Homemade Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe

Homemade Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe

Southern Hush Puppies are crispy and golden on the outside with a fluffy, light interior. Slightly sweetened with cornmeal and flavored with onion and a hint of cayenne, these fried bites make a perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal.

CourseAppetizer
CuisineAmerican
KeywordSouthern Hush Puppy, hush puppies, fried cornmeal balls, appetizer, Southern recipe, crispy hush puppies, cornmeal batter, fried snack, Frying
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time6 minutes
Total Time16 minutes
Servings6 servings

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup (138g) cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup (71g) all-purpose flour scooped & leveled
  • 2 Tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup (169g) buttermilk
  • 1/2 small onion grated (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup)

For Frying

  • Peanut or vegetable oil (about 2 inches for frying)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir until well blended.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten egg and buttermilk. Add the grated onion along with its juices.
  3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
  4. Pour about 2 inches of peanut or vegetable oil into a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F on a digital thermometer.
  5. Using two spoons, carefully drop tablespoon-sized dollops of batter into the hot oil, using the back of one spoon to push the batter in. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning partway through with a wire spatula, until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Remove hush puppies from oil and transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F while frying by adjusting heat as needed.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • To freeze, arrange cooked hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours; then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat thawed hush puppies in an air fryer or oven for best texture; microwaving is also possible for small quantities.
  • Maintain oil temperature using a digital thermometer between 350°F and 375°F to prevent greasy or burnt hush puppies.

Homemade Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe https://linadinner.com/homemade-cornmeal-hush-puppies-recipe/ February 21, 2026