Irresistibly Crispy Homemade Hush Puppies

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I can’t wait to share this Homemade Hush Puppies recipe with you. These golden little bites are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and carry that nostalgic Southern charm you just can’t beat. Whenever I fry up a batch, it takes me right back to fish fries with my family on warm summer nights.

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Overview of Recipe Content

Hush puppies are the ultimate Southern side dish—little balls of cornmeal batter deep-fried to perfection. They’re perfect for fish fries, barbecue nights, or just when you’re craving something crispy and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy using Jiffy Cornbread Mix.
• Crispy, golden brown texture with a soft, fluffy center.
• Crowd-pleasing side dish for seafood dinners, BBQs, or even as a snack.
• Budget-friendly and pantry-friendly.

What They Taste Like

Savory, slightly sweet, with that cornmeal crunch you crave. The grated onion adds a subtle flavor that balances beautifully with the corn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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• 1 box Jiffy Cornbread Mix
• ½ small onion, grated
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Oil, for frying

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Grater
• Deep skillet or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels

Suggested Substitutions

• Swap buttermilk for regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar.
• Use yellow cornmeal in place of Jiffy mix for a more rustic hush puppy.
• Add chopped jalapeños or shredded cheese for a flavor boost.

How to Make Homemade Hush Puppies

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1. In a large bowl, combine the Jiffy mix, onion, panko, flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg, then pour into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined (the batter should be thick).
3. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F.
4. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per batch.
6. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

What to Serve with Homemade Hush Puppies

Hush puppies shine alongside:

• Fried catfish or shrimp.
• Barbecue ribs or pulled pork.
• Coleslaw and potato salad.
• A cold glass of sweet tea or lemonade.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t overmix the batter—lumps are fine.
• Keep oil temperature steady; too hot and they’ll burn outside while staying raw inside.
• Fry in small batches so they cook evenly.
• Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until crispy again.
• Freeze hush puppies for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.

General Information

Hush puppies originated in the American South, often served at fish fries. Legend has it, cooks would fry bits of cornmeal batter and toss them to barking dogs, saying “hush, puppies!”—and the name stuck.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake hush puppies instead of frying?
Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. Bake at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes.

2. Can I make them ahead?
You can mix the dry ingredients in advance, but fry just before serving.

3. What oil is best for frying?
Use peanut, vegetable, or canola oil—they have high smoke points.

4. Why are my hush puppies dense?
You may have overmixed the batter or used too little baking powder.

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Conclusion

These Homemade Hush Puppies are the crispy, golden bites of comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Perfect for fish fries, barbecues, or a snack with dipping sauce, they’re guaranteed to win hearts at the table.

If you love this recipe, you’ll also enjoy:

• Classic Southern Cornbread

Interactive Elements

If you try this recipe, please leave a review below! I’d love to hear how yours turned out. And don’t forget to share a photo on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your golden hush puppies!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx. 1 hush puppy)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Saturated Fat	Fiber	Sodium
120	15g	3g	5g	1g	1g	210mg

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