Ole Time Hush Puppies
Golden, crispy hush puppies with vibrant green onions and parsley, offering a savory, mildly spicy flavor. Perfect as a side or appetizer for gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
- 2 c. yellow cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 c. plain flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped parsley
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- ground cayenne pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 3/4 to 1 c. buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 c. green onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. hot cooking oil or bacon drippings ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 c. cooking oil for frying ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat 1 1/2 to 2 cups of cooking oil in a deep-sided skillet or heavy-gauge pot.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, parsley, seasoned salt, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the beaten eggs, buttermilk, and chopped green onions to the dry ingredients.
- Stir well until you have a coarse batter.
- Add the 2 tablespoons of hot cooking oil or bacon drippings and blend well with the other ingredients.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Remove hush puppies with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, use finely ground cornmeal and sift the dry ingredients together to aerate the mixture. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Adding a bit of corn kernels or diced jalapeños can give these hush puppies a delightful twist. For a sweeter version, consider including a tablespoon of sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hush puppies warm with a side of tartar sauce or a spicy dipping sauce for a perfect appetizer. They pair beautifully with fried fish or as a side to a hearty bowl of gumbo. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside Grandma's Oatmeal And Raisin Cookies for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ole Time Hush Puppies contains roughly 736 calories, with 28g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (195% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), and potassium (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1680mg per serving (73% 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 the batter ahead of time?
It's best to prepare the batter just before frying, as it can thicken and lose its light texture if left standing. If you must prepare ahead, store it in the refrigerator for a short time and stir it well before frying.
What oil is best for frying hush puppies?
Peanut oil or canola oil are great for frying hush puppies due to their high smoke points. Avoid using olive oil, as it can impart a flavor that may not complement the hush puppies well.
Can I make these hush puppies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and seasoned salt, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
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).