Oh, let me tell you about southern hush puppies! These delightful little cornmeal fritters are the epitome of comfort food, with their crispy exterior giving way to a soft, fluffy interior that practically melts in your mouth. I can still remember my grandmother standing by the fryer at family gatherings, the air thick with that irresistible aroma. We’d all huddle around, waiting for the golden-brown hush puppies to emerge, eager to dip them in tartar sauce or just enjoy them plain. Trust me, once you get a taste of these beauties, you’ll want to make them a regular on your table. They’re truly a southern staple that brings everyone together!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these irresistible southern hush puppies:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- Oil for frying
Make sure to measure everything out precisely—this will help you achieve that perfect texture. I love using fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially that buttermilk; it really adds a nice richness to the batter. Now, let’s get ready to make some magic happen!
How to Prepare Southern Hush Puppies
Preparing southern hush puppies is a fun and rewarding process! Start by mixing your dry ingredients in a large bowl: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Once that’s all combined, add in the chopped onion, buttermilk, and the egg. Stir until everything is well incorporated. You want the batter to be thick but still spoonable, almost like a thick pancake batter—don’t worry if it’s a little lumpy, that’s just fine!
Mixing the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Once mixed, add the chopped onion, buttermilk, and the large egg. Stir until just combined; don’t overmix! The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy, which helps create that perfect texture when frying.
Heating the Oil
Now, let’s talk oil! Heat your frying oil in a deep fryer or a heavy pot until it reaches 350°F. This temperature is crucial for getting that crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft. I always use a thermometer to ensure it’s just right—trust me, it makes all the difference! If the oil isn’t hot enough, your hush puppies may turn out greasy.
Frying the Hush Puppies
When the oil is hot, it’s time to fry! Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and floating. You’ll want to keep an eye on them, flipping halfway if needed to ensure even cooking. The sound of that sizzling oil is music to my ears!
Draining and Serving
Once golden brown, remove the hush puppies from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Serve them hot, either plain or with your favorite dipping sauce. They’re absolutely fantastic alongside seafood or just as a tasty snack on their own!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these delightful southern hush puppies (that’s about 2 hush puppies) comes in at around 150 calories. They pack 7g of fat, with 3g of protein to keep you satisfied. Of course, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in. They’re perfect for a snack or a side, and you won’t feel too guilty devouring them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand
- Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside
- Perfect as a side dish for seafood or as a tasty snack
- Versatile and easy to customize with your favorite spices
Tips for Success
To make your southern hush puppies truly shine, don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to your liking; a little cayenne pepper can add a delightful kick! Always ensure your oil is at the right temperature—350°F is key for that perfect crispiness. Using a thermometer is your best friend here; it keeps everything on track. And remember, don’t overcrowd the pot while frying; let them have room to float and get nice and golden. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your hush puppies from good to absolutely irresistible!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to jazz up your southern hush puppies! For a little heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce to the batter. If you’re a cheese lover like me, try adding shredded cheddar or pepper jack for a rich, savory twist. And for a fresh flavor, why not mix in some corn kernels or herbs like chives or parsley? The possibilities are endless, and you can make each batch uniquely yours!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any hush puppies left (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until they’re warmed through and regain that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy—nobody wants that! Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first batch!
FAQ Section
Can I bake southern hush puppies?
While traditional hush puppies are deep-fried for that perfect crispy texture, you can bake them if you prefer a lighter option. Just spoon the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. They won’t be quite the same, but they’ll still be delicious!
What can I serve with southern hush puppies?
Southern hush puppies pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes! They’re fantastic alongside fried fish, shrimp, or crab, but they also shine as a snack on their own. Try serving them with tartar sauce, remoulade, or even a spicy aioli for dipping—your taste buds will thank you!
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
The best way to check if your oil is hot enough is to use a thermometer—it should reach 350°F for perfect frying. If you don’t have one, you can drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, you’re good to go! Just be careful not to let it get too hot!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
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Southern Hush Puppies: 5 Irresistible Comfort Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern hush puppies are deep-fried cornmeal fritters. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chopped onion, buttermilk, and egg. Stir until combined.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Serve with seafood or as a snack.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 hush puppies
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: southern hush puppies, cornmeal fritters, southern appetizers