puppies hot and enjoy their crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Rest Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
  • Calories: 255 kcal
  • Servings: 8 people

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve Hot: Southern Hush Puppies are best enjoyed when served hot and fresh out of the fryer. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior are at their peak immediately after cooking.
  2. Dipping Sauces: Serve hush puppies with your favorite dipping sauces such as tartar sauce, remoulade, honey mustard, or spicy aioli to enhance their flavor and add variety to your meal.
  3. Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the hush puppies before serving for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
  4. Pairing Suggestions: These crispy treats pair well with a variety of dishes including fried fish, shrimp, barbecued meats, or alongside classic Southern favorites like fried chicken and collard greens.
  5. Storage: If you have leftovers, allow the hush puppies to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
  6. Reheating: To reheat leftover hush puppies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hush puppies on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes until crispy.
  7. Freezing: While hush puppies are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers for later enjoyment. Place the cooled hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Frozen hush puppies can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them from frozen in a preheated oven until heated through and crispy.
  8. Party Platter: Arrange hot hush puppies on a serving platter lined with parchment paper, and serve alongside a variety of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering or party.
  9. Customization: Get creative with your hush puppies by adding other ingredients such as chopped onions, bell peppers, or shredded cheese to the batter for added flavor and texture.
  10. Portion Control: For bite-sized appetizers, use a mini ice cream scoop or tablespoon to portion out smaller balls of batter before frying. This allows for easier handling and serving at parties or events.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Southern Hush Puppies are enjoyed to the fullest, whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack.

Variations:

  1. Cheesy Hush Puppies: Mix shredded cheddar cheese into the batter for an extra gooey and savory twist.
  2. Bacon and Chive: Add cooked and crumbled bacon pieces and chopped fresh chives to the batter for a flavorful upgrade.
  3. Spicy Chipotle: Incorporate minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the batter for a smoky and spicy kick.
  4. Herb Infusion: Mix in chopped fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, or thyme for a burst of fresh flavor in every bite.
  5. Corn and Jalapeno: Fold in canned or fresh corn kernels and diced jalapenos for a Southwestern-inspired variation.
  6. Sweet Cornbread Style: Increase the sugar in the batter and add creamed corn for a sweeter and moister cornbread-like hush puppy.
  7. Crab Hush Puppies: Add lump crab meat to the batter along with Old Bay seasoning for a taste of the coast.
  8. Garlic Parmesan: Mix grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic into the batter for a savory and aromatic twist.
  9. Buffalo Style: Toss the cooked hush puppies in buffalo sauce after frying for a spicy and tangy coating.
  10. Greek Inspired: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and diced sun-dried tomatoes to the batter for a Mediterranean flair.
  11. Ranch Flavored: Mix in a packet of ranch seasoning mix into the batter for a zesty and herbaceous flavor profile.
  12. Tex-Mex Fusion: Incorporate diced green chilies, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and taco seasoning into the batter for a Tex-Mex twist.
  13. Sausage and Pepper: Fold in cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage and diced bell peppers for a hearty and flavorful variation.
  14. Maple Bacon: Drizzle maple syrup over cooked bacon pieces before folding them into the batter for a sweet and savory combination.
  15. Everything Bagel Style: Roll the formed hush puppies in everything bagel seasoning before frying for a crunchy and flavorful crust.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use self-rising cornmeal for this recipe? Yes, you can use self-rising cornmeal, but omit the baking powder and salt called for in the recipe.
  2. Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk? Yes, buttermilk can be used for a tangier flavor. Adjust the consistency of the batter as needed.
  3. Can I make the batter ahead of time? While it’s best to fry the hush puppies immediately after making the batter, you can prepare the batter up to a few hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before frying.
  4. What oil is best for frying hush puppies? Peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil are commonly used for frying hush puppies due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors.
  5. Can I bake these hush puppies instead of frying? While traditionally fried, you can bake hush puppies in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  6. How do I prevent the hush puppies from absorbing too much oil? Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (around 350°F) before frying, and avoid overcrowding the frying pan or fryer to ensure even cooking.

Experience the deliciousness of Southern cuisine with our Crispy and Flavorful Southern Hush Puppies. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, these golden bites are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of Southern charm to their table. So whip up a batch of these irresistible hush puppies and savor the taste of the South today!