Golden, crunchy, and bursting with savory corn flavor, hush puppies are the ultimate comfort food side. Whether you’re serving them with fried fish, barbecue, or enjoying them on their own, this recipe delivers everything a perfect hush puppy should be. This is hands-down the best hush puppies recipe ever—easy, flavorful, and completely addictive.
Why This Hush Puppies Recipe Is the Best
Extra crispy exterior
Soft, tender inside
Perfect balance of cornmeal and seasoning
Simple pantry ingredients
Ready in minutes
Once you try these, restaurant hush puppies won’t compare.
Ingredients
1 cup yellow cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
¼ cup finely chopped onion
1 large egg
¾ cup buttermilk
Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in chopped onion, egg, and buttermilk until just combined.
The batter should be thick but scoopable.
👉 Tip: Do not overmix—this keeps hush puppies light and fluffy.
Step 4: Fry
Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop batter into hot oil.
Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Hush Puppies Ever
Use fine or medium-ground cornmeal
Keep oil temperature steady
Chop onions very finely
Fry in small batches
Serve immediately for best crunch
Flavor Variations You’ll Love
Cheesy hush puppies: Add shredded cheddar
Spicy hush puppies: Add jalapeño or cayenne
Sweet hush puppies: Add extra sugar and honey drizzle
Seafood-style: Add corn kernels or shrimp bits
What to Serve with Hush Puppies
Fried fish or shrimp
Barbecue ribs or pulled pork
Coleslaw
Tartar sauce or honey butter
They’re the perfect side for any Southern-style meal.
Storage & Reheating
Best eaten fresh
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days
Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving golden, crispy comfort food, make the best hush puppies recipe ever and enjoy a true Southern favorite. With a crunchy bite and soft interior, these hush puppies are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Once you make them at home, you’ll never go back to frozen or restaurant versions 🥣💛