Homemade Hush Puppies
Crispy, golden hush puppies with a savory onion flavor, perfect as a side or snack, appealing to those who enjoy classic Southern comfort foods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the corn meal, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and garlic salt (if using).
- Add the chopped onion, beaten egg, and milk to the dry ingredients and stir lightly until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot grease in a skillet.
- Fry until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding jalapeños or corn kernels to the batter. If you're out of cornmeal, you can substitute half with polenta or use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect golden brown color, which will also prevent the hush puppies from absorbing too much oil.
Serving Suggestions
Hush puppies are best served hot and can be paired with a variety of dishes. They go wonderfully with fried fish or chicken, making them a perfect side for a Southern-style meal. For a lighter option, serve them alongside a fresh Quick Spinach Salad for a delightful contrast in textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Hush Puppies contains roughly 528 calories, with 10g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (41% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2541mg per serving (110% of the Daily Value).
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 just before serving for optimal freshness and texture. If you need to, you can also freeze cooked hush puppies for up to a month and reheat them in the oven.
What type of oil is best for frying hush puppies?
Vegetable oil or canola oil is commonly used for frying hush puppies due to their high smoke points. Alternatively, peanut oil can also be an excellent choice for deep frying, offering a subtle flavor that complements the dish well.
Can I make hush puppies without egg?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit until gel-like) or use unsweetened applesauce as a binding agent. This is a great option for vegan or egg-free diets.
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).