Hush puppies are a quintessential part of Southern cuisine, and for good reason. These deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a side dish to go with your fried catfish, this sweet hush puppies recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
If you're looking for a classic Southern side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than these delicious Southern hush puppies. These little bites of fried cornmeal batter are the perfect complement to any meal.
Made with simple ingredients like cornmeal, flour, onion, and buttermilk, these hush puppies are easy to make and full of flavor. They have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy center that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Pro tip: For an extra kick of flavor, add in some chopped jalapenos or bacon bits to your hush puppy batter.
2of 20
Southern Sweet Onion Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Small Sweet Onion, Self Rising Cornmeal, Self Rising
For a sweeter twist on the classic hush puppy, try these Southern sweet onion hush puppies. Made with finely chopped Vidalia onions, these hush puppies have a slightly sweet and savory flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
The secret to getting the perfect texture for these hush puppies is to finely chop the onions and sauté them until they are soft before adding them to the batter. This will ensure that the onions are evenly distributed and add a burst of flavor to every bite.
Pro tip: Serve these hush puppies with a side of honey butter for a truly indulgent treat.
3of 20
Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Flour, Sugar, Salt, Baking Powder, Baking
Sometimes, simplicity is key. These traditional hush puppies are made with just a handful of ingredients, but they pack a punch in terms of flavor. Made with a combination of cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and spices, these hush puppies are a must-try for any beer can chicken lover.
The key to getting these hush puppies just right is to make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. This will ensure that they come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Pro tip: Serve these hush puppies with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
4of 20
Homemade Southern Style Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Pickled Jalapeno Peppers
If you want to take your hush puppies to the next level, try making them from scratch with this homemade Southern style hush puppy recipe. These hush puppies are made with a combination of cornmeal, flour, milk, and spices, and are fried to golden perfection.
The key to getting the perfect texture for these hush puppies is to use a combination of milk and water in the batter. This will make them light and fluffy, with a crispy exterior.
Pro tip: Serve these hush puppies with a side of remoulade sauce for dipping.
5of 20
Homemade Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar
For a more basic hush puppy recipe, try these homemade hush puppies. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these hush puppies are perfect for a quick and easy side dish.
The key to getting these hush puppies just right is to make sure your oil is at the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is fully cooked. If it's not hot enough, the hush puppies will come out greasy.
Pro tip: Serve these hush puppies with a side of honey mustard sauce for dipping.
6of 20
Crab Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Salt, Creole
For a seafood twist on the classic hush puppy, try these delicious crab hush puppies. Made with lump crab meat, these hush puppies have a delicate seafood flavor that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
To get the perfect texture for these hush puppies, make sure to use fresh crab meat and not canned. The fresh crab will give the hush puppies a better flavor and texture.
Pro tip: Serve these hush puppies with a side of spicy mayo for dipping.
7of 20
Shrimps Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking
If you're a fan of seafood, you'll love these shrimp hush puppies. These hush puppies are made with finely chopped shrimp and a blend of spices, giving them a burst of flavor in every bite.
The key to getting these hush puppies just right is to use a food processor to finely chop the shrimp. This will ensure that the shrimp is evenly distributed in the batter and adds a nice texture to the hush puppies.
Pro tip: Serve these hush puppies with a side of tartar sauce for dipping.
8of 20
Pimiento Cheese Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Self Rising Cornmeal, Flour, Garlic
For a unique twist on the classic hush puppy, try these pimiento cheese hush puppies. Made with a combination of pimiento cheese, cornmeal, and spices, these hush puppies are a cheesy and flavorful side dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
The key to getting the perfect texture for these hush puppies is to make sure your oil is at the right temperature. This will ensure that they come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Pro tip: Serve these hush puppies with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
9of 20
Spicy Jalapeno Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, Self Rising Flour, Green Onions
For those who love a little heat, these spicy jalapeno hush puppies are a must-try. Made with chopped jalapenos and a blend of spices, these hush puppies have a nice kick that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
To get the perfect texture for these hush puppies, make sure to finely chop the jalapenos and remove the seeds. This will ensure that the hush puppies aren't too spicy and have a nice balance of flavor.
Pro tip: Serve these hush puppies with a side of chipotle mayo for dipping.
10of 20
Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
For a classic Southern side dish, you can't go wrong with Southern skillet cornbread. Made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, this cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
The key to getting the perfect texture for this cornbread is to use a cast iron skillet. This will give the cornbread a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy center.
Pro tip: Serve this cornbread with a side of honey butter for a sweet and savory treat.
11of 20
Smoked Bacon Cheddar Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cheddar Cheese, Vegetable Oil, Cornmeal, Flour, Baking
For a decadent side dish, try these smoked bacon cheddar hush puppies. Made with crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, these hush puppies are a rich and flavorful addition to any meal.
The key to getting the perfect texture for these hush puppies is to make sure the bacon is cooked until it's crispy before adding it to the batter. This will ensure that the hush puppies have a nice crunch to them.
Pro tip: Serve these hush puppies with a side of BBQ ranch dressing for dipping.
12of 20
Bacon & Sweet Potato Baked Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Oat Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Pepper
For a healthier twist on the classic fried hush puppy, try these bacon and sweet potato baked hush puppies. Made with mashed sweet potatoes and crispy bacon, these hush puppies are baked in the oven for a guilt-free treat.
The key to getting the perfect texture for these hush puppies is to make sure the sweet potatoes are mashed until they are smooth. This will ensure that the hush puppies have a nice, soft texture.
Pro tip: Serve these hush puppies with a side of honey mustard sauce for dipping.
No meal is complete without a side dish of smothered chicken. This Southern favorite is made with tender chicken smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy.
The key to getting the perfect texture for this dish is to cook the chicken low and slow in the gravy. This will ensure that the chicken is tender and full of flavor.
Pro tip: Serve this dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food meal.
For a healthy and delicious side dish, try these Southern collard greens. These greens are slow-cooked with bacon, onion, and spices, giving them a rich and savory flavor.
The key to getting the perfect texture for these collard greens is to cook them for at least an hour. This will ensure that they are tender and full of flavor.
Pro tip: Serve these collard greens with a side of cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
No holiday meal is complete without a side of cornbread dressing. This Southern staple is made with crumbled cornbread, onion, celery, and spices, and is a must-have for any beer can chicken feast.
The key to getting the perfect texture for this dressing is to make sure the cornbread is crumbled into small pieces. This will ensure that the dressing has a nice, even texture.
Pro tip: Serve this dressing with a side of cranberry sauce for a sweet and savory combination.
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful side dish, try these Southern smothered oxtails. These tender and flavorful oxtails are slow-cooked in a rich and savory gravy until they fall off the bone.
The key to getting the perfect texture for these oxtails is to cook them low and slow for at least 4 hours. This will ensure that they are tender and full of flavor.
Pro tip: Serve these oxtails with a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
17of 20
Southern Style Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Self Rising Flour, Corn Meal, Large Egg, Onion, Garlic
For a classic hush puppy recipe that will please any crowd, try these Southern style hush puppies. Made with a simple batter of cornmeal, flour, and spices, these hush puppies are a staple at any Southern gathering.
The key to getting the perfect texture for these hush puppies is to make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. This will ensure that they come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Pro tip: Serve these hush puppies with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
18of 20
Jalapeño Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Baking
For a spicy twist on the classic hush puppy, try these jalapeño hush puppies. Made with chopped jalapeños and a blend of spices, these hush puppies have a nice kick that will have you reaching for a cold beer to cool down.
The key to getting the perfect texture for these hush puppies is to make sure the jalapeños are finely chopped and the seeds are removed. This will ensure that the hush puppies have a nice balance of flavor and aren't too spicy.
Pro tip: Serve these hush puppies with a side of spicy mayo for dipping.
19of 20
Southern Jalapeno Hush Puppies by Lady Rose
Main Ingredients: Corn Meal, Bisquick, Salt, Old Bay Seasoning, Small
If you're a fan of Lady Rose's recipes, you'll love her take on Southern jalapeño hush puppies. Made with a combination of cornmeal, flour, and jalapeños, these hush puppies have a nice kick that will have your taste buds dancing.
The key to getting the perfect texture for these hush puppies is to make sure your oil is at the right temperature. This will ensure that they come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Pro tip: Serve these hush puppies with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
20of 20
Better Baked Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt, Cayenne
If you're trying to cut back on fried foods, try these better baked hush puppies. Made with a combination of cornmeal, flour, and spices, these hush puppies are baked in the oven for a healthier alternative to the classic fried version.
The key to getting the perfect texture for these hush puppies is to make sure the batter is thick enough. This will ensure that the hush puppies hold their shape and don't spread out too much while baking.
Pro tip: Serve these hush puppies with a side of honey mustard sauce for dipping.
Why Hush Puppies Are a Southern Staple
The Origins of Hush Puppies
Legend has it that hush puppies were invented by Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. They would fry leftover cornmeal batter to quiet their barking dogs, hence the name "hush puppies." Over time, hush puppies became a fixture in Southern cooking and are now a beloved dish across the country.
The Flavor Profile of Hush Puppies
What sets Southern hush puppies apart from other fried dough dishes is their unique sweet and savory flavor. The sweetness comes from adding a touch of sugar to the batter, while the savory notes come from the addition of onions and spices. The combination of flavors makes for a truly irresistible treat.
The Secret to Making Sweet Hush Puppies
The Importance of Buttermilk
One of the key ingredients in this sweet hush puppies recipe is buttermilk. It adds a tangy flavor and helps the batter become light and fluffy. Buttermilk also helps to activate the baking powder, creating those signature airy pockets in the hush puppies.
The Role of Cornmeal
Another crucial element in this recipe is cornmeal, the star of the show. It adds a distinct corn flavor and a crispy texture to the hush puppies. Make sure to use finely ground cornmeal for the best results.
The Sweetness Factor
Of course, we can't forget about the sugar in this sweet hush puppies recipe. While some may argue that adding sugar to a savory dish is sacrilegious, it is a must for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in these hush puppies.
How to Make Sweet Hush Puppies
Now that you know the secret to making the best sweet hush puppies, it's time to get cooking. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of crispy, golden-brown hush puppies:
Ingredients:
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup diced onion
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Oil for frying
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the buttermilk, cornmeal, flour, sugar, onion, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
In a deep fryer or large pot, heat oil to 375°F.
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying 4-5 hush puppies at a time.
Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Remove hush puppies from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the recipe for the perfect sweet hush puppies, it's time to put on your apron and get cooking. These hush puppies are sure to be a hit at your next Southern-style feast or as a tasty snack on their own. So go ahead and indulge in this delicious and beloved Southern staple.
