Golden Hush Puppies
Golden hush puppies offer crispy, golden-brown bites with a savory onion flavor, perfect as a side or snack for gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the self-rising cornmeal and finely chopped onion in a bowl.
- Add milk and the slightly beaten egg, stirring well to form a batter.
- Carefully drop the batter by tablespoonfuls into deep hot oil at 370°F (about 188°C).
- Cook only a few hush puppies at a time, turning once, until they are golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Drain the hush puppies well on paper towels before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the batter. If you don't have self-rising cornmeal, you can use regular cornmeal and add 1 tablespoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Make sure the oil is hot enough to get that golden color; test it with a small drop of batter before frying the whole batch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these golden hush puppies hot, with a side of tartar sauce or spicy remoulade for dipping. They pair excellently with fried fish or as a flavorful side to a hearty bowl of chili. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a salad or with dishes like First Base Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to revive their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Golden Hush Puppies contains roughly 129 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 3g 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 the batter ahead of time?
While it's best to fry the hush puppies immediately after mixing the batter for the best texture, you can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to an hour. Just give it a good stir before frying to ensure everything is well combined.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil is commonly used for frying hush puppies due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. You can also use peanut oil or canola oil if preferred, but avoid using olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and may impart unwanted flavors.
Can I bake these hush puppies instead of frying?
While frying gives the hush puppies their signature crispy texture, you can bake them by spooning the batter onto a greased baking sheet and baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. They may not be as crispy, but will still be delicious.
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).