Name: Hush Puppies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 3/4 cup fine ground cornmeal; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg, whisked; 1/2 small yellow onion, grated; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups vegetable oil

Golden, crisp, and downright irresistible, Hush Puppies embody the soul of Southern comfort food in bite-sized form. Each little ball is a perfect blend of fluffy, savory cornmeal and a hint of spice, fried to a mouthwatering finish. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, looking for the ultimate barbecue side, or just craving something warm and nostalgic, Hush Puppies deliver flavor with every bite. There’s something magical about the way their crunchy shell yields to a pillowy middle—making them truly unforgettable finger food and a staple you’ll want to make over and over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a dash of zest, you can whip up Hush Puppies in no time. Each ingredient plays an essential role—from the cornmeal’s rustic texture to the Cajun seasoning’s little kick—ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Fine ground cornmeal: This forms the signature crunch and classic taste that sets Hush Puppies apart from any other snack.
All purpose flour: Ensures a light, tender interior and helps hold everything together during frying.
Kosher salt: Brings out every savory note and balances the sweetness of the cornmeal.
Baking powder: Lends puffiness and that perfect, airy bite to the finished hush puppies.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for extra lift and tenderness inside.
Cajun seasoning: Adds a subtle heat and bold flavor for a little Southern flair.
Buttermilk: Its tangy richness keeps the crumb moist and deliciously tender.
Large egg (whisked): Gives structure and binds the mixture for cohesive, scoopable dough.
Yellow onion (grated): Adds juiciness and just a hint of sweet, savory flavor that makes hush puppies so craveable.
Garlic cloves (minced): A little touch of garlic goes a long way, enhancing the aroma and savoriness.
Vegetable oil: Choose a neutral oil for deep frying; it delivers that iconic crispy exterior without overpowering the flavor.

How to Make Hush Puppies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Begin by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and combining the cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and Cajun seasoning. Give them a quick whisk together—this not only evenly distributes the leaveners and spice, but creates the backbone of those classic Hush Puppies you know and love.

Step 2: Stir the Wet Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk your buttermilk and egg until just combined, then stir in the grated onion and minced garlic. Don’t skip the fresh onion and garlic—they work magic here, giving these hush puppies so much more depth than mixes or shortcuts could ever deliver.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Go just until you see the flour disappear—overmixing can make your hush puppies tough. The batter should be thick but scoopable, with all those specks of onion and spice peeking through.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour your vegetable oil into a deep Dutch oven or heavy pot, ensuring there’s enough for the Hush Puppies to float without crowding. Heat the oil to 365 degrees Fahrenheit—use a thermometer for accuracy, as this ensures crisp, golden outsides and soft, cooked centers.

Step 5: Scoop and Fry

Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, portion the batter into 2-tablespoon sized balls. Fry in batches of about five at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. They’ll need about five minutes, turning golden brown and crisp on all sides. Lift them out with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Hush Puppies are at their very best fresh from the fryer, steaming hot and crispy. Serve them immediately, plain or with your favorite sauces, and watch them disappear in a flash.

How to Serve Hush Puppies

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped chives or parsley brightens up the platter and adds extra color. If you’re feeling a little indulgent, a dash of smoked paprika or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt makes these Hush Puppies pop with flavor right before serving.

Side Dishes

These Hush Puppies are splendid with classic Southern barbecue, fried catfish, or grilled shrimp. A fresh coleslaw or a side of pickled vegetables balances out the richness perfectly and turns a basket of hush puppies into a full, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile them high on a rustic wooden board, tucked into a napkin-lined basket for that homey, welcoming look. For parties, skewer each Hush Puppy with a toothpick beside a trio of dipping sauces—tartar, aioli, or spicy honey mustard—to create a fun, interactive appetizer everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Hush Puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They keep surprisingly well and make a great midnight snack or lunchbox treat the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the Hush Puppies cool completely, then flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months, ready to reheat whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

To keep Hush Puppies crispy, reheat them in a 350 degree oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crunch—an oven or air fryer is your best bet for reviving that just-fried, golden texture.

FAQs

Why are my Hush Puppies dense or heavy?

The most common culprit is overmixing the batter. You’ll want to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients until just combined—stop once everything is just moistened for the fluffiest pups.

Can I bake Hush Puppies instead of frying them?

While you can bake them in a mini muffin tin at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll miss out on that signature crisp exterior. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, an air fryer also produces a decent crunch.

What’s the best oil for frying Hush Puppies?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, work beautifully. They ensure an even, crispy fry without adding any unwanted flavors.

Do Hush Puppies have to be served hot?

They’re at their absolute best warm from the fryer, but leftovers can still be delicious at room temperature or reheated as described above. For parties, keep them in a low oven to serve warm over a period of time.

Can I add other ingredients to the batter?

Absolutely! Try folding in minced jalapeños, corn kernels, shredded cheese, or chopped herbs to customize your Hush Puppies and make them your own.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tasted freshly made Hush Puppies, you’re in for a seriously flavorful treat. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that always vanishes fast—so gather your friends, heat up some oil, and let these little bites of golden comfort be the hit of your table!