Hush Puppy
Crispy, golden hush puppies with a savory cornmeal flavor, perfect as a snack or side dish, appealing to both casual eaters and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift cornmeal, flour, baking powder, garlic salt, and salt together in a bowl.
- Add beaten egg and milk to the dry ingredients; stir until well mixed.
- Let the batter stand for 5 minutes; add additional milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Drop small spoonfuls of batter into hot oil in a skillet.
- Fry until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful hush puppy, consider adding finely chopped jalapeños or bell peppers to the batter. If you're out of garlic salt, use regular salt and add a clove of minced garlic instead. Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying by testing with a small drop of batter; it should sizzle immediately. This recipe can be adapted for vegetarian recipes by omitting any meat-based sides.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hush puppies warm as a side dish with fried fish or grilled meats. They pair beautifully with Easy-Serve Salad Bundles for a complete meal. For a dipping sauce, try tartar sauce or a spicy aioli. You can also serve them as an appetizer at gatherings, alongside other finger foods.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hush Puppy contains roughly 707 calories, with 4g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 770mg per serving (33% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to a few hours before frying. However, it's best to fry them fresh for optimal texture. If you have leftovers, they can be reheated in the oven to restore their crispiness.
What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If you don't have cornmeal, you can use finely ground polenta or masa harina as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but they will still yield delicious results.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately. If it sinks and does not sizzle, the oil needs more time to heat up.
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).