Crispy and Flavorful Hush Puppies Recipe Straight from the Heart of the South

There’s something irresistible about a perfectly fried hush puppy. Golden, crispy on the outside, and fluffy with a slight crunch on the inside, this Southern comfort food is a must-have at any fish fry or BBQ. I’ve made these for countless family gatherings, and every time, they disappear before anything else!

Photo byNick Davies

Hush puppies bring back memories of warm summer evenings in North Carolina, where we’d serve them with fried catfish, slaw, and iced tea. There’s something about their simplicity and the balance of sweet and savory that makes them the perfect side dish. If you've never tried making hush puppies, you're in for a treat! Follow this recipe, and you’ll be hooked on these tasty bites.

The Story of Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are deeply rooted in Southern cuisine, specifically in the coastal regions of states like North Carolina and South Carolina. Legend has it that these tasty cornmeal fritters got their name from fishermen who would toss leftover batter to their dogs, saying, "hush, puppies!" Whether true or not, it’s a fun piece of Southern folklore.

These fritters are traditionally served alongside fried fish or shrimp, but they’ve become a beloved side dish across the country. With a few key ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these golden nuggets in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup finely chopped onion (or green onion for a bit more flavor)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. This dry mixture is the foundation of the hush puppies, giving them their perfect texture and flavor.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the beaten egg, buttermilk, and melted butter. Slowly pour this into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. The batter should be thick but not dry. If it’s too thick, add a little more buttermilk.
3. Fold in the Onions: Gently fold in the chopped onions (or green onions for added flair). The onions give the hush puppies their signature savory kick.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. The oil temperature is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior. If the oil is too hot, they’ll brown too quickly; too cool, and they’ll soak up oil and become greasy.
5. Fry the Hush Puppies: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until the hush puppies are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Drain and Serve: Remove the hush puppies from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and crispy.

Tips for the Best Hush Puppies:

• For extra flavor, you can add diced jalapeños, cheese, or even crumbled bacon to the batter. These variations can take your hush puppies to the next level.
• Pair them with tangy dipping sauces like remoulade, ranch, or even honey mustard to complement their savory flavor.
• Serve as a side with fried seafood, BBQ ribs, or alongside a bowl of gumbo to create a truly Southern-inspired meal.

Hush Puppy Variations:

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Cornmeal is naturally gluten-free, so this substitution will still give you the same great texture.
• Low-Carb Hush Puppies: If you want to cut down on carbs, you can try using almond flour instead of cornmeal, though the texture will be slightly different.

Hush puppies are a true Southern classic, beloved for their simplicity and satisfying crunch. Whether you’re serving them at a backyard cookout or a casual family dinner, these crispy bites are sure to be a hit.

Family recipe