Easy Hush Puppies

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Golden, crispy, and irresistibly fluffy on the inside, these Easy Hush Puppies are a Southern classic that brings comfort and crunch to any meal. Whether you’re serving up fried catfish, barbecue ribs, or a big bowl of gumbo, hush puppies make the perfect savory companion. Their slightly sweet, cornbread-like center is what keeps everyone reaching for just one more.

Made with simple pantry staples and ready in minutes, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, fish fries, or backyard gatherings. Fried to golden perfection, each bite of these hush puppies delivers a soft, steamy center encased in a flavorful, crispy shell. If you’re craving that deep-fried Southern charm, these are your go-to bites.

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What Kind of Cornmeal Should I Use?

For the best texture and authentic flavor, use finely ground yellow cornmeal. It gives hush puppies their signature taste and structure. Avoid coarse cornmeal, which can make the interior gritty instead of fluffy. If you’re using self-rising cornmeal mix, you can skip the baking powder and flour, but regular cornmeal offers the most control over texture and flavor.

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Ingredients for the Easy Hush Puppies

Yellow Cornmeal – The heart of the recipe. It creates that signature texture and slight sweetness.

All-Purpose Flour – Helps bind the batter and keeps the hush puppies tender on the inside.

Baking Powder – Gives the hush puppies their airy, fluffy lift.

Salt & Sugar – Enhances flavor and adds a hint of sweetness.

Buttermilk – Adds moisture and tang. It’s key for that authentic Southern flavor.

Egg – Acts as a binder and helps create a cohesive batter.

Grated Onion – Adds subtle savory flavor and moisture. You can use sweet or yellow onion.

Oil for Frying – Choose a high smoke point oil like vegetable or peanut oil for best results.

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How To Make the Easy Hush Puppies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk until everything is evenly distributed. This ensures every bite has consistent flavor and texture.

Step 2: Stir in the Wet Ingredients

Add the buttermilk and egg into the bowl, then stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as that can make the hush puppies dense. Fold in the grated onion for added moisture and flavor.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable or peanut oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven, filling it about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy—maintaining temperature is key for even frying.

Step 4: Scoop and Fry

Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Transfer the hush puppies to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve warm while the centers are soft and the crusts are perfectly crisp. A sprinkle of sea salt or a dip in remoulade makes them even better!

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How to Serve and Store These Easy Hush Puppies

Serve hush puppies fresh and hot, ideally just a few minutes after frying. They make an amazing sidekick to fried fish, shrimp, BBQ platters, or even a big bowl of gumbo. For an extra pop of flavor, pair them with a dipping sauce like spicy remoulade, garlic aioli, or even a honey-butter drizzle.

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and regain that crispy texture, pop them in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to soften the exterior.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the batter a few hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before frying.

Can I bake hush puppies instead of frying?

Hush puppies are traditionally deep-fried, but you can bake them in a mini muffin tin at 400°F for 15-18 minutes. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still taste delicious.

What kind of onion is best?

Sweet onions are great for a mild flavor, but yellow onions work just as well. Avoid red onions, as they may overpower the dish.

Can I freeze hush puppies?

Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer straight from frozen.

Why are my hush puppies greasy?

If your oil isn’t hot enough, the hush puppies will absorb more oil. Always aim for 350°F and fry in small batches to maintain temperature.

What else can I add to the batter?

Try adding chopped jalapeños, shredded cheddar, or crumbled bacon for a flavorful twist!

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Want More Southern Side Dish Ideas?

If these hush puppies hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to explore more bold, comforting Southern flavors. Here are some savory and crave-worthy recipes to try next:

• Crack Green Beans for a sweet and salty vegetable side that’s anything but boring.
• Honey Butter Skillet Corn brings creamy sweetness to your table with minimal effort.
• Cheesy Baked Tennessee Onions are bubbling with Southern charm and melty goodness.
• Funeral Potatoes if you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.
• Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes and Veggies for a comforting tray of oven-roasted perfection.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can revisit it whenever the craving for Southern comfort hits.

Tried this hush puppies recipe? I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you go classic, or did you sneak in some cheddar or jalapeños? Drop your tips and variations in the comments below.

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