Homemade Hush Puppies Recipe
Introduction
If you’ve ever enjoyed Southern cuisine, chances are you’ve come across hush puppies—those golden, crispy balls of fried cornbread. Crunchy on the outside yet soft and fluffy inside, hush puppies are the ultimate comfort food side dish.
Traditionally served alongside fried fish, barbecue, or seafood platters, hush puppies are a Southern staple that never goes out of style. This homemade version uses Jiffy cornbread mix for convenience, combined with onions, spices, and buttermilk for extra flavor.
Whether you’re making them for a family cookout, a fish fry, or just craving a taste of the South, these Homemade Hush Puppies are easy, quick, and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 box Jiffy Cornbread Mix (8.5 oz)
- ½ cup onion, grated or finely minced
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar/lemon juice)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet touch)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy mix, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Stir in the grated onion for flavor and texture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- Tip: The batter should be thick but scoopable. Don’t overmix.
2. Heat the Oil
- In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches.
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for best results.
3. Fry the Hush Puppies
- Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil.
- Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Serve
- Serve the hush puppies warm, with dipping sauces like tartar sauce, ranch, or honey butter.
- They also pair perfectly with fried catfish, shrimp, or BBQ ribs.
Tips for Perfect Hush Puppies
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: This keeps the oil temperature stable and ensures crispy results.
- If the batter feels too runny, add a tablespoon of flour. If too thick, add a splash of milk.
- Use buttermilk for the best flavor, but regular milk works in a pinch.
- For extra flavor, try adding chopped jalapeños, shredded cheese, or corn kernels to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
- As a side dish to fried fish, shrimp, or crab boils.
- With barbecue platters like pulled pork or ribs.
- With dipping sauces: ranch, spicy aioli, tartar sauce, or honey mustard.
- As a snack with sweet honey butter spread on top.
Nutrition (per serving, approx. 2 hush puppies)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Protein: 3 g
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I bake hush puppies instead of frying?
Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes in a greased muffin tin.
2. Can I freeze hush puppies?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
3. Can I make them without Jiffy mix?
Yes. Replace the mix with 1 cup cornmeal, ¼ cup flour, 2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt.
4. What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil all work well because of their high smoke points.