Easy Hush Puppies

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Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—there’s just something irresistible about a plate full of golden hush puppies. I’ve made these countless times for casual backyard BBQs and cozy fish fry nights, and they never last more than a few minutes on the table. These little cornmeal bites are deeply comforting and incredibly satisfying, especially when dipped in your favorite sauce or served alongside a classic Southern spread.

What I love most about making hush puppies is how quickly they come together. You don’t need any fancy tools or obscure ingredients. Just a bowl, a spoon, and a hot pot of oil. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious beginner, this is one of those recipes that will instantly make you feel like a kitchen pro. Let’s dive into why these Easy Hush Puppies deserve a spot in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Hush Puppies Recipe

• Super fast to make with pantry staples
• Golden, crunchy exterior with a tender, moist center
• Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack
• Ideal for seafood dinners, BBQs, or Southern-style meals
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

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What Kind of Cornmeal Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, I recommend using medium-grind yellow cornmeal. It gives the hush puppies that perfect crunch without being too gritty. Fine cornmeal will work in a pinch, but it makes the inside a bit more cake-like. Avoid self-rising cornmeal unless you’re skipping the baking powder and salt, as it could throw off the texture and taste.

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Options for Substitutions

• Buttermilk Substitute: Mix regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Onion Swap: If you’re not a fan of raw onion, try using green onions or even shallots for a milder flavor.
• No Egg? Use 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt or sour cream as a binder.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the batter.
• Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

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Ingredients for This Easy Hush Puppies Recipe

• Yellow Cornmeal – The heart of hush puppies, giving them their signature flavor and texture.
• All-Purpose Flour – Helps to bind the batter and gives a balanced structure.
• Baking Powder – Essential for a light and fluffy interior.
• Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the cornmeal and balances the sweetness.
• Sugar – Just a touch to round out the flavor and provide contrast.
• Egg – Acts as a binder to hold the mixture together.
• Buttermilk – Adds tang and moisture, creating a tender texture.
• Finely Chopped Onion – For that savory bite and aromatic depth.
• Oil for Frying – Neutral oil like vegetable or peanut oil works best for crispy, golden results.

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Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning, which is key for consistent texture and taste in every bite.

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Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Create a well in the center of your dry mix and add the egg and buttermilk. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the hush puppies dense rather than fluffy.

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Step 3: Fold in the Onions

Stir in the finely chopped onions until they’re evenly distributed. The onions not only bring flavor but also contribute moisture, making each hush puppy flavorful and tender on the inside.

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Step 4: Preheat the Oil

In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy—if the oil is too hot, the hush puppies will brown too quickly and remain raw inside; too cold, and they’ll absorb oil and become greasy.

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Step 5: Shape and Fry the Hush Puppies

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until deep golden brown.

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Step 6: Drain and Serve

Use a slotted spoon to remove the hush puppies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Let them cool slightly before serving—they’re best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the fryer.

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How Long to Prepare the Easy Hush Puppies Recipe

Prep Time:

Preparing the batter and chopping the onions takes around 10–15 minutes. Since you only need one bowl and a spoon, the cleanup is minimal, which makes the prep process feel even faster. If you’re using pre-chopped onions or a food processor, this time can be cut in half.

Cook Time:

Each batch takes about 4–5 minutes to fry, depending on how many you’re cooking at once. You can typically fry a dozen hush puppies in 2–3 batches, meaning the total cook time is approximately 15 minutes. In under 30 minutes total, you’ll have a warm plate ready to serve.

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Tips for Perfect Easy Hush Puppies

• Keep your oil at a steady 350°F for even cooking.
• Use a small cookie scoop for uniform hush puppy sizes.
• Don’t overmix the batter—just fold until combined.
• Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before frying for better texture.
• Serve immediately for the crispiest bite.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the pot: This drops the oil temperature and makes them soggy.
• Frying in too cool oil: Leads to greasy hush puppies.
• Using large onion pieces: They can cause the batter to fall apart.
• Overmixing the batter: Results in tough, dense centers.
• Letting them sit too long before frying: The leavening agents lose effectiveness.

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What to Serve With Easy Hush Puppies?

1. Fried Catfish

A classic Southern pairing—crunchy hush puppies and golden fried catfish make a comforting, craveable combo.

2. Coleslaw

The cool, creamy texture of coleslaw balances the hush puppies’ crispness perfectly.

3. Barbecue Pulled Pork

Serve hush puppies alongside juicy, smoky pulled pork for a hearty and indulgent meal.

4. Shrimp and Grits

Use hush puppies as a crispy sidekick to elevate this rich Southern favorite.

5. Chili or Gumbo

They’re perfect for dipping into bold, spicy stews like chili or gumbo—great for soaking up flavor.

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Storage Instructions

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, avoid sealing them while they’re still warm—let them cool first.

Reheating:

Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them rubbery and soggy.

Freezing:

You can freeze hush puppies after they’ve completely cooled. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best texture.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per 2-3 hush puppies)

• Calories: ~150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 230mg
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep hush puppies from falling apart?

Make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F), and don’t overcrowd the pan. Also, be sure the batter is thick—not runny.

Can I bake hush puppies instead of frying?

Yes, though the texture will be different. Use a mini muffin pan and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until golden.

What kind of oil is best for frying hush puppies?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal. They have high smoke points and won’t alter the flavor.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can mix the dry ingredients and store separately from wet until just before frying. Avoid combining too early as baking powder will lose potency.

Are hush puppies gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour to make them suitable for gluten-free diets.

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Conclusion

Easy Hush Puppies are a go-to recipe when you want something quick, crunchy, and crowd-pleasing. With a simple batter and a few tips, you can serve up a plate of these Southern gems in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re pairing them with seafood or enjoying them as a snack, they always deliver comfort and flavor in every bite. Fry a batch today—you won’t regret it.

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