Country Hush Puppies
Country hush puppies are crispy, savory cornmeal fritters with onion and corn, perfect as a snack or side dish for gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and hot sauce together, then stir in the buttermilk.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just to combine.
- Stir in the minced onion and whole kernel corn, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop batter by tablespoonfuls into the hot oil, cooking only a few at a time to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for about 3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter hush puppy, consider substituting half of the cornmeal with whole wheat flour. If you want to add some extra flavor, try mixing in a bit of shredded cheese or diced jalapeños. Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to ensure crispy edges. If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious hush puppies alongside your favorite Southern dishes like fried catfish or barbecue. They also make a great appetizer when paired with a zesty dipping sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving them with a fresh salad or alongside the Ten Minute Pecan Squash for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover hush puppies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Hush Puppies contains roughly 103 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make hush puppies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before frying. However, fresh is best for texture. If you prepare them in advance, just ensure to fry them right before serving to maintain their crispy exterior.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will mimic the tangy flavor and acidity of buttermilk, ensuring your hush puppies remain fluffy and flavorful.
Can I freeze hush puppies?
Yes, hush puppies can be frozen for up to 2 months. After frying, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake from frozen until heated through and crispy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).