A tasty southern favorite, this Homemade Hush Puppies Recipe uses minimal ingredients, is easily adaptable, and is done in under 10 minutes! The perfect appetizer recipe.
In a dutch oven or heavy bottom skillet with deep sides, add peanut oil or oil you are using about 3-4 inches up the side of the pan. Bring the oil up to temperature over medium heat to 350°F.
Peanut oil for frying
While the oil is heating up, make the batter. Add the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne to a large bowl, stir to combine.
1 cup yellow cornmeal, ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, Pinch of cayenne pepper
In a separate medium-sized bowl whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and grated onion. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir them in so there are no dry patches.
¾ cup buttermilk, 1 large egg, ¼ cup grated onion
Add the butter and stir it in until combined.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Once the oil is to temp, add just under 1 tablespoon-sized dollops into the hot oil, be very careful at this step. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown on the outside. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain while you fry the remaining hush puppies. Serve with softened butter on the side for dipping, optional.
softened butter for serving
Notes
Buttermilk is best for this recipe, you can see how to make your own above.
Other additions can be added to this, see above for what you can add.
These can be frozen, see above on how to do that.
Easily double this recipe to serve more people or to keep for later.
Using a thermometer really helps keep your oil at a constant temperature.