Southern hush puppies are crispy, savory bites that make the perfect side dish. These easy-to-make treats are family-friendly and kid-approved, making them a must for your next gathering. Enjoy this delightful recipe that brings a taste of the South right to your kitchen!
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What are Southern Hush Puppies?
Southern hush puppies are a beloved Southern delicacy. These small, fried balls of cornmeal batter are typically served with fried fish, shrimp, or barbecue. Their history dates back to the 1800s, providing a crunchy, flavorful accompaniment to many traditional meals.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Hush Puppies Recipe
Crispy Exterior, Tender Interior
Each hush puppy features a golden-brown crust that gives way to a soft, tender interior. The contrast in texture is irresistible, satisfying both the crunch and softness in every bite.
Perfectly Savory Flavor
The flavor profile is savory, thanks to the combination of cornmeal, onion, and a hint of jalapeño. The added Creole seasoning brings depth, making these hush puppies a standout side.
Easy to Make
This recipe is simple and quick, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort. You can whip up a batch in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.
Ingredients for Authentic Southern Hush Puppies
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups self-rising cornmeal (yellow or white)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose Creole seasoning
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 large jalapeño, de-seeded and de-veined, finely diced
For Frying
- 4 cups canola oil for frying
How to Make Southern Hush Puppies: Step-by-Step
Prepare for Frying and Warming
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place a wire rack on top. This setup will keep your hush puppies warm and crisp after frying.
Mix the Hush Puppy Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, and Creole seasoning. Then, add the buttermilk, beaten egg, diced onion, and diced jalapeño. Stir until combined; remember, it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy.
Rest the Batter
Let the batter rest while heating the oil. This step allows the flavors to meld and ensures a tender hush puppy.
Heat the Frying Oil
In a Dutch oven or cast iron skillet, heat 3-4 cups of oil to 365°F. To check the temperature, drop in a pinch of batter; it should sizzle immediately.
Fry the Hush Puppies
Using a cookie scoop, drop the batter into the hot oil, frying in batches of 8-10. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown.
Drain and Keep Warm
Remove the hush puppies from the oil and transfer them to the wire rack to drain any excess oil. Place the rack in the warm oven while you fry the remaining batches.
Tips for the Best Hush Puppies
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can lead to tough hush puppies. A slightly lumpy batter is just what you want!
Rest is Best
Allowing the batter to sit helps achieve that light, tender texture.
Maintain Oil Temperature
Keep the oil temperature consistent to avoid greasy hush puppies. Adjust the heat as needed while frying.
Don’t Crowd the Pan
Frying in smaller batches prevents a drop in oil temperature, ensuring every hush puppy is cooked to perfection.
Proper Draining is Key
Drain your hush puppies in a single layer to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Choose the Right Oil
For frying, canola oil works great due to its high smoke point. Avoid olive oil, as it doesn’t perform well at high temperatures.
Variations to Try
Additions for Extra Flavor
Feel free to experiment by adding whole kernel corn, shredded cheddar cheese, or even bits of crispy bacon for an extra flavor boost.
Adjusting Sweetness
If you like a hint of sweetness, consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar to the batter.
Serving Southern Hush Puppies
Perfect Pairings
Hush puppies are fantastic served alongside fish fry, gumbo, chili, or stew. They make a wonderful addition to any Southern spread!
Serving Temperature
For the best experience, serve them piping hot. The contrast of a warm hush puppy with a crispy exterior and soft interior is truly delightful.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Refrigeration
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Freezing
Cooked hush puppies can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure they are fully cooled before sealing them in a container.
Reheating
To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F until heated through and regain their crispiness.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for southern hush puppies?
You will need self-rising cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, Creole seasoning, buttermilk, a beaten egg, diced onion, and diced jalapeño, along with canola oil for frying.
How do I make southern hush puppies step by step?
Begin by whisking together the dry ingredients, then mix in the wet ones. Let the batter rest while heating oil to 365°F. Fry spoonfuls of the batter until golden brown, then drain and keep warm.
Can I make southern hush puppies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying.
How should I store leftover southern hush puppies?
Store leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
Related Recipes to try
- Pimento Cheese
- Southwest Quinoa Grilled Corn Salad
- Asparagus Tomato Feta Salad
- Blueberry Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
- Spring Beet Salad
- Quinoa Salad
Conclusion
Southern hush puppies are an irresistible treat that adds warmth to any meal. They pair beautifully with dishes like fish fry and gumbo, making them a perfect sidekick for your favorite comfort foods. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our Pinterest page for a collection of delicious recipes!
Southern Hush Puppies: Crispy Comfort Food Delight
Equipment
- skillet
- baking sheet
- mixing bowl
- whisk
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups self-rising cornmeal yellow or white
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose Creole seasoning
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 large jalapeño, de-seeded and de-veined, finely diced
- 4 cups canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place a wire rack on top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, and Creole seasoning.
- Add the buttermilk, beaten egg, diced onion, and diced jalapeño to the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined; do not overmix. Let the batter rest while heating the oil.
- Heat 3-4 cups of oil in a Dutch oven or cast iron skillet to 365°F. Test temperature by dropping a pinch of cornmeal into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop batter into the hot oil in batches of 8-10. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and evenly cooked. Adjust heat to medium to maintain oil temperature.
- Remove hush puppies from oil and transfer to the wire rack to drain excess oil. Place the rack in the oven to keep warm while frying remaining batches.
- Serve hot.
Notes
– Resting the batter is required to ensure a light and tender texture.
– Maintain correct oil temperature to avoid gummy exteriors or greasy interiors.
– Do not overcrowd the skillet, as this lowers oil temperature.
– Drain fried hush puppies in a single layer on a rack rather than piling them to prevent oil absorption.
– Recommended frying oils include canola, avocado, or peanut oil due to high smoke points. Olive oil is not suitab