Here’s a detailed homemade hush puppies recipe along with a FAQ section to help you master this Southern favorite!
🧾 Homemade Hush Puppies Recipe
🧂 Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal (preferably stone-ground yellow cornmeal)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional but recommended for balance)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, adds mild spice and color)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk (or substitute with ½ cup milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
- ½ small onion, finely chopped or grated
- 1 small green onion or chives, finely chopped (optional for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for richer flavor)
- Oil for frying (peanut, canola, or vegetable oil)
🍳 Instructions:
1. Prep the oil
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fill the pot with 2–3 inches of oil. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, pepper, and paprika.
3. Combine wet ingredients
- In another bowl, mix:
- Egg, buttermilk, melted butter (if using), onion, and green onion.
4. Make the batter
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry.
- Stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Batter should be thick but scoopable. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
5. Fry the hush puppies
- Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, carefully drop heaping teaspoons or 1-inch balls of batter into hot oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Serve
- Best served hot with butter, honey, or dipping sauces like ranch or spicy remoulade.
❓ FAQs About Hush Puppies
📌 What are hush puppies made of?
They’re deep-fried cornmeal-based fritters typically flavored with onions and spices. The base is usually cornmeal, flour, baking powder/soda, buttermilk or milk, and egg.
🧅 Can I use onion powder instead of fresh onions?
Yes. Use about ½ teaspoon onion powder if you don’t have fresh onions, but fresh grated onion gives more moisture and flavor.
🧊 Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Not recommended. The leavening agents (baking powder/soda) will lose their effectiveness. You can chop the onions and prep ingredients ahead though.
🥶 Can I freeze hush puppies?
Yes! Freeze cooked hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crisp (8–10 minutes).
💡 Why are my hush puppies dense or greasy?
- Oil too cold: Causes greasy, heavy hush puppies. Keep oil at 350°F.
- Overmixing: Can make them dense. Stir just until combined.
- Batter too wet: Add a bit more cornmeal if it’s too runny.
🔄 Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. Use a mini muffin pan, grease well, and bake at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes. Flip halfway if needed.
🌽 Can I add extras?
Definitely! Popular mix-ins include:
- Corn kernels
- Jalapeños
- Cheese (sharp cheddar works great)
- Cooked crumbled bacon
🎯 Tips for Success
- Use fine or medium-ground cornmeal for a smoother texture.
- Grate or finely mince onions so they blend well into the batter.
- Resting the batter 5–10 minutes improves flavor and texture.
- Always test-fry one hush puppy to adjust seasoning or texture.
Would you like a spicy version or a baked one for a healthier twist?