Kentucky Hush Puppies
Crispy Kentucky hush puppies feature a savory cornmeal batter with onions, fried to golden perfection, offering a comforting Southern classic perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients; add onions and buttermilk and finally the beaten egg.
- Heat cooking oil to moderately hot temperature.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil and fry until brown, turning only once.
- Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped bell peppers to the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure the oil is at the right temperature to prevent soggy hush puppies; a simple test is to drop a small amount of batter in the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these hush puppies hot as a delightful appetizer or side dish. They pair beautifully with fried fish or chicken and are perfect alongside coleslaw or your favorite dipping sauce. For a fun twist, enjoy them with the Easy Pineapple Salad for a refreshing contrast.
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 again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kentucky Hush Puppies contains roughly 123 calories, with 4g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1946mg per serving (85% 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 ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before frying. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to fry them fresh just before serving.
What type of oil is best for frying hush puppies?
It's best to use oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, for frying hush puppies. This ensures they cook evenly and develop a nice golden-brown color without burning.
Can I freeze hush puppies?
Yes, you can freeze cooked hush puppies. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven for the best results.
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).