If you haven’t tried hush puppies you’re in for a treat! These tasty balls of fried dough are a Southern U.S. classic. They can be served as appetizers or as a side.
Hush puppies are easy to make and can be served with a variety of dishes. This recipe takes just 20 minutes to make!
Table of Contents
What are Hush Puppies?
They are small, round balls of dough that are deep fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re originally from the Southern U.S. and are typically served alongside seafood.
What are Hush Puppies Made of?
Classic hush puppies are made with a batter of flour, yellow cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, buttermilk or regular milk and eggs. Some recipes also include onions or scallions, as well as cheese, spices, hot peppers, and even beer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- flour
- cornmeal
- sugar
- baking powder
- garlic powder
- paprika
- salt
- pepper
- egg
- buttermilk
- cold butter
- vegetable oil
How to Make Hush Puppies
- Mix together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper.
- Add the egg and buttermilk and stir until combined.
- Stir in the cubed butter.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet to 365°F.
- Drop the batter by rounded teaspoonfuls in the hot oil.
- Let cook for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a metal strainer and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Serve and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure the butter is cold. The hush puppies will fry up nice and moist.
- Avoid overmixing the batter. The batter with some lumps is okay.
- Use a cookie dough scooper to create the balls and to drop them into the hot oil. The balls will have a nice round shape and you won’t get batter all over your fingers.
Best Oil to Use When Frying
Use neutral tasting high smoke point oils such as peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.
How Long Will Hush Puppies Last?
Hush puppies are best enjoyed while they’re still warm. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated the following day.
Why Are Hush Puppies Called Hush Puppies?
According to the stories, soldiers threw fried balls of dough at dogs to keep them quiet or to hush them. Another theory is that because hush puppies were considered to be a humbling meal, families who ate them wanted to keep it hush hush!
What is the Difference Between a Corn Fritter and a Hush Puppy?
Both are savory sides that are made of dough and fried. The main difference is hush puppies are made with flour and cornmeal, while corn fritter batter is made with white flour.
Southern Hush Puppies Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup flour
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons cold butter cut into small cubes
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet to 365°F. In a medium-sized mixing bowl add the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper. Add the egg and buttermilk and stir until combined. Stir in the cubed butter.
- Drop the batter by rounded teaspoonfuls in the hot oil. Let cook for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a metal strainer and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Serve with tartar sauce if desired.
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