Crispy on the outside and soft, fluffy, and flavorful inside, Southern hush puppies are the golden nuggets of comfort food that instantly transport you to a backyard cookout or a fish fry gathering. These deep-fried cornmeal bites are a beloved Southern staple that perfectly balance savory sweetness with a crunchy texture.

What makes hush puppies so special isn’t just their irresistible taste. It’s the way they make any meal feel more like a celebration. Whether you’re serving them with fried catfish or a plate of barbecue, they soak up stories and sunshine, making them more than just a side—they’re a feeling.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Hush Puppies Recipe

If you’re craving that classic Southern flavor with minimal ingredients and maximum reward, this hush puppy recipe is for you. They’re fast to make, incredibly satisfying, and pair with just about everything from seafood to chili. Plus, their bite-size shape makes them fun for kids and ideal for gatherings where finger food shines.

These hush puppies fry up in minutes with a beautifully crisp crust and a steamy, soft middle. The hint of onion gives them depth, and a touch of sugar lifts the flavor without tipping into sweetness.

What Kind of Cornmeal Should I Use?

For truly authentic Southern hush puppies, go with finely ground yellow cornmeal. This gives the puppies their classic texture and golden hue. Avoid using self-rising cornmeal mix unless you’re adjusting the leavening separately. A good, fresh cornmeal will create that delicate balance between crunch and tenderness that’s so essential.

Ingredients for the Southern Hush Puppies

Name: Southern Hush Puppies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 large egg; ¾ cup buttermilk; ¼ cup grated onion; Vegetable oil for frying

A great hush puppy begins with the right ingredients. Each one contributes to the texture and flavor that makes this Southern snack shine. Make sure to use fresh, quality ingredients—especially the cornmeal and oil for frying—to get the best results.

Yellow cornmeal
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Sugar
Egg
Buttermilk
Grated onion
Vegetable oil (for frying)

These components work together to create a perfectly fluffy interior and a deep golden crust. The grated onion infuses the batter with a savory sweetness, while buttermilk helps tenderize and bring a slight tang. The baking powder gives them that essential lift.

How To Make the Southern Hush Puppies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.

Step 2: Stir in the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add the buttermilk and grated onion. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix—you want a thick, scoopable batter.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour the vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat it to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain temperature.

Step 4: Fry the Hush Puppies

Using a small scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized dollops of batter into the hot oil. Work in batches and avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side until they are golden brown.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Use a slotted spoon to remove the hush puppies and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve and Store Southern Hush Puppies

These hush puppies are best served fresh and hot, ideally just minutes out of the fryer when their crust is still crisp and the inside steams as you bite in. They make a perfect side dish for barbecue, fried fish, or shrimp boils. Serve them with honey butter, tartar sauce, or even a spicy remoulade for dipping.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back the crunch. This recipe feeds about 6 people as a side.

What to Serve With Southern Hush Puppies?

Fried Catfish

Crispy fish and hush puppies are a match made in Southern heaven.

Pulled Pork BBQ

The slight sweetness of the hush puppies pairs wonderfully with smoky barbecue.

Collard Greens

The earthiness of collards balances the fried goodness of the hush puppies.

Mac and Cheese

Rich and creamy mac alongside crispy bites is always a win.

Shrimp and Grits

Bring a coastal Southern feel with this hearty pairing.

Chili

They hold up well dipped into a warm bowl of chili for an unexpected combo.

Green Tomato Salad

A tart salad adds a refreshing crunch.

Pickled Vegetables

A tangy side that cuts the richness and keeps the plate interesting.

Want More Southern Side Dish Ideas?

If you love these golden hush puppies, you’ll want to explore even more comforting Southern-style favorites:

Try these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes for a creamy and flavorful bite.
Don’t miss the Southern Cornbread Poppers that deliver heat and texture in every bite.
For something hearty and nostalgic, check out Amish Country Casserole.
These Crispy Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls are a great party snack with a Southern kick.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest snack board so you can make it again anytime you’re craving a crispy Southern classic.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding jalapeños or cheese to the batter? Maybe a pinch of cayenne?

I love seeing the creative spins y’all put on these classics. Questions or tips? Drop them below.

Explore more comforting favorites and weeknight winners on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your new favorite side dish today!

Conclusion

Southern hush puppies are more than just fried cornmeal balls. They’re a piece of Southern tradition that turns any meal into something memorable. Easy to make and