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Southern Hush Puppies are a delightful addition to any meal, bringing crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture with just the right amount of savory flavor.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and speed—it comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute side dish or appetizer.
The use of buttermilk and cold butter gives the hush puppies a rich, tender crumb, while seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder provide depth without being overpowering.
Though hush puppies are indulgent, they also offer some surprising nutritional benefits.
Cornmeal adds fiber and slow-digesting carbs, while the egg and buttermilk contribute protein and healthy fats.
Frying in the right oil at the proper temperature ensures a golden crust with minimal grease absorption.
While not low-carb, these hush puppies can be enjoyed in moderation as a satisfying, comfort-food treat that balances texture and flavor.
Perfect for everyday meals, barbecues, or family gatherings, this recipe delivers consistent results with minimal effort—and with the right kitchen tools, it’s even easier to master.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
Perfect for shallow frying, this skillet maintains consistent heat and gives hush puppies a golden, crispy finish. Beyond this recipe, it’s ideal for searing meats, baking cornbread, or frying eggs.
ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant Read Thermometer
Ensures the oil reaches and maintains the perfect 365°F. Accurate temperature control is key to frying success and prevents soggy or overcooked hush puppies. Also great for grilling and baking.
Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop (1 Teaspoon Size)
Delivers evenly portioned hush puppies every time, promoting uniform cooking. Also useful for cookies, meatballs, and mini muffins—essential for consistent results in baking and meal prep.
Spider Strainer Skimmer
Ideal for safely removing hush puppies from hot oil while draining excess grease. Its wide basket design works for all frying tasks, including donuts, fries, or tempura.
OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowl (3-Quart)
A sturdy mixing bowl with a non-slip base makes mixing the batter easy and mess-free. A staple in any kitchen, perfect for everything from batter to salad prep.
Southern Hush Puppies
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet (for frying oil)
- 1 Mixing Bowl (medium-sized)
- 1 Metal Strainer or Spider Strainer
- 1 Cookie Scoop or Teaspoon (rounded scoops)
- 1 Thermometer (for monitoring oil temperature)
- Paper Towels (for draining fried hush puppies)
Ingredients
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work well)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup finely ground yellow cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes
- Tartar sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil for Frying: Pour oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Set over medium heat and bring the oil temperature up to 365°F (185°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to prevent under- or over-frying.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper until evenly combined. This blend creates a flavorful and balanced base.
- Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Crack the egg into the bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Avoid overmixing—some small lumps are fine.
- Add Butter for Flaky Texture: Drop in the cold butter cubes and stir gently to distribute them throughout the batter. The cold butter will melt as the hush puppies cook, giving the interior a tender, fluffy texture.
- Drop Batter and Fry Until Golden: Using a small cookie scoop or a rounded teaspoon, carefully spoon the batter into the hot oil. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each hush puppy for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain and Serve Hot: Use a spider strainer or slotted spoon to transfer the cooked hush puppies onto a plate lined with paper towels. Let them drain briefly, then serve warm with tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the batter for a spicier version.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Uniform Size Matters: Using a cookie scoop ensures even frying and consistent texture—important for batch cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable and the hush puppies crispy.
- Freezer Friendly: Leftover hush puppies can be frozen. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 6–8 minutes for best results.
Chef’s Secrets for Fluffy Results
The secret to truly irresistible hush puppies lies in temperature control and ingredient handling.
First, ensure your butter is cold when added to the batter—this helps create tender pockets inside the hush puppies as they fry, much like in biscuits or scones.
Another key is using buttermilk, which adds moisture, a slight tang, and acidity that activates the baking powder, contributing to a light, airy texture.
When mixing the batter, avoid over-stirring.
A slightly lumpy batter is ideal and helps prevent dense or chewy hush puppies. Finally, keep your frying oil steady at 365°F.
If the oil is too cool, the hush puppies absorb excess grease; too hot, and they brown too fast without cooking through.
Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion
Southern hush puppies are incredibly versatile and make a comforting side dish for a variety of meals.
They’re a natural pairing with fried catfish, shrimp po’boys, pulled pork, or any Southern BBQ plate.
Serve them fresh with a tangy dipping sauce like tartar sauce, spicy remoulade, or honey butter.
For a creative twist, serve them alongside chili, creamy soups, or as an alternative to bread at a fish fry.
They’re also excellent on an appetizer platter with other fried treats like pickles or okra.
Add a few sliced scallions or diced jalapeños to the batter if you want to match them with bolder entrees.
Storage Tips to Keep Them Fresh
Hush puppies are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the fryer, but you can definitely store leftovers for later.
Once cooled, place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, avoid the microwave—it makes them soggy. Instead, warm them in a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 5–8 minutes until crisp and heated through.
If you’d like to freeze them, arrange the hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
Reheat straight from frozen in the oven for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (5 FAQs)
1. Can I bake hush puppies instead of frying them?
While traditionally fried, hush puppies can be baked for a healthier version. Use a mini muffin tin, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes. They won’t be as crispy, but the flavor remains satisfying.
2. What kind of cornmeal is best to use?
Finely ground yellow cornmeal works best for this recipe, as it provides a smoother texture and cooks evenly. Coarse cornmeal can result in a gritty or overly dense texture unless adjusted carefully.
3. How do I keep hush puppies from falling apart in the oil?
Make sure your batter is thick enough to hold shape. Also, ensure the oil is hot enough (365°F) before adding the batter—this immediately seals the exterior and prevents them from disintegrating.
4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to fry hush puppies soon after mixing to retain the rise and texture. However, you can pre-mix the dry ingredients and refrigerate the wet ingredients separately to save time, then combine just before frying.
5. What oil is best for frying hush puppies?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like peanut, vegetable, or canola oil. These oils maintain stable frying temperatures and won’t overpower the flavor of the hush puppies.
This recipe is inspired by therecipecritic and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
