Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 4-6 · Technique: Frying · Storage: 2 days in the fridge.
Quick Answer
Homemade hush puppies are crispy, golden bites made with cornmeal and served warm, perfect for festive gatherings.
As the air gets crisper here in New York City, I find myself yearning for cozy gatherings filled with warmth, laughter, and, of course, delightful food. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I can’t resist tweaking classics that not only bring comfort but also leave my guests raving. That’s where these handmade hush puppies come into play. As I bring a sprinkle of Southern charm into my NYC kitchen, nothing beats the nostalgia of crispy, golden hush puppies, served warm alongside a steaming bowl of chili or as a delightful party snack.
A Delightful Snack for the Holidays
These hush puppies make the perfect addition to any festive meal or as a standalone treat, ensuring your guests will leave with satisfied smiles and full bellies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Brings a touch of Southern charm to your holiday gatherings.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for unexpected guests.
- Customizable with optional ingredients for a personal touch.
- Enjoy hot and crispy, providing a delightful snack option for any occasion.
- Pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes like chili or fried catfish.
Ingredients
To craft these tasty bites, you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
Vegetables
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil)
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup minced jalapeños or a sprinkle of paprika
How to Make Homemade Hush Puppies (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your own irresistible hush puppies.
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. The aroma of the cornmeal is reminiscent of summer days at the county fair—hearty and inviting.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg, beating until they’re well integrated. This creates a wonderfully creamy mixture that will coat the dry ingredients perfectly.
Step 3: Combine
Gently fold in your chopped onion (and jalapeños, if using) into the dry mixture, followed by the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; over-mixing can make them tough, and we are aiming for fluffy, light hush puppies.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet—my trusty 10-inch cast-iron skillet is my go-to—heat about two inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. To check if it’s ready, drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil; if it sizzles eagerly, you’re good to go!
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Using a tablespoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (I typically fry in batches of 4-5). After about 2-3 minutes, flip them over when they’re a deep golden brown. They should float and bubble up, releasing a delightful aroma that fills the kitchen.
Step 6: Drain
Once they are crispy and golden on all sides, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy your hush puppies hot, perhaps with a side of your favorite dipping sauce or even a sprinkle of sea salt for that extra touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to tough hush puppies. Gently fold until combined.
- Oil Temperature Too Low: If the oil is not hot enough, the batter will absorb too much oil instead of frying to crispiness.
- Crowding the Pan: Frying too many at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy hush puppies. Fry in batches.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Customize Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins, such as garlic powder for an extra depth of flavor.
- Make Ahead: Hush puppies can be made a few hours ahead, fried just before serving for that straight-from-the-pan experience.
- Pair Wisely: Serve alongside your favorite dishes — think fried catfish, gumbo, or a bowl of spicy chili.
Variations
- Substitute yellow cornmeal with white cornmeal for a different taste.
- Add shredded cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Incorporate cooked and crumbled bacon for added flavor.
- Use diced bell peppers instead of onions for a sweeter profile.
How to Serve
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or spicy aioli.
- Pair with a bowl of chili for a hearty meal.
- Offer as a party snack alongside other finger foods.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Hush puppies can be prepared a few hours in advance and fried just before serving.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as they are best fresh.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through testing this recipe, I’ve discovered that less is often more when it comes to ingredients. The simplicity of fresh, quality components shines through beautifully in every bite. Plus, nothing beats the joy of sharing homemade treats around the table during the holidays.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 10-12 hush puppies · Serving Size: 2-3 hush puppies
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~150 calories · 3g protein · 20g carbs · 7g fat
Crispy Homemade Hush Puppies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk and egg, beating until well integrated.
- Fold in chopped onion (and jalapeños if using) into the dry mixture, followed by the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- In a deep skillet, heat about two inches of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil, frying in batches until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove hush puppies from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot, optionally with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
FAQs
Can I make hush puppies in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and fry them just before serving for that freshly cooked taste.
What can I serve with hush puppies?
Hush puppies pair wonderfully with fried catfish, gumbo, or a bowl of spicy chili.
How do I store leftover hush puppies?
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
