Here’s a classic, crispy-on-the-outside and fluffy-on-the-inside Southern Hush Puppies recipe—easy, quick, and perfect alongside fried fish, BBQ, chili, or seafood boils!
Classic Southern Hush Puppies
Ingredients (Makes ~20 hush puppies):
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional but recommended)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- ½ small onion, very finely minced or grated
- 1–2 tbsp green onions or chives (optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, or canola)
Instructions:
1. Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
- cornmeal
- flour
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
- sugar
- paprika
2. Add wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk:
- egg
- buttermilk
Add to the dry mixture and stir just until combined.
3. Add onions
Fold in:
- minced onion
- green onions (if using)
The batter should be thick—like a sticky dough.
If too thin, add a little more cornmeal.
4. Heat oil
- Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop 1–2 tbsp-sized balls of batter into the oil.
- Fry 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot.
6. Drain & serve
- Transfer to paper towels.
- Serve warm with butter, honey, tartar sauce, or spicy mayo.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Hush Puppies
- Grate the onion if you want extra fluffy hush puppies—no chunks.
- Too dense? Add a splash more buttermilk.
- Too wet? Add a spoonful of cornmeal.
- Want them extra crispy? Mix in 1–2 tbsp corn flour (masa harina).
- Want seafood-style? Add a pinch of cayenne or Old Bay.
Variations
• Cajun Hush Puppies
Add cayenne, smoked paprika, chopped jalapeños.
• Sweet Hush Puppies
Add 2–3 tbsp sugar and a drizzle of honey on top.
• Cheddar Hush Puppies
Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar.