Hush Puppies Recipe

This Hush Puppies Recipe delivers golden, crispy cornmeal fritters with a tender inside and savory onion flavor. A Southern classic, they’re perfect alongside fried fish, BBQ, or as a snack. Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable with cheese, spices, or even seafood.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Resting Time 5

Total Time 35

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer, Healthy Side Dishes & Salads

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Batter:
1 cup cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar optional, for a touch of sweetness
1 small onion finely minced (or grated)
1 large egg
¾ cup buttermilk or milk, with 1 tsp vinegar as a substitute
2 tablespoons melted butter optional, for richness
For Frying:
2-3 cups vegetable oil or canola/avocado oil – for deep frying

Equipment

1 Mixing Bowl For combining the batter
1 Whisk To mix wet ingredients smoothly
1 Deep Frying Pan or Dutch Oven For frying hush puppies evenly
1 Slotted Spoon To remove hush puppies from oil safely
Paper towels (for draining excess oil)

Method

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg and whisk in buttermilk and melted butter until smooth.
Combine Batter: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the minced onion. The batter should be thick but scoopable.
Heat Oil: In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if possible for accuracy.
Fry Hush Puppies: Drop spoonfuls of batter (about 1 tablespoon each) into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Serve: Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with honey butter, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For spicier hush puppies, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
Swap buttermilk with Greek yogurt + milk for a lighter, tangy version.
To reduce oil, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes in a greased muffin tin.
Pairs perfectly with seafood like our Crawfish Étouffée Recipe or BBQ meats.