Why You’ll Love these Southern Cornmeal Hush Puppies
These Southern Cornmeal Hush Puppies are going to become your new favorite side dish for three irresistible reasons. First, they’re incredibly easy to make with simple pantry staples – just mix, drop, and fry.
Second, that perfect texture contrast – crispy golden exterior giving way to a soft, tender center that practically melts in your mouth. And finally, that subtle onion flavor that complements any seafood dinner without overwhelming it.
I’m particularly fond of how versatile these little cornmeal delights are. Need a last-minute bread option? Craving something beyond ordinary dinner rolls? These hush puppies always deliver.
What Ingredients are in Southern Cornmeal Hush Puppies?
These classic Southern hush puppies rely on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special. The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms basic pantry staples into golden-brown bites of heaven with just a few minutes of work.
The cornmeal provides that distinctive texture and flavor that’s unmistakably Southern, while the buttermilk adds a subtle tanginess that elevates the whole experience.
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot melted shortening
- 2 tablespoons grated onions
While this recipe sticks to the basics, you might consider a few variations depending on what you have on hand. No buttermilk? Regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice works in a pinch. Some folks like to add a touch of sugar for sweetness or a bit of cornstarch for extra crispiness.
And about those onions—make sure they’re finely grated so they distribute evenly throughout the batter, giving you that perfect hint of savory flavor in every bite without overwhelming chunks.
The quality of your cornmeal matters too; stone-ground varieties will give you a more authentic, rustic texture that really showcases what makes hush puppies so darn irresistible.
How to Make these Southern Cornmeal Hush Puppies
Making these hush puppies couldn’t be simpler, and the results are absolutely worth the minimal effort. Start by combining your dry ingredients—1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder—in a mixing bowl. Give them a good stir to guarantee everything’s evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, mix your 3/4 cup buttermilk with 2 tablespoons of hot melted shortening, then fold in those 2 tablespoons of grated onions. The aroma that wafts up at this point? Pure Southern kitchen magic.
Now comes the part where it all comes together. Pour your wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir just until combined—don’t overmix or you’ll lose that perfect texture we’re aiming for.
Heat your cooking oil in a deep pot or fryer until it’s hot enough that a small drop of batter sizzles immediately when added. You’ll want enough oil to cover about half of each hush puppy. Using a tablespoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. The transformation happens quickly, so keep an eye on them! They’ll need to cook until golden brown on one side, usually about 2-3 minutes, then flip them over to brown the other side.
For faster and more consistent cooking, many chefs use an Indian pressure cooker set to maintain optimal oil temperature throughout the frying process.
Can you smell that cornmeal getting all toasty and crisp? That’s the smell of comfort food perfection.
Once your hush puppies have reached that ideal golden-brown color all around, remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels for just a minute to remove excess oil. They’re best served immediately, while still hot and crispy on the outside with a tender, fluffy interior.
These little bites of Southern heaven are traditionally served alongside fried fish, but honestly? They’re so good they mightn’t make it to the table before being snatched up by enthusiastic fingers. For precision cutting and perfect presentation, a premium knife set can elevate your entire hush puppy experience.
And don’t forget, the recipe makes about a dozen hush puppies, depending on the size of your spoonfuls. Though in my experience, no matter how many you make, it’s never quite enough.
Southern Cornmeal Hush Puppies Substitutions and Variations
While traditional hush puppies have a special place in Southern cuisine, you can easily customize this classic recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
I often recommend swapping buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar if you’re in a pinch. Gluten-sensitive? Try using gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
For flavor variations, consider folding in minced jalapeños, corn kernels, or shredded cheddar. A dash of garlic powder or cajun seasoning can transform these golden bites.
Want a sweeter version? Add a tablespoon of sugar to the batter—perfect with honey butter.
What to Serve with Southern Cornmeal Hush Puppies
Three classic Southern dishes pair perfectly with hush puppies, creating that authentic down-home experience we all crave.
First, there’s fried catfish—crispy, golden fillets alongside those cornmeal gems? Pure heaven.
I’m also partial to shrimp and grits when I want something creamy to contrast with the crunchy puppies.
Don’t forget pulled pork, either. Something about smoky barbecue and cornmeal just works.
Need a vegetable? Try collard greens or coleslaw to cut through the richness.
A squeeze of lemon or tartar sauce on the side takes everything up a notch. Trust me on this one.
Final Thoughts
Southern cornmeal hush puppies have become my kitchen go-to whenever I want to bring a touch of comfort to the table.
There’s something magical about that crispy exterior giving way to a tender, slightly sweet interior with hints of onion. I’m convinced they’re the perfect sidekick to any Southern meal, not just fried fish.
The beauty lies in their simplicity—basic pantry ingredients transformed into little golden orbs of delight.
While I love hush puppies as a side, they also pair wonderfully with heartier dishes like a tomato-based goulash for a complete comfort food experience. On chilly evenings, they’re a fantastic complement to a bowl of chicken noodle soup with its warming broth and tender vegetables.
What’s your favorite way to serve them? Mine’s with a drizzle of honey butter, creating that irresistible sweet-savory contrast that makes taste buds dance.
