1. Home
  2. Dishes
  3. Homemade Crispy Hush Puppies

Homemade Crispy Hush Puppies

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

These cornmeal bites offer a delightful contrast of textures, crisp on the outside and tender within. Combining yellow cornmeal with a blend of spices like garlic and cayenne, the batter is mixed just enough to maintain lightness. Fried in hot vegetable oil until golden, they bring Southern charm to your table. Simple ingredients and careful frying yield perfectly uniform, flavorful morsels. Keep warm while frying batches to serve fresh, satisfying bites with every round.

Pin It Share Send Print Jump to Recipe
Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Thu, 28 Aug 2025 22:06:54 GMT
A pile of hush puppies on a plate. Save
A pile of hush puppies on a plate. | lilicooks.com

These homemade hush puppies bring a perfect balance of crispy and crunchy outside contrasted by a light and fluffy interior. They have been a favorite appetizer at my family gatherings, especially when paired with fried fish or barbecues, delivering a satisfying comfort food experience.

I first made these hush puppies for a weekend cookout, and they quickly became a signature dish that everyone asks for now. The combination of spices gives a subtle kick without overwhelming the traditional corn flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal: which provides the rustic texture and authentic base look for stone-ground for best flavor
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour: to give structure and help with the lightness
  • ¼ cup white sugar: adds a hint of sweetness balancing the savory spices
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder: is key for a fluffy rise check freshness for best results
  • ½ teaspoon salt: enhances all other flavors making them pop
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder: contributes mild aromatic depth without biting sharpness
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder: brings a gentle savory warmth
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper: adds a subtle spice layer
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper: delivers a mild heat that wakes up the palate
  • 1 cup whole milk: makes the batter creamy and binding whole milk gives richer taste but other milks may vary
  • 1 egg: binds the ingredients and introduces tenderness room temperature egg blends more evenly
  • Vegetable oil for frying: is essential for crispiness use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. This evenly distributes the leavening and spices which ensures every bite has balanced flavor.
Add Wet Ingredients Carefully:
Pour in the whole milk and crack in the egg. Stir gently just until the batter comes together. It’s okay if the batter looks a bit lumpy as overmixing can toughen the hush puppies.
Heat Oil to Correct Temperature:
Fill a deep pot with about two inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a deep-fry thermometer to keep the temperature steady because too cool oil will absorb grease and too hot will burn the outside.
Fry the Hush Puppies:
Using a cookie scooper or spoon, carefully drop a few batter scoops into the hot oil at a time. Fry for about three to four minutes, turning occasionally, until they turn a golden brown color with a crunchy crust.
Drain and Serve Warm:
Remove the hush puppies with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep the cooked hush puppies warm by placing them in a low oven if frying multiple batches.
A plate of hush puppies. Save
A plate of hush puppies. | lilicooks.com

Storage Tips

Store leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them in a hot oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to restore crispness rather than using a microwave which can make them soggy. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet first then transfer to a bag and reheat from frozen.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can experiment with buttermilk in place of whole milk for a tangier flavor and even fluffier texture. Using gluten-free flour can work, but expect a slightly different crumb. For heat lovers, increase cayenne pepper or add a pinch of smoked paprika to deepen the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Hush puppies pair beautifully with fried catfish, shrimp, or grilled meats. Serve them alongside coleslaw and tartar sauce or drizzle with honey butter for a delightful contrast. They also work great as a snack with spicy remoulade or creamy ranch dip.

Cultural Context

A stack of hush puppies on a plate. Save
A stack of hush puppies on a plate. | lilicooks.com

Hush puppies originated in the Southern United States, often served as a way to quiet barking dogs during fish fries. The recipe reflects Southern culinary traditions combining simple, affordable ingredients into a beloved comfort food. They hold a nostalgic place at many family gatherings and holiday meals.

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives hush puppies their crispy exterior?

The hot vegetable oil frying at 375°F creates a crunchy crust while sealing in moisture inside the cornmeal batter.

→ How can I keep the hush puppies warm while frying multiple batches?

Use your oven’s keep-warm setting to maintain the perfect temperature without drying out the hush puppies before serving.

→ Why is it important not to over mix the batter?

Over mixing can develop gluten resulting in a dense texture; a light mix keeps the hush puppies fluffy inside.

→ Can I use other types of flour instead of all-purpose flour?

All-purpose flour helps with structure, but small substitutions may work; keep in mind it might affect texture and rise.

→ What is the role of baking powder in this batter?

Baking powder provides lift and airiness, helping the hush puppies puff up and stay light inside.

Homemade Crispy Hush Puppies

Golden cornmeal bites with a crisp exterior and soft interior, flavored with subtle spices and garlic.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Overall Time
20 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American, Southern

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dry Ingredients

01 180 g yellow cornmeal (1 ½ cups)
02 60 g all-purpose flour (½ cup)
03 50 g white sugar (¼ cup)
04 8 g baking powder (2 teaspoons)
05 3 g salt (½ teaspoon)
06 1.5 g onion powder (½ teaspoon)
07 1.5 g garlic powder (½ teaspoon)
08 0.5 g black pepper (¼ teaspoon)
09 0.25 g cayenne pepper (⅛ teaspoon)

→ Wet Ingredients

10 240 ml whole milk (1 cup)
11 1 large egg, room temperature

→ For Frying

12 Vegetable oil, approximately 5 cm deep

Steps

Step 01

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, white sugar, baking powder, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until evenly distributed.

Step 02

Add whole milk and the room-temperature egg to the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix; the batter should remain slightly lumpy.

Step 03

Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot until it reaches approximately 5 cm in depth. Heat the oil to 190°C (375°F), verifying temperature with a deep-fry thermometer for accuracy.

Step 04

Using a cookie scooper or spoon, carefully drop portions of batter into the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until each hush puppy is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 05

Remove hush puppies with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Keep warm in a low oven if needed while frying remaining batches.

Tips

  1. Use baking powder that is fresh (less than one year old) to ensure proper rising.
  2. Allow the egg to reach room temperature before mixing to improve batter consistency.
  3. Avoid overcrowding the oil during frying to maintain proper temperature and achieve optimal crispiness.
  4. Batter is expected to be somewhat lumpy; this texture is normal and desirable.
  5. A cookie scooper helps form uniform-sized hush puppies and keeps hands clean.
  6. Keep cooked hush puppies warm in a low oven while frying subsequent batches.

Required Tools

  • Deep-fry thermometer
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Deep pot or fryer
  • Slotted spoon
  • Cookie scooper or spoon
  • Paper towels

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains gluten and egg; may not be suitable for individuals with these allergies.
  • Contains dairy (whole milk).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 261
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~