Name: Buttermilk Hush Puppies Recipe: Crispy and Tender Southern Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1½ cup yellow or white cornmeal; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon seafood Cajun seasoning; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¾ cup buttermilk, warmed; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup finely grated onion; 1 large egg, beaten

Buttermilk Hush Puppies Recipe: Crispy and Tender Southern Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Fluffy: The outside is golden and crisp, while the inside remains soft and tender, giving you the perfect texture.
Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time and a short fry time, you can have these delicious hush puppies ready in under an hour.
Full of Flavor: The addition of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and onion powder gives these hush puppies a flavorful kick.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as a side to fried fish, at a barbecue, or just as a tasty snack on their own.

Ingredients

1½ cup yellow or white cornmeal (see note)
½ cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon seafood Cajun seasoning
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¾ cup buttermilk, warmed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup finely grated onion
1 large egg, beaten

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

2. Add the Seasonings

Whisk in the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly distributed.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the buttermilk, melted butter, grated onion, and beaten egg.
Gently stir the wet ingredients together, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Chill the Batter

Cover the batter and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to fry.

5. Heat the Oil

Fill a large deep skillet with 2–3 inches of oil and heat it to 350°F. (If the hush puppies are frying too quickly, you can reduce the oil temperature to 325°F.)

6. Form the Hush Puppies

Once the oil is hot, use a small cookie scoop to portion about 1 tablespoon of batter. Wet your hands if needed and roll the dough into balls. Place the dough balls on a plate as you prepare them in batches.

7. Fry the Hush Puppies

Carefully transfer the dough balls into the hot oil using a rubber spatula. Fry in small batches, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and fluffy inside—about 3–4 minutes per batch.

8. Drain the Hush Puppies

Remove the hush puppies from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

9. Serve

Serve the hush puppies hot and enjoy! They’re perfect on their own or with a side of tartar sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo for dipping.

Notes

Which Cornmeal to Use: Yellow cornmeal gives the hush puppies a more rustic texture, while white cornmeal offers a smoother, softer bite. Choose based on your texture preference.
Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning levels to your taste. You can add more Cajun seasoning for extra heat or more sugar for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Serving Suggestions: These hush puppies are great served alongside fried fish, shrimp, or even as a stand-alone appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover hush puppies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To maintain the crispiness, reheat hush puppies in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until they are crisp again.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free. However, the texture may vary slightly.

2. Can I make these hush puppies ahead of time?

For the best texture, it’s recommended to serve them fresh. However, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry.

3. Can I bake these hush puppies instead of frying them?

While frying gives these hush puppies their signature crispy exterior, you can bake them at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes. However, they won’t be as crispy as when fried.

4. How do I keep the hush puppies from being greasy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the batter. If the oil is too cool, the hush puppies will absorb more oil and become greasy.

5. Can I freeze these hush puppies?

Yes! You can freeze hush puppies once they have cooled completely. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to regain their crispness.

Conclusion

Buttermilk Hush Puppies are a delicious, crispy, and tender treat that’s a perfect addition to any meal or gathering. With their golden brown exterior and fluffy interior, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Easy to make, full of flavor, and versatile, these hush puppies will become your go-to snack or side dish for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy the best of Southern comfort food!

Buttermilk Hush Puppies Recipe: Crispy and Tender Southern Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients