Southern Style Hush Puppies
Southern style hush puppies are crispy, golden fried cornmeal balls with a hint of onion, perfect as a side dish or snack for gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl: cornmeal, salt, baking powder, and soda.
- Add buttermilk and grated onion to the dry mixture.
- Stir with a fork until the mixture is moistened.
- Set the batter aside for 10 minutes to rest.
- Dip a small spoon into hot oil and drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil in a deep pan.
- Fry for 5 to 6 minutes or until the hush puppies are golden brown on all sides.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños 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 hot enough before frying; a small drop of batter should sizzle immediately when added. Serve them fresh for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that pairs beautifully with fried catfish or shrimp. Serve them alongside a zesty dipping sauce, like remoulade or tartar sauce, to complement their flavor. They also make a delightful snack on their own or can be enjoyed with a fresh salad, like Festive Orange Salad, for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Style Hush Puppies contains roughly 560 calories, with 5g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 623mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make hush puppies in advance?
Hush puppies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before frying. However, frying them fresh will give you the lightest and crispiest texture.
What can I serve with hush puppies?
Hush puppies are versatile and pair well with various dishes. They are particularly delicious alongside fried seafood, like catfish or shrimp. You can also serve them with BBQ dishes or as a side to a hearty soup for a comforting meal.
How do I know when the hush puppies are done frying?
Hush puppies are done frying when they turn a golden brown color and float to the surface of the oil. They should take about 5 to 6 minutes to fry. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels for excess oil.
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).