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Hushpuppies

This recipe for crispy golden homemade Hushpuppies is certain to become a family favorite. To make them a simple batter is seasoned to perfection then deep fried just before serving. These crispy cornbread fritters are sure to be the star of any meal.

Hushpuppies

Easy Southern Hushpuppies Recipe

Why are they called Hushpuppies? Hushpuppies are really deep fried cornbread in fritter form. I love the stories associated with hushpuppies. There seems to be a common thread about how they got their whimsical name although the cooks supposedly responsible for the name, range from fisherman, to cowboys on the trail, to military men. The story goes, that while frying fish, cooks tossed pieces of fried cornbread to the dogs to keep them quiet, hence the name “hush puppy.” Whatever the origin, it’s an absolute must at a fish fry or alongside any of your favorite seafood dishes. How to make Hushpuppies: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

  • Dry Ingredients – Use a whisk to sift together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, seafood seasoning, salt, granulated garlic and onion powder
  • Wet Ingredients – In another bowl whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
  • Combine – Add to the dry ingredients with the onion. Mix until fully moistened. Let the batter rest on the counter while the oil heats.
  • Heat the Oil – Heat the oil to 350°F. Use a spoon or medium ice cream scoop to divide the dough.
  • Cook – Fry in batches, carefully dropping into the hot oil. Cook for around 4 minutes, turning as needed for even browning. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
  • Season lightly with additional seafood seasoning immediately after removing them from the oil. Keep warm until serving.
Hushpuppies

How to Make the Best Hushpuppies Recipe

A fish fry just wouldn’t be complete without a basket full of hushpuppies and my family loves to enjoy them with many other meals as well. I’m not sure there’s a wrong time to serve hushpuppies. Naturally, they’re a perfect fit to serve with any kind of fried, steamed or grilled fish and seafood. Apart from that hushpuppies also go well with pork, beef or chicken barbecue, grilled entrees or as an appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces or butter for your next backyard soiree.

  • What are hushpuppies made of? To make this recipe you’ll need plain yellow cornmeal, all purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, seafood seasoning, granulated garlic, onion powder, diced onion, egg, buttermilk and oil for frying.
  • What oil is best for frying? You can use vegetable oil or peanut oil for this recipe.
  • You can adapt this homemade hushpuppies recipe using self rising yellow cornmeal and self rising flour in the same amounts. When doing so, omit the baking powder and salt, but use the baking soda called for in the recipe.
  • Can hushpuppies be made in an air fryer? This type of sticky batter doesn’t do quite as well in an air fryer. I recommend sticking with deep frying for authentic hushpuppies. That being said, you can reheat them in an air fryer.
  • How do you reheat hushpuppies? You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds. Please note, they won’t be quite as crispy when reheating leftovers.
  • How do you reheat them in an air fryer? While this recipe isn’t adapted for an air fryer you can certainly reheat and crisp cooked hushpuppies again in an air fryer. To do so, place them into the air fryer basket and cook at 365°F for 2-3 minutes. Adjust with the time adding more from that point depending on how your appliance performs. Serve immediately.
  • What do you serve with hushpuppies? You can serve hushpuppies with a side of honey butter, a spicy aioli or with a dipping sauce such as Comeback Sauce.
southern-hushpuppy-recipe

More Southern Cornbread Recipes to Make

This hushpuppy recipe results in sweet and soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, bite size cornbread fritter. I often refer to them as “hush yo mouth puppies” they’re just that good!

Hushpuppies

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

Hushpuppies

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time4 minutes
Total Time19 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: hush-puppies-recipe, hushpuppies
Servings: 25 [yield may vary]
Calories: 144kcal
Author: Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/2 tsp seafood seasoning [i.e. Seafood Magic Old Bay or similar]
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 medium sweet onion finely diced
  • 6 cups peanut or vegetable oil for frying [approximately]

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl use a whisk to sift together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, seafood seasoning, salt, granulated garlic and onion powder
  • Whisk together the egg and buttermilk in another bowl. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients along with the onion. Mix until fully moistened.
  • Let the batter rest on the counter while the oil heats.
  • Heat the oil to 350°F. Use a Tbsp or medium ice cream scoop to divide the dough. Fry in batches, carefully dropping into the hot oil.
  • Cook for around 4 minutes turning as needed for even browning.
  • Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
  • Season lightly with additional seafood seasoning immediately after removing them from the oil. Keep warm until serving.

Notes

To reheat leftover Hushpuppies in an air fryer:
  • Place into the air fryer basket and cook at 365°F for 2-3 minutes.
  • Adjust the time adding more from that point, depending on how your appliance performs.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 130mg | Potassium: 109mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!

9 Comments

  1. These were excellent! I’ve never made hushpuppies before and they turned out perfect! Made them to go along with our fried catfish. Husband said they are a requirement now anytime we have fish! He thought they were probably the best hushpuppies that he has ever had. Our boys loved them too even though there is onion in them. Will be making these again and again!

  2. OHHH my boyfriend & I LOVEEEEE Hushpuppies and we JUST got a brand new deep fryer. You can use the deep fryer on this also right? Thanks a BUNCH Melissa for the great recipes.
    Have a GREAT weekend
    Much Love,
    Kari

  3. 5 stars
    Wow, those are easier than I thought they would me. This is going to sound awful, but you know I don’t think I have ever had hush puppies. I have only read and heard about them in books and the movies. Oh my I have been missing out.

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