Can I make the batter ahead of time?

While best made fresh, you can prepare the batter up to 2 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. You may need to add a splash of buttermilk if it thickens too much, as the cornmeal will continue to absorb moisture.

Why did my hush puppies turn out dense instead of light and fluffy?

Dense hush puppies usually result from overmixing the batter or using old leavening agents. Mix just until combined and make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best texture.

What oil is best for frying hush puppies?

Peanut oil is traditional and preferred for its high smoke point and complementary flavor, but vegetable oil or canola oil work well too. Avoid olive oil, which has too low a smoke point for proper frying.

Can I bake these instead of frying them?

While frying gives the authentic texture, you can bake them at 425°F for about 10-12 minutes on a well-greased baking sheet. They won't be quite the same, but still delicious with a drizzle of melted butter after baking.

Homemade Southern Hush Puppies Recipe

Name: Homemade Southern Hush Puppies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Pinch of cayenne pepper; ¾ cup buttermilk or whole milk; 1 large egg; ¼ cup grated onion; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly; Peanut oil; Softened butter

Description

These Homemade Southern Hush Puppies are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with savory flavors. Perfectly seasoned with a hint of garlic, onion, and cayenne, these fried morsels are a classic Southern side dish that pairs wonderfully with seafood, barbecues, or as a standalone snack. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup buttermilk or whole milk
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated onion
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

For Frying

Peanut oil

For Serving

Softened butter

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Instructions

Prepare the Frying Oil
In a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed skillet with deep sides, pour peanut oil (or your oil of choice) to about 3-4 inches up the sides of the pan. Heat the oil over medium heat to reach a temperature of 350°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil for even frying.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Stir the ingredients together thoroughly to combine.
Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the buttermilk (or whole milk), egg, and grated onion. Once mixed, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until no dry patches remain.
Incorporate the Butter
Pour the melted, slightly cooled butter into the batter. Stir until fully combined and smooth. The batter should be slightly thick but spoonable.
Fry the Hush Puppies
Once the oil reaches 350°F, carefully drop just under 1 tablespoon-sized dollops of batter into the hot oil. Be cautious during this step to avoid splashes. Fry each batch for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the finished hush puppies to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve Warm
Serve the hush puppies warm with softened butter on the side, if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor!

Notes

Buttermilk is recommended for its tangy flavor, but whole milk can be used as an alternative.
You can customize this recipe by adding minced jalapeños, chopped herbs, or shredded cheese for added flavor.
Leftover hush puppies can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Doubling the recipe is easy if cooking for larger gatherings or for meal prepping.
A thermometer ensures the oil remains at the optimal frying temperature, preventing soggy or overcooked hush puppies.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 hush puppy
Calories: 50
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 8mg