Southern Hush Puppies
Golden, crispy hush puppies with a savory onion flavor, perfect as a side or snack for gatherings, offering a comforting Southern classic with a tender interior and crunchy exterior.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 2 to 3 inches of Crisco oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine yellow cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the buttermilk, egg, and finely chopped onion to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding spices like cayenne pepper or garlic powder to the batter. You can substitute all-purpose flour with corn flour for a gluten-free version. If you want to make them a bit healthier, try using less oil or baking them instead. Ensure the oil is at the right temperature for crispy hush puppies; if it's too cool, they may absorb too much oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your hush puppies hot with a side of tartar sauce or spicy remoulade for dipping. They pair wonderfully with fried catfish or grilled shrimp, making them a perfect addition to a Southern seafood feast. For a twist, consider serving them alongside a bowl of Sopa Paraguay (Corn Bread) for a unique combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 30 seconds, but they may lose some texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Hush Puppies contains roughly 612 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2112mg per serving (92% 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 batter in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before frying. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to fry them fresh. If you must make them ahead, reheat them in the oven to regain some crispness.
What can I use if I don't have buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by combining 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before adding it to the recipe. This will give you a similar tangy flavor.
How can I make hush puppies spicier?
To add some heat to your hush puppies, incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the batter. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce to amplify the flavors. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
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).