Crispy Southern Hush Puppies: A Flavorful Fried Cornmeal Side
Golden cornmeal bites add a zesty cheddar and jalapeño kick to any meal.
Hush puppies are a beloved Southern side dish —golden, crispy, bite-sized balls of fried cornmeal batter that pair perfectly with fried fish, barbecue, or a big helping of slaw. Their crunchy exterior hides a fluffy, tender interior flavored with onion, cheddar, and a touch of jalape o for extra zing. This article explores every angle of hush puppies, from their storied past to the best frying tips and an easy step-by-step recipe that brings comfort food right to your table.
Why Are They Called ‘Hush Puppies’?
Origin stories abound for the hush puppy name. The most popular tale credits inventive cooks during 19th-century fish fries. When dogs barked hungrily around the cooking fires, the cooks tossed bits of fried fish batter to them, telling them to “hush, puppies!” Whether historically accurate or not, this charming story has become a cultural touchstone wherever hush puppies are enjoyed.
Hush Puppy Folklore
- Some say the recipe came from Civil War soldiers who quieted dogs with cornmeal scraps.
- Others trace it to Southern fish fry traditions and the practice of frying leftover batter.
What Makes Hush Puppies So Irresistible?
Hush puppies offer a trifecta of crunch, flavor, and versatility:
- Crispy exterior: Created by frying cornmeal batter at the perfect temperature.
- Soft, moist interior: Achieved by balancing liquid and dry ingredients with a touch of onion and, in this recipe, rich cheddar and spicy jalape o.
- Quick preparation: Hush puppies cook in mere minutes and use pantry staples —making them an unbeatable choice for a fast, comforting side.
Key Ingredients for Southern-Style Hush Puppies
The soul of hush puppies lies in simple ingredients, elevated with bold flavors and meticulous technique. Here’s the breakdown:
| Ingredient | Purpose in the Recipe |
|---|---|
| Yellow cornmeal | Grants signature grit and crunch |
| All-purpose flour | Holds batter together in the fryer |
| Baking powder and soda | Lightens and lifts the hush puppies |
| Kosher salt & black pepper | Enhances and balances flavor |
| Granulated sugar | Provides subtle sweetness |
| Whole buttermilk | Adds tang and tenderizes crumb |
| Egg | Binds and adds richness |
| Grated onion | Infuses savory depth and moisture |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | Delivers richness and a melting texture |
| Finely chopped jalape o | Introduces a spicy kick |
| Peanut oil (for frying) | Provides a high smoke point and clean flavor |
Step-by-Step Directions: How to Make Perfect Hush Puppies
1. Prepare the Batter
- Whisk cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and sugar in a medium bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth.
- Add grated onion, cheddar cheese, and jalape o to the wet ingredients. Stir until blended.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Mix just until incorporated; do not overmix. Allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes.
2. Preheat the Frying Oil
- Use a deep Dutch oven and fill with peanut oil to a depth of 2 inches.
- Heat oil to 375°F. Monitor using an instant-read thermometer. Aim to keep oil between 325°F and 350°F during frying.
3. Fry the Hush Puppies
- Working in batches, carefully drop spoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon each) of batter into the hot oil.
- Do not overcrowd. Fry in small batches for even cooking.
- Turn occasionally to ensure golden color on all sides.
- Fry until golden brown —about 34 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove hush puppies.
4. Cool and Serve
What others are reading
- Place fried hush puppies on a wire rack so excess oil drains. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 7 minutes.
Frying Tips for Crunchy, Light Hush Puppies
- Temperature control: Start with oil at 375°F, as it cools when batter is added. Keep the temperature between 325°F and 350°F for optimal browning and texture.
- Small batches: Avoid crowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy hush puppies.
- Rest the batter: Letting the batter stand for 10 minutes hydrates the cornmeal and results in a more tender bite.
- Choice of oil: Peanut oil is preferred for its clean flavor and high smoke point, but canola or vegetable oil work well.
- Draining: Use a wire rack (or paper towel-lined plate) to keep hush puppies crispy as they cool.
Customizing Your Hush Puppies
Classic hush puppies are delicious on their own, but simple tweaks and additions allow you to personalize this iconic dish:
- Cheese: Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda.
- Spice level: Use more jalape o or add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Add-ins: Consider green onions, diced red bell pepper, or a pinch of garlic powder for more flavor complexity.
- Sweet hush puppies: Increase sugar and omit savory add-ins for a sweeter twist.
- Serving dips: Pair with comeback sauce, ranch, or chipotle mayo.
What to Serve with Hush Puppies
Hush puppies play well with classic Southern entrees and light sides alike. Try teaming them with:
- Fried catfish, shrimp, or other crispy fried seafood
- Barbecue pulled pork or ribs
- Coleslaw or creamy potato salad
- Collard greens or slow-cooked beans
- Grilled corn on the cob
Recipe Card: Cheddar Jalape o Hush Puppies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated onion
- 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped jalape o
- Peanut oil for frying
Directions
- Whisk cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and sugar in a medium bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk buttermilk and egg until smooth. Stir in grated onion, cheddar cheese, and jalape o. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Let batter rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat peanut oil to 375°F in a Dutch oven (about 2 inches deep).
- Carefully drop tablespoons of batter into the oil. Fry in batches for 34 minutes, turning for even coloring. Remove hush puppies with a slotted spoon; drain on a wire rack.
- Serve hot, with your favorite dipping sauce or as a classic Southern side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make hush puppies without cheese or jalape o?
A: Absolutely. Traditional hush puppies are often plain or with just onion. Omit cheese and peppers for a classic taste.
Q: Is buttermilk essential?
A: Buttermilk gives a tangy depth and tender texture. If unavailable, substitute with whole milk plus a teaspoon of white vinegar.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store cooled hush puppies in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 7 minutes to restore crispness.
Q: Why did my hush puppies turn out greasy?
A: Oil temperature may have fallen too low, leading to excess absorption. Always fry between 325°F and 350°F for best results.
Q: What’s the best oil for frying hush puppies?
A: Peanut oil is ideal for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but vegetable or canola oils are also good options.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)*
| Calories | ~120-140 |
| Carbohydrates | ~1518g |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Fat | ~7g |
*Values vary by ingredients and portion size. Fried foods are best enjoyed in moderation.
Expert Tips for Southern Success
- Do not overmix: Overworking the batter makes hush puppies dense. Mix just until combined.
- Resting time: Ten minutes rest before frying ensures tender, fluffy interiors.
- Test frying: Fry a single hush puppy first to check oil temperature and batter consistency.
- Serving hot: Hush puppies are at their crunchy best straight from the fryer.
Southern Tradition: The Hush Puppy Experience
The hush puppy is more than a side dish —it’s a slice of Southern culinary history, celebrated at fish fries, picnics, and Sunday suppers alike. Their humble ingredients, quick cooking technique, and crowd-pleasing flavor make them a cherished comfort food across generations.
Whether you keep it classic or spice it up with cheddar and jalape o, mastering hush puppies brings endless reward: a golden treat, a simple joy, and an invitation to gather and savor. Serve them at your next family meal and watch them disappear faster than you can say “hush.”
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
