Southern Hush Puppies Recipe

Southern hush puppies in a metal baking pan with a blue linen underneath on top of a white surface.

4.78 from 31 votes

These classic southern hush puppies are made with slightly sweetened cornmeal batter, diced sweet onions, and the perfect amount of seasoning and spices. Crispy and golden brown on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, these hush puppies will become a new family favorite!

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time10 mins

Total Time20 mins

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: hush puppies

Calories: 138kcal

Author: Ashley Boyd

Equipment

Ingredients

1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 large egg
¾ cup buttermilk
1 small sweet onion finely chopped
vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and spices until combined. In a separate medium mixing bowl, beat together the egg and buttermilk until the egg is completely mixed in.
Pour the buttermilk mixture into the bowl with the cornmeal mixture and mix together with a silicone spatula until just combined, or no more dry cornmeal and flour are visible. Lastly, fold in the chopped onions with the spatula.
Add enough oil to a 5 to 6-quart Dutch oven to come up the sides 3 inches. Het the oil over medium-high heat until it has reached 365°F (185°C).
Using a tablespoon size cookie scoop or two tablespoons, drop balls of batter into the hot oil in batches, about 6-7 at a time. Fry the hush puppies for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, flipping frequently to make sure all sides get evenly browned.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the hush puppies from the oil to a paper towel-lined plate. Allow the hushpuppies to cool enough to handle and enjoy!

Notes

Use a deep fry or candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil. If the oil is not hot enough, you will end up with greasy hush puppies. If the oil is too hot, your hush puppies will brown on the outside before they fully cook on the inside.
Leftover hushpuppies can be stored in a zip-top bag or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat hushpuppies in the microwave or, for the crispiest texture, reheat them in the oven or an air fryer.

Nutrition