Easy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe That’s Crispy & Golden

Southern hush puppies offer a crispy, golden-brown delight that captures the essence of comfort food.

These cornmeal-based fritters originated from traditional southern cooking techniques passed down through generations.

Deep-fried to perfection, they boast a crunchy exterior and soft, tender interior that melts in your mouth.

Skilled cooks understand the delicate balance of ingredients that redefine simple cornmeal into a magical side dish.

Regional culinary traditions have elevated these bite-sized morsels into a beloved staple of southern cuisine.

Each batch tells a story of family gatherings, summer cookouts, and cherished memories shared around the dinner table.

The magic happens when humble ingredients combine to create something truly extraordinary.

Tips for Crispy Hush Puppies

• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain a steady 365°F to ensure crispy, evenly golden hush puppies without burning or undercooking.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Stir ingredients just until combined to keep the texture light and fluffy, preventing tough hush puppies.
• Use Proper Dropping Technique: Gently drop small spoonfuls of batter into hot oil to create uniform, bite-sized pieces that cook quickly.
• Drain Excess Oil: Let hush puppies rest on paper towels to absorb extra grease and maintain a crisp exterior.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy hush puppies fresh and hot for the best flavor and crunchiest texture, pairing perfectly with tangy tartar sauce.

How to Store Leftover Hush Puppies

• Refrigerate: Store leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange hush puppies on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through. This method helps restore their original crunchiness.
• Avoid Microwave: Skip using the microwave, as it will make the hush puppies soggy and lose their delightful crisp texture. Stick to oven reheating for the best results.

Best Sides for Hush Puppies

• Crisp Seafood Companion: Pair these golden hush puppies with freshly fried catfish or shrimp for an authentic Southern seafood feast that celebrates crispy textures and complementary flavors.
• Zesty Dipping Delight: Create a homemade remoulade or spicy aioli sauce to elevate the hush puppies' flavor profile, adding a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the fried cornmeal bites.
• Cool Beverage Contrast: Serve alongside an ice-cold beer like a light lager or a crisp pilsner that refreshes the palate and balances the hush puppies' deep-fried warmth, perfect for a relaxed summer gathering.
• Bright Salad Balance: Add a light, citrusy coleslaw or summer cucumber salad to provide a fresh, crunchy counterpoint to the dense, golden hush puppies, creating a well-rounded meal with contrasting textures.

Southern-Style Variations to Try

• Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers: Fold in shredded cheddar and diced jalapeños for a spicy, melty upgrade that adds a kick to the classic Southern hush puppies.
• Herb-Infused Cornmeal Fritters: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like chives, parsley, and dill to create a garden-fresh flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Seafood Fusion Puppies: Incorporate finely chopped shrimp or crab meat into the batter for a coastal-inspired version that brings oceanic richness to the crispy cornmeal base.
• Sweet Corn and Bacon Bites: Stir in fresh corn kernels and crumbled bacon bits to introduce a smoky-sweet dimension that complements the original hush puppy texture.

Why You’ll Love Southern Hush Puppies

• Crisp Golden Perfection: Southern hush puppies offer an irresistible golden-brown exterior that crackles with each delightful bite, delivering a satisfying crunch that instantly elevates any meal.
• Quick and Easy Southern Comfort: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delectable side dish in just minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want authentic Southern flavor without complex techniques.
• Versatile Flavor Explosion: Packed with subtle spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, these hush puppies bring a rich, savory profile that complements seafood, barbecue, or stands beautifully on its own as a tasty snack.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Whether served at casual family gatherings, summer cookouts, or alongside fried fish, these hush puppies guarantee smiles and requests for seconds from everyone at the table.

Hush Puppy Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Flour: Provides structure and texture for the hush puppies.
• Cornmeal: Classic Southern ingredient that gives a distinctive golden color and crispy texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the hush puppies rise and become light and fluffy.

• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Buttermilk: Adds tangy flavor and helps create a tender texture.
• Butter: Brings richness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the hush puppies.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Pepper: Create a well-rounded, traditional Southern seasoning mix that provides depth and complexity.

• Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep-frying and creating a crispy golden exterior.

• Tartar Sauce: Classic condiment that complements the crispy hush puppies.

How to Make Classic Hush Puppies

Step 1: Prepare the Frying Oil

Heat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet to 365°F.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

• Flour
• Cornmeal
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Pepper

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

• Egg
• Buttermilk

Mix until just combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter

Gently fold in cubed butter until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Form Hush Puppies

Use a teaspoon to carefully drop rounded spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown on all sides.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Remove hush puppies with a metal strainer and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 8: Enjoy Warm

Serve immediately alongside tangy tartar sauce for a classic Southern treat.

Southern Hush Puppies Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Southern hush puppies bring cornmeal magic straight from classic Southern kitchens. Golden brown morsels packed with savory flavor invite you to savor a true regional delicacy that connects generations of home cooks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) cold butter, cut into small cubes

Dry Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (90 grams) flour
• ¾ cup (90 grams) cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons salt

Spices and Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Additional:

• Oil for frying
• Tartar sauce for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet by filling it with 2 inches (5 centimeters) of oil and heating to 365°F (185°C).
2. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together all dry ingredients including flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and ground black pepper until evenly distributed.
3. Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and crack the whole egg into it, then pour in the buttermilk.
4. Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together using a spatula, mixing until just combined with minimal stirring to prevent tough hush puppies.
5. Incorporate the cold cubed butter into the batter, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Using two small spoons, carefully drop rounded spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, working in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
7. Fry the hush puppies for 2-3 minutes, rotating them occasionally to achieve an even golden-brown color on all sides.
8. Extract the hush puppies from the oil using a metal strainer or slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drip off.
9. Transfer the fried hush puppies to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb additional oil and help maintain their crispy exterior.
10. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by tangy tartar sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Achieve the perfect golden-brown color by maintaining oil temperature at 365°F, which ensures crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.
• Use buttermilk for tangy flavor and tender texture, creating a light and fluffy hush puppy that melts in your mouth.
• Mix dry ingredients thoroughly before adding wet ingredients to prevent clumping and ensure even distribution of spices.
• Drop batter carefully into hot oil to avoid splashing and maintain consistent size for uniform cooking.
• Drain on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil and preserve crispiness.
• Serve warm with tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for maximum enjoyment of these Southern comfort classics.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg