Easy & Delicious Hush Puppies: A Simple Recipe for Southern Comfort

Hush puppies! Just the name conjures up images of warm summer evenings, friendly gatherings, and the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried cornmeal goodness. These golden nuggets, traditionally served alongside Southern barbecue or fried fish, are surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe will guide you through creating simple yet incredibly flavorful hush puppies that will have everyone asking for more.

What are Hush Puppies? A Little History

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the origins of this beloved Southern staple. The exact origin story is shrouded in a bit of mystery, but the most popular legend involves fishermen or cooks throwing bits of fried cornmeal batter to quiet barking dogs. Hence, the name “hush puppies.”

Regardless of the precise history, hush puppies quickly became a cornerstone of Southern cuisine, evolving from a simple way to pacify hungry canines to a delicious side dish enjoyed by people of all ages.

Why This Hush Puppy Recipe is the Best (and Easiest!)

There are countless hush puppy recipes out there, some more complex than others. This recipe focuses on simplicity and flavor, using readily available ingredients and straightforward instructions. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Easy to Follow: The steps are clearly outlined, making it perfect for beginner cooks.
• Minimal Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
• Deliciously Crispy: Achieves the perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these fantastic hush puppies:

• 1 cup Yellow Cornmeal: Use a medium-grind cornmeal for the best texture.
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a lighter texture.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: Essential for creating a light and fluffy interior.
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda: Adds another layer of leavening and helps with browning.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
• 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Optional, but adds a savory depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder: Optional, complements the garlic powder.
• 1 Large Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
• 1 cup Buttermilk: Creates a tender and flavorful hush puppy. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps with frying.
• 1/4 cup Chopped Onion: Adds flavor and texture (optional). Finely chop the onion to ensure it cooks through properly.
• Vegetable Oil, for Frying: You’ll need enough oil to submerge the hush puppies. Canola oil or peanut oil also work well.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: To ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
• Deep Fryer or Large Pot: For frying the hush puppies. A deep fryer will maintain a consistent temperature, but a large pot works just fine.
• Slotted Spoon or Spider: For removing the hush puppies from the hot oil.
• Paper Towels: To drain excess oil.
• Thermometer (Optional): If using a pot for frying, a thermometer can help you maintain the ideal oil temperature (350-375°F).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Hush Puppies

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the hush puppies!

1. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and onion powder (if using). Make sure there are no lumps in the dry ingredients.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough hush puppies. Gently fold in the chopped onion, if using. The batter should be thick but pourable. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of buttermilk until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large pot to reach a depth of about 3-4 inches. Heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it. If the batter sizzles and floats to the surface within a few seconds, the oil is ready.
5. Drop the Hush Puppies: Using a small spoon or a cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy hush puppies. Fry in batches.
6. Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry the hush puppies for 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Turn them occasionally to ensure even browning.
7. Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the hush puppies from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Serve Immediately: Hush puppies are best served hot and fresh. Serve them alongside your favorite Southern dishes, such as fried fish, barbecue, or coleslaw.

Tips for Hush Puppy Perfection

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your hush puppies turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough hush puppies. Mix until just combined.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil temperature consistent is crucial for crispy, evenly cooked hush puppies. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Frying too many hush puppies at once will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy hush puppies. Fry in batches.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of your hush puppies. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh flavor.
• Use Fresh Oil: Using fresh, clean oil will result in better-tasting hush puppies. Don’t reuse oil that has been used to fry other foods, as it may impart unwanted flavors.
• Keep Warm in the Oven: If you’re making a large batch of hush puppies, you can keep them warm in a preheated oven (200°F) until ready to serve. Place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to get creative with your hush puppies? Here are a few variations and add-ins to try:

• Jalapeño Hush Puppies: Add 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped jalapeños to the batter for a spicy kick. Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.
• Cheese Hush Puppies: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese to the batter for a cheesy twist.
• Corn Hush Puppies: Add 1/2 cup of cooked corn kernels to the batter for a sweeter flavor and added texture.
• Herb Hush Puppies: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or dill, to the batter for a fresh and flavorful twist.
• Sweet Hush Puppies: For a sweeter treat, add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the batter and serve with honey or syrup.

Serving Suggestions

Hush puppies are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Fried Fish: A classic combination! Serve hush puppies alongside crispy fried catfish, cod, or tilapia.
• Barbecue: Hush puppies are the perfect accompaniment to pulled pork, ribs, or brisket.
• Seafood Boil: Add hush puppies to your next seafood boil for a delicious and satisfying meal.
• Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy flavor of coleslaw complements the crispy texture of hush puppies perfectly.
• Chili: Serve hush puppies as a side with a bowl of hearty chili.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a satisfying snack with your favorite dipping sauce.

Dipping Sauce Ideas

While hush puppies are delicious on their own, a good dipping sauce can take them to the next level. Here are a few ideas:

• Tartar Sauce: A classic choice for fried fish and hush puppies.
• Cocktail Sauce: Another great option for seafood dishes.
• Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy sauce that complements the savory flavor of hush puppies.
• Remoulade Sauce: A creamy, Cajun-inspired sauce that adds a spicy kick.
• Ranch Dressing: A simple and versatile option that everyone loves.
• Hot Sauce: For those who like a little heat, a dash of hot sauce can add a zesty flavor.
• Honey Butter: Mix softened butter with honey for a sweet and decadent dipping sauce.

Making Hush Puppies Ahead of Time

While hush puppies are best served fresh, you can prepare the batter ahead of time. Simply mix the batter according to the recipe instructions and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to fry, give the batter a quick stir and proceed with the recipe.

Storing Leftover Hush Puppies

If you have any leftover hush puppies (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven (350°F) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a crispier texture.

Recipe Summary

This simple hush puppy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its easy-to-follow instructions and customizable flavors, you’ll be making delicious, crispy hush puppies in no time. So gather your ingredients, heat up the oil, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern comfort!

Yields: Approximately 24 hush puppies

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 3-5 minutes per batch

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Yellow Cornmeal
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder (optional)
• 1 Large Egg
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 1/4 cup Chopped Onion (optional)
• Vegetable Oil, for Frying

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and onion powder (if using).
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped onion, if using.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
5. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
6. Fry for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally.
7. Remove and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy!

We hope you enjoy this easy and delicious hush puppy recipe! Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or variations you’d like to share. Happy cooking!