Grandma Talton'S Hush Puppies

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: Southern

Grandma Talton's Hush Puppies are crispy, golden-fried cornmeal balls with a tender interior, perfect as a seafood side or snack, offering savory comfort and classic Southern flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. plain white cornmeal
  • 1 c. self-rising flour
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Sift the cornmeal, self-rising flour, and sugar together in a bowl.
  2. Stir the dry ingredients with a spoon to combine.
  3. Add enough buttermilk to coat the mixture and make a stiff, sticky batter.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into a preheated deep fryer.
  5. Fry until golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider adding a touch of baking powder to the mix. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Be careful not to overcrowd the fryer for even cooking, and monitor the oil temperature to ensure perfect golden-brown hush puppies.

Serving Suggestions

These hush puppies are best served hot and can be enjoyed as a side dish with fried fish or barbecued meats. They also pair beautifully with Rice Pudding(Puerto Rico) for a comforting meal. Consider serving them with a spicy dipping sauce or a classic tartar sauce for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover hush puppies 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 heated through, helping to retain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma Talton'S Hush Puppies contains roughly 298 calories, with 10g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium.

298 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.2g 20% DV
Total Fat 4.6g 6% DV
Carbs 52.8g 19% DV
Fiber 1.8g 6% DV
Sugar 6g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 142.9mg 6% DV
Potassium 232.5mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 13.2mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 56.4mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 1.6mcg 8% DV
Calcium 151.8mg 12% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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. However, it's best to fry them fresh for optimal texture. If you have leftovers, follow storage instructions to keep them crispy.

What can I add to the hush puppy batter?

Feel free to customize your hush puppies by mixing in diced onions, jalapeños, or shredded cheese for added flavor. You can also experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste.

How do I know when the hush puppies are done frying?

The hush puppies are done frying when they float to the surface and turn a deep golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

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).

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