Hush puppies are a classic Southern treat, beloved for their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful center. These deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter are often served as a side dish or snack alongside other Southern favorites like fried chicken and collard greens. However, not all hush puppies are created equal. To truly achieve that perfect balance of sweet and savory, it's important to follow a tried and true recipe. In this article, we'll share with you a professional and well-organized recipe for southern style sweet hush puppies that will have your taste buds singing.
Nothing screams "Southern comfort food" quite like a batch of crispy, golden hush puppies. These deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter are a staple at fish fries, barbecues, and backyard gatherings all over the South. They're the perfect accompaniment to a plate full of barbecue ribs or a bowl of smoky collard greens. And with the addition of a few simple ingredients, you can take your hush puppies to the next level and make them truly unforgettable.
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Southern Sweet Onion Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Small Sweet Onion, Self Rising Cornmeal, Self Rising
If you want to add a touch of sweetness to your hush puppies, look no further than the classic Southern ingredient: sweet onions. By finely dicing some sweet Vidalia onions and mixing them into your batter, you'll add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. For an even sweeter twist, try using caramelized onions instead.
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Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Flour, Sugar, Salt, Baking Powder, Baking
Of course, you can't go wrong with the classic recipe for hush puppies. Made with just a handful of ingredients including cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, these hush puppies are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them hot out of the fryer with a side of tartar sauce or spicy Cajun remoulade for dipping.
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Homemade Southern Style Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Pickled Jalapeno Peppers
There's nothing quite like homemade hush puppies. While you can certainly use a store-bought mix, making your batter from scratch will give you ultimate control over the ingredients and flavors. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of biting into a piping hot, homemade hush puppy that you made yourself.
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Homemade Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar
And if you really want to impress your friends and family, try making hush puppies from scratch using your own homemade cornmeal. Simply grind dried corn kernels in a food processor or blender until they reach a fine, powdery consistency. Mix in some flour, baking powder, and seasonings, and you'll have the most delicious, homemade hush puppies you've ever tasted.
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Crab Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Salt, Creole
If you're feeling fancy, why not add some seafood to your hush puppies? Crab hush puppies are a popular variation that adds a touch of sweetness and brininess to the classic recipe. Simply mix in some lump crab meat to your batter and fry them up until golden brown. Serve them with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning for a taste of the coast.
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Shrimps Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking
Another seafood twist on hush puppies is the addition of shrimp. These hush puppies are made with a mix of cornmeal and flour, but the star ingredient is the chopped shrimp that adds both flavor and texture. Serve them as an appetizer or as a side dish for your next seafood boil or Lowcountry boil.
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Pimiento Cheese Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Self Rising Cornmeal, Flour, Garlic
Pimiento cheese is a beloved Southern spread made with shredded cheddar cheese, mayo, and diced pimientos. And when you mix this flavorful cheese into your hush puppy batter, the result is a cheesy, gooey, and delicious treat that will have everyone begging for the recipe.
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Spicy Jalapeno Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, Self Rising Flour, Green Onions
If you like a little heat in your food, these spicy jalapeno hush puppies are for you. Finely diced jalapenos add a kick of heat to the classic batter, while the creamy cheese and cornmeal help balance out the spiciness. Serve them with a side of ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Many Southerners argue that hush puppies are just fried cornbread. So why not take it a step further and make your hush puppies with a classic Southern cornbread batter? Simply mix up a batch of your favorite skillet cornbread recipe, fry small balls of the batter, and you'll have hush puppies that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
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Smoked Bacon Cheddar Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cheddar Cheese, Vegetable Oil, Cornmeal, Flour, Baking
If you want to take your hush puppies to the next level, try adding some smoked bacon and cheddar cheese to the mix. The smoky bacon adds a rich, savory flavor while the cheddar cheese adds a gooey, melty texture. Serve these hush puppies with your favorite barbecue sauce for dipping.
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Bacon & Sweet Potato Baked Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Oat Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Pepper
If you're looking for a healthier twist on hush puppies, try baking them instead of frying. These hush puppies are made with a mix of whole wheat flour, cornmeal, and mashed sweet potatoes for a healthier, yet still delicious, version of the classic recipe. And with the addition of crispy bacon, these hush puppies are sure to be a hit.
While hush puppies are often served as a side dish, they can also be the star of the show. This smothered chicken recipe features hush puppies as the crust on top of a creamy, savory chicken casserole. The hush puppies bake up crispy and golden brown, adding a delicious crunch to this comforting Southern dish.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking, and they make the perfect side dish for hush puppies. These tender greens are simmered with bacon, onions, and seasonings until they're melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Serve them alongside a batch of hush puppies for a truly Southern meal.
Another classic Southern dish that pairs perfectly with hush puppies is cornbread dressing. This savory dressing is made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and plenty of herbs and spices. And when served with a side of crispy hush puppies, it's a match made in Southern food heaven.
Oxtails are a lesser-known cut of meat, but they are incredibly flavorful and perfect for slow cooking. This Southern smothered oxtails recipe features tender, fall-off-the-bone oxtails smothered in a savory gravy and served with a side of hush puppies. It's a hearty and comforting meal that will warm you from the inside out.
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Southern Style Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Self Rising Flour, Corn Meal, Large Egg, Onion, Garlic
When in doubt, stick with the classic. These Southern-style hush puppies are made with a simple batter of cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and a touch of sugar. They're crispy, golden brown, and oh-so-delicious. Serve them hot with a sprinkle of salt and a side of your favorite dipping sauce.
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Jalapeño Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Baking
If you want to add a little heat to your hush puppies, try adding some diced jalapenos to the batter. These hush puppies are crispy, savory, and have just the right amount of kick. Serve them with a side of ranch dressing or spicy remoulade for dipping.
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Southern Jalapeno Hush Puppies by Lady Rose
Main Ingredients: Corn Meal, Bisquick, Salt, Old Bay Seasoning, Small
This recipe for Southern jalapeno hush puppies is a family favorite of Lady Rose, a Southern food blogger. She adds a touch of cayenne pepper and garlic powder to her batter, along with plenty of diced jalapenos, for a bold and flavorful twist on the classic recipe. Serve them hot with a side of her homemade ranch dressing for the ultimate Southern snack.
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Better Baked Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt, Cayenne
If you're looking for a healthier version of hush puppies, try baking them instead of frying. These baked hush puppies are made with a mix of whole wheat flour, cornmeal, and buttermilk, and they're just as delicious as the fried version. Serve them with a side of honey mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping.
The Importance of the Right Ingredients
Making or Breaking Your Hush Puppies
When it comes to hush puppies, the ingredients you use can make or break the dish. The two main components of hush puppies are cornmeal and flour, which provide the base for the batter. Using high-quality cornmeal is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your hush puppies. Look for stone-ground cornmeal, as it has a coarser texture that will give your hush puppies a crunchy exterior. Additionally, using a combination of all-purpose flour and self-rising flour will help your hush puppies rise and become light and fluffy on the inside.
Adding a Touch of Sweetness
As the name suggests, sweet hush puppies have a slightly sweet flavor that sets them apart from other types of hush puppies. To achieve this, you'll need to add a little bit of sugar to the batter. Brown sugar is the preferred choice for its rich molasses flavor, but you can also use honey or molasses for a deeper sweetness. Just be sure to not add too much, as you don't want your hush puppies to become overly sweet.
The Importance of Proper Seasoning
In addition to sweetness, hush puppies also need a good balance of savory flavors. This is achieved through the use of seasonings such as salt, black pepper, and onion powder. You can also add a kick of heat with some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Experiment with different seasonings to find the perfect balance of flavors that suits your taste buds.
Don't Forget the Buttermilk
One ingredient that is often overlooked in hush puppy recipes is buttermilk. This tangy dairy product adds a depth of flavor and moisture to the batter, resulting in hush puppies that are both tender and flavorful. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by combining milk with vinegar or lemon juice.
Bringing It All Together
Now that you have all the essential ingredients for perfect southern style sweet hush puppies, it's time to put them together. Simply mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl, then add in the wet ingredients and mix until a thick batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough hush puppies. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
In Conclusion
Mastering the Art of Southern Style Sweet Hush Puppies
By using the right ingredients and following a well-organized recipe, you can easily master the art of making southern style sweet hush puppies. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your perfect flavor combination. With a little bit of practice, you'll be able to whip up a batch of delicious hush puppies that will have everyone asking for your recipe. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and prepare to be amazed by the results.
