Crispy Hush Puppies Recipe – Perfect Southern Delight

Hush puppies are the golden nuggets of Southern cooking, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Their delightful blend of cornmeal and spices will make your taste buds dance like no one’s watching.

Picture yourself at a summer barbecue, the sun shining and laughter filling the air, as you bite into a hush puppy. That satisfying crunch followed by a warm, fluffy center is pure joy. Whether at a family gathering or a cozy dinner, these little treats are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Hush Puppies

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Cornmeal: This is the star ingredient that gives hush puppies their signature texture and flavor. Opt for fine or medium grind for best results.
• All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour balances the cornmeal and helps achieve that perfect dough consistency.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent creates those lovely little air pockets that make your hush puppies light and fluffy.
• Salt: A dash of salt enhances all the flavors in your hush puppies. Don’t skip it!
• Sugar: Just a bit of sugar adds sweetness, balancing out the savory flavors beautifully.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion lends moisture and a subtle sweetness that brightens up every bite.
• Milk: Use whole milk or buttermilk for a richer batter; it adds creaminess to the mix.
• Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and add extra richness to enhance the flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: You’ll need plenty of oil for frying; it should be hot enough to create that lovely crispy exterior.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Hush Puppies

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion finely so it blends seamlessly into the batter, enhancing every mouthful with its sweet aroma.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk them together until you see no lumps—think smooth sailing!

Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in milk and crack in those eggs. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep your hush puppies fluffy.

Add Onions and Mix Well: Fold in your chopped onions carefully; they should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture without losing too much air.

Heat Your Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or fryer until it’s about two inches deep. Heat on medium-high until it reaches around 350°F (175°C), creating that golden frying environment.

Scoop and Fry: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of batter into the hot oil. Fry until they turn golden brown—about three minutes per side—flipping carefully with tongs.

Drain and Serve Warm: Once crispy and golden, remove hush puppies from oil using a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil; serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

These hush puppies will have everyone raving! Enjoy them fresh out of the fryer while they’re still warm for maximum flavor impact.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve golden-brown hush puppies, start by mixing your dry ingredients first. Form the batter while heating oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot. Once the oil reaches the right temperature, drop spoonfuls of batter and fry until crispy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to get creative with your hush puppies! Add chopped jalapeños for some heat, or toss in fresh herbs like chives or parsley for an extra flavor boost. Cheese lovers can even incorporate shredded cheddar for a cheesy twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

Hush puppies remind me of summer cookouts at my aunt’s house, where laughter filled the air and everyone raced for seconds—especially when she made her famous spicy version that had us all sweating but smiling!

FAQs :

What are Hush Puppies made of?

Hush puppies are a delightful Southern dish made primarily from cornmeal. The base typically includes cornmeal, flour, baking powder, milk, and eggs. Some recipes also incorporate finely chopped onions or spices for added flavor. This simple mixture is then shaped into small balls or fritters and deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, making them the perfect accompaniment to fried fish or barbecue.

How do you make crispy Hush Puppies?

To achieve crispy hush puppies, start by ensuring your oil is hot enough before frying. The ideal temperature is around 365°F (185°C). Additionally, avoid overcrowding the fryer to maintain the oil temperature. Use cold ingredients; this creates steam during cooking and contributes to crispiness. Lastly, drain them on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil and retain that perfect crunch.

Can Hush Puppies be baked instead of fried?

Yes, hush puppies can be baked for a healthier alternative to frying. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Shape the hush puppies into small rounds and place them on the sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown. While they may not have the same crispy texture as fried hush puppies, baking allows for a delicious variation that can be enjoyed guilt-free.

What dishes pair well with Hush Puppies?

Hush puppies pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. They are particularly popular alongside fried fish or shrimp, enhancing the meal’s Southern charm. Additionally, serve them with barbecue meats like pulled pork or ribs for an authentic experience. They also complement coleslaw or beans, adding texture and flavor to your plate. For dipping sauces, consider tartar sauce or honey mustard for an extra layer of taste.

Conclusion for Hush Puppies :

In summary, hush puppies are a beloved Southern dish made from cornmeal that shines as both an appetizer and side dish. Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior create an irresistible combination that pairs well with many meals. Whether you fry or bake them, experimenting with flavors can lead to delightful variations. With this recipe and tips in mind, you’re now ready to enjoy homemade hush puppies at your next gathering or family meal!

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Hush Puppies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x

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Description

Hush puppies are a beloved Southern treat, featuring a crisp exterior and a light, fluffy interior. Made from simple ingredients, these delicious cornmeal fritters are perfect for any gathering, whether as an appetizer or a side dish.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 3/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Finely chop the onion and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until smooth.
3. Add milk and egg; stir gently until just combined without overmixing.
4. Fold in the chopped onion evenly into the batter.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to around 350°F (175°C).
6. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
7. Use a slotted spoon to remove hush puppies; drain on paper towels and serve warm.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 hush puppies (60g)
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg