18 Authentic Southern Hush Puppies Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Hush puppies are a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, often served as a side dish or appetizer. These crispy, golden balls of fried cornmeal batter are a must-have at any backyard barbecue or seafood boil. While there are many variations of this classic dish, this authentic Southern hush puppies recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for that perfect combination of crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Indulge in the classic Southern flavor with these delicious hush puppies. Made with a combination of cornmeal and flour, these crispy bites are a perfect side dish to complement any meal. The secret to achieving the perfect texture is to fry them in hot oil until golden brown. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a mouth-watering experience.
2of 20
Deep Fried Southern Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Self Rising Cornmeal, Self Rising Flour
Take your hush puppies to the next level by deep frying them. This cooking method ensures a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, giving you the best of both worlds. To make them even more irresistible, add a bit of crumbled bacon to the batter. The smoky flavor of bacon combined with the sweetness of the hush puppies will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
3of 20
Southern Sweet Onion Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Small Sweet Onion, Self Rising Cornmeal, Self Rising
For a sweet and savory twist on traditional hush puppies, try adding sweet onions to the batter. The onions caramelize as they cook, releasing their natural sweetness and adding depth of flavor to the hush puppies. Serve them alongside a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce for a perfect balance of flavors.
4of 20
Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Flour, Sugar, Salt, Baking Powder, Baking
It's hard to resist the crispy, golden goodness of hush puppies. These deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter are a staple in Southern cuisine and have gained popularity all over the world. They are incredibly versatile and can be made with various ingredients, making them a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.
5of 20
Homemade Southern Style Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Pickled Jalapeno Peppers
There's nothing quite like the taste of homemade hush puppies. These crispy bites are easy to make and require just a few basic ingredients. The key to achieving the perfect Southern style hush puppies is to use self-rising cornmeal mix. This will give them that classic light and fluffy texture that everyone loves.
6of 20
Homemade Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar
Skip the store-bought mix and make your own homemade hush puppies from scratch. This simple recipe calls for cornmeal, flour, eggs, and buttermilk, resulting in a delicious batch of hush puppies that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them as a side dish or as a tasty appetizer for your next gathering.
7of 20
Crab Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Salt, Creole
Take your hush puppies to the next level by adding some crab meat to the batter. These seafood-inspired hush puppies are packed with flavor and are a great way to use up any leftover crab meat. Serve them with a creamy remoulade sauce for a true coastal experience.
8of 20
Shrimps Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking
Another delicious way to elevate your hush puppies is by adding some chopped shrimp to the batter. The shrimp adds a subtle sweetness and a burst of flavor to the hush puppies. For an extra kick, add some minced jalapeno to the batter and serve them with a spicy aioli for dipping.
9of 20
Pimiento Cheese Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Self Rising Cornmeal, Flour, Garlic
Combine two Southern favorites – pimiento cheese and hush puppies – to create a mouth-watering appetizer. The tangy and creamy pimiento cheese adds a unique twist to the classic hush puppies. For an even more indulgent experience, deep fry the hush puppies in bacon grease for a touch of smokiness.
10of 20
Spicy Jalapeno Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, Self Rising Flour, Green Onions
If you love a bit of heat in your food, then these spicy jalapeno hush puppies are a must-try. The batter is infused with diced jalapenos for a fiery kick. To balance out the spiciness, serve them with a cooling ranch dressing for dipping.
11of 20
Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
What's better than hush puppies? Hush puppies made with southern cornbread. This recipe combines the classic flavors of cornbread with the texture of hush puppies. The batter is baked in a skillet, resulting in a crispy exterior and a moist and flavorful interior. Serve them as a side dish or as a tasty snack.
12of 20
Smoked Bacon Cheddar Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cheddar Cheese, Vegetable Oil, Cornmeal, Flour, Baking
Take your hush puppies to the next level by adding some smoked bacon and cheddar cheese to the batter. The smoky and salty flavors of the bacon pair perfectly with the richness of the cheese, resulting in a delicious and indulgent treat. Serve them with some garlic aioli for dipping.
13of 20
Bacon & Sweet Potato Baked Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Oat Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Pepper
For a healthier twist on traditional hush puppies, try these baked hush puppies made with sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and a vibrant color to the hush puppies. To add some texture and flavor, mix in some chopped bacon before baking.
Complete your Southern feast with some mouth-watering smothered chicken. Tender and juicy chicken thighs are smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy made with onions, garlic, and homemade chicken broth. Serve it over rice or with some warm hush puppies on the side for a satisfying meal.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of collard greens. This traditional dish is made with slow-cooked greens, onions, and smoked ham hocks. The result is a tender and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with hush puppies.
This classic Southern dish is a must-have on any holiday table. Made with crumbled cornbread, celery, and onions, this dressing is packed with flavor and pairs well with hush puppies. Serve it as a side dish or use it as a stuffing for your Thanksgiving turkey.
17of 20
Southern Style Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Self Rising Flour, Corn Meal, Large Egg, Onion, Garlic
You can't go wrong with a traditional Southern style hush puppy. Made with a combination of cornmeal and flour, these hush puppies are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack.
18of 20
Jalapeño Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Baking
If you love a bit of heat in your food, then these jalapeno hush puppies are a must-try. These hush puppies are packed with diced jalapenos for a spicy kick. Serve them with a creamy cilantro lime dip for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
19of 20
Southern Jalapeno Hush Puppies by Lady Rose
Main Ingredients: Corn Meal, Bisquick, Salt, Old Bay Seasoning, Small
This recipe for jalapeno hush puppies was passed down to Lady Rose from her Southern grandmother. The batter is made with a generous amount of jalapenos and is deep-fried to perfection. Serve them with a spicy comeback sauce for an irresistible combination of flavors.
20of 20
Better Baked Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt, Cayenne
For a healthier alternative to deep-fried hush puppies, try baking them instead. These baked hush puppies are easy to make and have a crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy interior. To make them even more delicious, add some shredded cheddar cheese to the batter.
The Secret to Perfect Hush Puppies
The Importance of Self-Rising Cornmeal
One of the key ingredients in this recipe is self-rising cornmeal, which is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your hush puppies. This type of cornmeal already contains leavening agents, such as baking powder and salt, which helps the batter rise and creates a light and airy texture. Using regular cornmeal will result in a dense and heavy hush puppy, so make sure to use the right kind.
Buttermilk for Extra Flavor and Moisture
Another important component of this recipe is buttermilk. This tangy dairy product adds a subtle tanginess and depth of flavor to the hush puppies. It also helps keep the batter moist, resulting in a tender and fluffy interior. Don't have buttermilk on hand? No problem! Simply mix together regular milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes to create a quick substitute.
The Perfect Seasoning Blend
To really elevate the flavor of your hush puppies, a good seasoning blend is key. In this recipe, we use a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to add a touch of heat and a savory depth of flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking, depending on how spicy you want your hush puppies to be.
How to Make Authentic Southern Hush Puppies
Now that you know the secret ingredients, let's dive into the steps for making these delicious hush puppies. Start by mixing together self-rising cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and your desired seasonings in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, an egg, and melted butter. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Next, heat up a pot of oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the hush puppies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
Serve your hush puppies hot and enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce, or as a side dish to a classic Southern meal. This authentic Southern hush puppies recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering and will have everyone asking for the recipe. So go ahead and give it a try, and taste the deliciousness of Southern cuisine in every bite.