Hush Puppies Southern Style
Southern-style hush puppies are crispy, golden-fried cornmeal balls with a hint of chili and onion, perfect as a snack or side for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients, only adding enough milk to make a thick dough.
- Drop by teaspoon into hot oil.
- Cook until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. If you don’t have milk, buttermilk or a non-dairy milk like almond or soy can work well. Ensure your oil is hot enough to prevent the hush puppies from absorbing too much grease, but not so hot that they burn quickly. Keep an eye on them as they fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these hush puppies warm as a delightful appetizer or side dish alongside fried fish or shrimp. They pair beautifully with tartar sauce or a zesty dipping sauce. For a complete Southern meal, consider serving them with coleslaw or baked beans. You might also enjoy them alongside Johnny'S Hush Puppies for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover hush puppies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they are crispy again. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hush Puppies Southern Style contains roughly 492 calories, with 9g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (39% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2553mg per serving (111% 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 dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours. However, it’s best to fry them fresh for optimal texture. If you need to make them ahead, consider frying and then reheating in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
What type of oil is best for frying hush puppies?
For frying hush puppies, vegetable oil or peanut oil are ideal choices due to their high smoke points. These oils help achieve that perfect golden brown crust without imparting any unwanted flavors. Avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can burn easily.
Can I make these hush puppies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder is also gluten-free. This will give you a similar texture while accommodating gluten-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).