Max'S Hush Puppies
Max's Hush Puppies are crispy, golden-fried cornmeal balls with a hint of onion and a touch of sweetness from sugar. Perfect as a snack or side dish, they are flavorful, savory, and appealing to all ages. Hot peppers can be added for extra spice, making them versatile and delicious.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the wet ingredients: egg, buttermilk, and peanut oil.
- Combine the dry ingredients: self-rising white cornmeal, self-rising flour, sugar, salt, and onion salt.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped onion and chopped hot peppers if using.
- Let the batter rise for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Spoon batter into the hot oil, forming small balls.
- Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Remove hush puppies from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter hush puppy, you can substitute half of the self-rising flour with cornmeal. If you want some heat, consider folding in some chopped jalapeños or other hot peppers. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy exterior. Also, use a small ice cream scoop for uniform sizing when dropping the batter into the oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these hush puppies hot as a delightful side dish with fried fish or shrimp, or as a snack with a dipping sauce like Pumpernickel Dip. They also pair beautifully with cold salads or soups, making them a versatile addition to any meal. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Wanda'S Noodles.
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 single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and crispy again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Max'S Hush Puppies contains roughly 158 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 17g fat.
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 up to 2 hours before frying. However, for the best texture, it's ideal to fry them fresh just before serving.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
For frying hush puppies, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Peanut oil is also a great choice for added flavor, but make sure no one has allergies.
How can I make these hush puppies spicier?
To add some spice to your hush puppies, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the batter. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.
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).