Name: Hush Puppies Recipe: Crispy and Savory
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 3/4 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion; Vegetable oil (for frying, about 4 cups); Optional: Chopped parsley (tartar sauce, remoulade); Suggested Pairings: Iced tea (lemonade)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Hush Puppies are a classic Southern side dish, perfect for seafood dinners, barbecues, or family gatherings. These crispy, golden cornmeal fritters, featuring a savory, slightly sweet flavor and soft interior, deliver a comforting, satisfying bite with a delightful crunch. Presented on a white ceramic platter, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or served with a dipping sauce like tartar or remoulade, this Hush Puppies recipe offers a warm, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any meal. This recipe provides a traditional homemade version with cornmeal and buttermilk, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dish that brings Southern charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Hush Puppies:

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 large egg
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
Vegetable oil (for frying, about 4 cups)

For Serving:

Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, tartar sauce, or remoulade
Suggested Accompaniments: Fried fish, coleslaw, baked beans
Suggested Pairings: Iced tea, lemonade
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter
Suggested Equipment: Deep skillet or Dutch oven, mixing bowl, whisk, slotted spoon, thermometer, measuring cups/spoons, paper towels

Step-by-Step Process

Prepare Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk egg and buttermilk until combined. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients, then fold in chopped onion until just combined.
Taste and Adjust: Cook a small spoonful of batter in hot oil (safe to taste once cooled slightly) and adjust with a pinch of salt or sugar for a balanced savory-sweet flavor.
Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) over medium heat. Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature.
Form and Fry: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil using a small cookie scoop or spoon, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and crispy.
Drain: Remove hush puppies with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve: Arrange hush puppies on a white ceramic platter. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley and serve with tartar sauce or remoulade. Pair with fried fish, coleslaw, baked beans, iced tea, or lemonade.

Tips for Better Hush Puppies

Use fine or medium-grind yellow cornmeal for the best texture; avoid coarse cornmeal.
Taste the cooked test hush puppy to balance savory, sweet, and tangy flavors; adjust batter cautiously.
Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure crispy exteriors without greasy interiors.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep hush puppies light and tender.
Present on a white ceramic platter to highlight the golden crust and vibrant garnishes.
Make ahead: Prepare batter up to 4 hours in advance; refrigerate and stir before frying.
Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with parsley for a fresh, green pop or serve with a colorful dipping sauce.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Hush Puppies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend; ensure cornmeal and baking powder are gluten-free certified.
Vegan Hush Puppies: Replace egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar.
Spicy Hush Puppies: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or 2 tbsp diced jalapeños to the batter.
Cheesy Hush Puppies: Fold in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese with the onion.
Herb Hush Puppies: Add 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives to the batter.
Sweet Hush Puppies: Increase sugar to 2 tbsp for a sweeter profile.
Bacon Hush Puppies: Mix in 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
Corn Hush Puppies: Add 1/4 cup canned or fresh corn kernels for extra texture.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freeze cooked hush puppies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Serve warm for the best crispy, tender texture.
Use as a side dish for Southern meals or as a snack with dipping sauces.
Pair with iced tea or lemonade to complement the savory, slightly sweet flavors.
Present on a white ceramic platter with garnishes for a warm, Southern charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings (5 hush puppies each):

Calories: 250 kcal
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 4% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 2% Daily Value
Calcium: 6% Daily Value
Iron: 6% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and oil absorption. Moderate in calories; enjoy with light sides for balance.

Conclusion

This Hush Puppies recipe delivers a crispy, savory dish perfect for seafood dinners or barbecues, transforming simple ingredients into a Southern favorite. Its easy preparation and golden presentation make it a go-to. The crunchy exterior and soft interior delight every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing charm.