Southern Hush Puppies

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Golden brown, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, Southern Hush Puppies are the ultimate comfort food side dish. Whether you’re enjoying a backyard fish fry, a Southern-style barbecue, or simply want a taste of down-home cooking, these savory cornmeal fritters never fail to impress.

What makes hush puppies so lovable is their simplicity. Born out of necessity and resourcefulness, they began as a way to use up leftover batter and have since become a star in their own right. With their satisfying crunch and sweet corn flavor, hush puppies are a bite-sized reminder of Southern culinary heritage.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Hush Puppies Recipe

This recipe delivers all the classic flavors you expect with a few small touches that make a big difference. They cook up quick and easy, which makes them perfect for weeknight meals or spontaneous gatherings. Best of all, they hold up beautifully next to fried fish, barbecue, or a big bowl of chili.

The light crunch gives way to a soft, fluffy interior that’s slightly sweet and full of flavor. No need for complicated ingredients or equipment—just a bowl, a spoon, and a hot skillet of oil.

What Kind of Cornmeal Should I Use for Hush Puppies?

Stick with yellow cornmeal, preferably medium grind. It gives the best balance of texture and color. Fine grind cornmeal tends to make hush puppies too dense, while coarse ground won’t bind as well and can leave you with gritty bites. Avoid using cornmeal mix, which already contains flour and leaveners—you want full control over the ingredients.

Ingredients for the Southern Hush Puppies

Hush puppies use pantry staples, and each ingredient plays an important role in the final flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Yellow Cornmeal: The heart of every hush puppy, it provides the grainy, slightly sweet base.

All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the batter together and gives the hush puppies a fluffier texture.

Baking Powder: Adds lightness and helps them puff up beautifully as they fry.

Sugar: Just a touch balances the cornmeal’s savoriness.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and makes every bite pop.

Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture, creating a rich, tender crumb.

Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.

Chopped Onion: Provides a savory bite and authentic Southern flair.

Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.

How To Make the Southern Hush Puppies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Mix well to distribute everything evenly.

Step 2: Stir in the Wet Ingredients

Add the buttermilk and egg to the dry mix, stirring just until combined. The batter should be thick but not dry. Fold in the chopped onions last.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F. Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for even frying.

Step 4: Fry the Hush Puppies

Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Turn them as needed to ensure even color.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Transfer cooked hush puppies to a paper towel-lined plate. Let them rest a moment, then serve warm.

Serving and Storing Southern Hush Puppies

These hush puppies are best served fresh and hot from the fryer. Their crispy edges and warm, fluffy interiors are at peak perfection right away. They make an excellent side for 4 to 6 people, especially when paired with fried fish, pulled pork, or even a hearty bowl of gumbo.

If you do have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

What to Serve With Southern Hush Puppies?

Fried Catfish

A classic pairing that brings out the best of Southern cuisine. Crunchy fish and tender hush puppies are made for each other.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The sweet-savory bite of hush puppies balances the smoky richness of barbecue pork beautifully.

Creamy Coleslaw

The cool, tangy crunch of coleslaw contrasts perfectly with hot, crispy hush puppies.

Shrimp and Grits

Add hush puppies on the side for a bit of crunch alongside creamy, spicy shrimp.

Barbecue Ribs

Finger-lickin’ good ribs and a pile of golden hush puppies? Yes, please.

Southern Greens

Mustard or collard greens with a splash of vinegar taste even better when scooped up with a hush puppy.

Chili or Chowder

Soups and stews are perfect partners when you want to dip something crunchy and warm.

Hot Honey or Jalapeño Jam

Try serving with a drizzle of spicy-sweet sauce for a flavor upgrade.

Want More Southern Side Ideas?

If you love these Southern Hush Puppies, you’ll definitely want to explore more comforting Southern-style dishes:

• Old-Fashioned Corn Fritters for a crispy, savory-sweet classic.
• Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts if you’re craving a quick Southern treat.
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak to serve over grilled meats.
• Easy Chicken Fried Rice when you’re blending Southern comfort with weeknight ease.
• Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese for a bold, comforting sandwich twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it whenever a craving hits.

Let me know in the comments if you served yours with fish or tried something different! Did you toss in a jalapeño or some shredded cheddar? I’d love to hear what made them your own.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food favorites and Southern sides over on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next must-make dish.

Conclusion

Southern Hush Puppies are more than just a side dish—they’re a bite-sized piece of tradition. Crisp, flavorful, and satisfying, they’re the perfect way to bring a little Southern love to any meal. Try them once, and they’ll become a staple in your kitchen for every fish fry, BBQ, or cozy night in.

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