Savor the taste of Southern tradition with this easy-to-make Hush Puppies recipe. These classic bites bring together a mix of cornmeal, flour, sugar, and a few more pantry staples to create a flavorful side dish that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or any casual dining experience, these hush puppies are sure to satisfy.
This recipe calls for common pantry ingredients, but one that you might need to look out for at the supermarket is cornmeal. It is a type of flour ground from dried maize, and it's what gives hush puppies their distinctive texture and flavor. Also, buttermilk is used here for a tender, moist texture and a slight tangy flavor. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, you can easily make your own by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk.
Ingredients for Southern Hush Puppies
Cornmeal: This is the primary ingredient, providing the distinctive grainy texture and mild, sweet flavor.
Flour: It helps bind the ingredients together, resulting in a softer, more cohesive hush puppy.
Sugar: A touch of sugar balances the flavors and adds a hint of sweetness.
Baking powder and baking soda: These are the leaveners that help the hush puppies puff up in the hot oil.
Salt: It enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Egg: It provides structure to the hush puppies, helping them hold their shape during frying.
Buttermilk: It adds a slight tanginess and richness, and contributes to a tender texture.
Oil: Used for frying, it makes the exterior of the hush puppies crispy.
One reader, Jelene Steadman says:
The southern hush puppies recipe is a game-changer! The crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior make for a delightful treat. The simple ingredients and easy steps make it a go-to for any occasion. Plus, they pair perfectly with a variety of dishes. A must-try for all food enthusiasts!
Techniques Required for Making Southern Hush Puppies
How to preheat oil to 350 degrees F: Heat the oil in a deep pot or fryer over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees F using a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
How to combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
How to beat egg: Crack the egg into a separate bowl and beat it with a whisk or fork until the yolk and white are well combined.
How to add egg and buttermilk to dry mixture: Add the beaten egg and most of the buttermilk to the dry mixture. Mix them together until a moist dough forms. Add more buttermilk as needed to achieve a moist but not runny consistency.
How to drop mixture in hot oil: Using a teaspoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the dough into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot or fryer.
How to cook hush puppies: Cook the hush puppies for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown, turning them once during the cooking time to ensure even browning.
How to place hush puppies on paper towel: Once cooked, remove the hush puppies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
How to serve with honey butter: Serve the hush puppies with a side of honey butter for a delicious sweet and savory combination.
How To Make Southern Hush Puppies Recipe
These southern hush puppies are perfect side dishes to your meals. Made with cornmeal batter that is fried to a golden brown and is soft on the inside.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupcornmeal
- ⅓cupflour
- 2tbspsugar
- 1tspbaking powder
- ¼tspbaking soda
- ½tspsalt
- 1egg
- ½cupbuttermilk
- oil,for frying
Instructions
-
Preheat oil to 350 degrees F.
-
Combine dry ingredients.
-
Beat egg. Add to dry mixture with most of the buttermilk adding more as needed to create a dough that is moist but not runny.
-
Drop mixture by teaspoon in hot oil. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until golden, turning once during cook time.
-
Place on paper towel to cool. Serve with honey butter.
Nutrition
- Calories: 123.75kcal
- Fat: 1.72g
- Saturated Fat: 0.35g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.74g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.48g
- Carbohydrates: 23.60g
- Fiber: 0.91g
- Sugar: 4.20g
- Protein: 3.12g
- Cholesterol: 20.61mg
- Sodium: 122.95mg
- Calcium: 64.52mg
- Potassium: 64.07mg
- Iron: 1.08mg
- Vitamin A: 12.90µg
- Vitamin C: 0.15mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Southern Hush Puppies
When frying your hush puppies, it's important to not overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the oil too much, which will result in a less crispy exterior and a doughy interior. Instead, fry in batches, ensuring each hush puppy has enough space to cook evenly.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Southern Hush Puppies Recipe
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and equipment before you start cooking to save time and avoid any last-minute rushes.
Multitask: Look for opportunities to multitask, such as chopping vegetables while waiting for water to boil or preheating the oven.
Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, blenders, and stand mixers to speed up the prep work and cooking process.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away dishes, utensils, and ingredients as you cook to keep your workspace organized and minimize cleanup time later.
Batch cooking: Consider making larger quantities of certain dishes and freezing the extras for quick and convenient meals in the future.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes and having to start over, which can save time in the long run.
Time management: Practice good time management by prioritizing tasks and allocating time for each step of the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Southern Hush Puppies Recipe
cornmeal - Substitute with polenta: Polenta is a coarsely ground cornmeal that can be used as a substitute for cornmeal in hush puppies. It has a similar texture and flavor, making it a suitable replacement.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a substitute for flour in hush puppies to achieve a lighter and crispier texture.
buttermilk - Substitute with milk + vinegar or lemon juice: Combining milk with a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice can mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk and work as a suitable substitute in hush puppies.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda + cream of tartar: A combination of baking soda and cream of tartar can be used as a substitute for baking powder in hush puppies to help them rise.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda in hush puppies, but it may require adjusting the quantity to maintain the leavening effect.
buttermilk - Substitute with yogurt + milk: A mixture of yogurt and milk can be used as a substitute for buttermilk in hush puppies to provide a similar tangy flavor and moisture.
Presenting Southern Hush Puppies
Elevate the hush puppies: Create a visually appealing presentation by arranging the hush puppies in a circular pattern on a serving platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as chives or parsley.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Pair the crispy hush puppies with a smooth and creamy honey butter, served in a small ramekin alongside the hush puppies for dipping.
Utilize color contrast: Consider serving the hush puppies on a dark-colored plate to make the golden brown color of the hush puppies stand out, creating an eye-catching contrast.
Add a touch of elegance: Place the hush puppies on a bed of edible microgreens or baby lettuce leaves to add a pop of vibrant green color and a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Emphasize symmetry: Arrange the hush puppies in a symmetrical pattern on the plate, creating a visually pleasing and balanced presentation that showcases attention to detail.
Essential Tools for Making Hush Puppies
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing various ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot: For frying the hush puppies.
- Slotted spoon: Used for removing the hush puppies from the hot oil.
- Paper towels: To drain and absorb excess oil from the hush puppies.
- Whisk: For beating the egg and combining ingredients thoroughly.
- Cooking thermometer: To monitor the oil temperature while frying the hush puppies.
Storing and Freezing Southern Hush Puppies
Allow the hush puppies to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their crispy texture.
For short-term storage, place the cooled hush puppies in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat stored hush puppies, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
For longer storage, freeze the cooled hush puppies:
- Arrange the hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the hush puppies are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen hush puppies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen hush puppies will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen hush puppies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen hush puppies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Do not thaw the hush puppies before reheating, as this may cause them to become soggy.
How To Reheat Leftover Hush Puppies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover hush puppies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside. This method helps to restore the crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
For a quicker option, use a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place the hush puppies on the toaster oven rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the hush puppies in a damp paper towel and microwave them in 15-second intervals until heated through. This method will help to retain moisture and prevent the hush puppies from drying out.
For a crispy exterior without using an oven, reheat the hush puppies in an air fryer. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
If you have a few hush puppies left over, consider slicing them in half and toasting them in a skillet with a little butter or oil. This will give them a nice, crispy surface and a warm, soft interior.
Random Fact About Southern Hush Puppies
The origin of hush puppies is believed to have come from the Native Americans, who would fry a cornmeal mixture and feed it to their dogs to keep them quiet. This tradition was later adopted by Southern cooks, who began making the fried cornmeal balls as a side dish to accompany their meals. Over time, hush puppies became a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, often served alongside fried fish or barbecue. The crispy, golden-brown exterior and soft, flavorful interior make them a popular choice for anyone looking to add a touch of Southern comfort to their meal.
Is Making Hush Puppies at Home Economical?
This southern hush puppies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, are affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The recipe yields a decent portion, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for this recipe is around $5, making it a budget-friendly choice. In terms of taste and satisfaction, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10. It's a simple yet delicious addition to any meal, and its affordability makes it even more appealing.
Are Southern Hush Puppies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This southern hush puppies recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - cornmeal, flour, and sugar - are high in carbohydrates and can cause blood sugar spikes. The recipe also calls for deep frying the hush puppies in oil, which adds a significant amount of unhealthy fats and calories to the dish. Additionally, the recipe lacks any significant sources of protein, fiber, or nutrients that would make it a well-rounded, nutritious choice.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace some of the cornmeal and flour with whole grain alternatives like whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase the fiber content
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Instead of deep frying, try baking the hush puppies in the oven or using an air fryer to reduce the amount of oil needed
- Add in some finely chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños to boost the nutrient content and add flavor
- Serve the hush puppies with a side of protein-rich dip like hummus or Greek yogurt to balance out the meal
Editor's Thoughts on This Classic Southern Recipe
This Southern hush puppies recipe is a classic and delicious addition to any meal. The combination of cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk creates a perfect texture, while the touch of sugar adds a hint of sweetness. The hush puppies fry up to a beautiful golden brown and have a crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful center. Serving them with honey butter is a delightful touch that enhances the overall experience. This recipe is a wonderful representation of Southern comfort food and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
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Why trust this Southern Hush Puppies Recipe:
This recipe for Southern hush puppies is a tried and true classic, passed down through generations. The combination of cornmeal, buttermilk, and a touch of sweetness from sugar creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice cooks can achieve crispy, golden-brown hush puppies. Trust in the traditional Southern flavors and the simplicity of the ingredients, and you'll be rewarded with a batch of irresistible hush puppies that will be the star of any meal.
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