Craving a Southern classic? Fried Hush Puppies deliver crispy, golden cornmeal bites with a tender center! These Southern Cornmeal Bites pair perfectly with fish or BBQ. Try this simple recipe for savory fried bites that bring comfort to any meal!
Why You’ll Love Fried Hush Puppies
- Quick: Fried Hush Puppies whip up in minutes.
- Flavorful: Savory cornmeal for these Southern cornmeal bites.
- Crispy: Perfect texture for this simple recipe.
- Versatile: Great for these savory fried bites’ pairings.
- Easy: Pantry staples for crispy cornmeal nuggets.
Ingredients for Fried Hush Puppies
Here’s what you’ll need for these Southern cornmeal bites (makes ~20 hush puppies):
- 1 cup (120g) cornmeal (yellow or white)
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp (12g) sugar (optional)
- 1 tbsp (14g) baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne or paprika (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
Substitution: Use milk with vinegar for buttermilk; breadcrumbs for flour.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon
- Thermometer
- Paper towels
Ingredient Tips
- Cornmeal: Core for these crispy cornmeal nuggets’ flavor.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang to these Southern cornmeal bites.
- Onion: Grated for this simple recipe’s savoriness.
- Oil: Vegetable for these savory fried bites’ crispiness.
- Egg: Binds these crispy cornmeal nuggets’ batter.
Directions for Fried Hush Puppies
Let’s create these Southern cornmeal bites!
Mix Dry Ingredients
I whisk 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, and ¼ tsp cayenne in a bowl for these Fried Hush Puppies.
Add Onion
I stir in 1 grated onion for these crispy cornmeal nuggets’ flavor.
Add Wet Ingredients
I make a well, add 1 cup buttermilk and 1 egg, and mix until thick but scoopable for this simple recipe.
Heat Oil
I heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) in a pot for these savory fried bites.
Fry Hush Puppies
I drop tablespoon-sized batter into oil, frying 2–3 minutes per side until golden, then drain on paper towels for these Southern cornmeal bites.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
- Yield: ~20 hush puppies
- Calories: ~80 kcal per hush puppy
- Macros per Hush Puppy: 10g carbs, 2g protein, 3g fat
Variations for Fried Hush Puppies
Try these twists for these Southern cornmeal bites:
- Spicy: Add jalapeños for these crispy cornmeal nuggets’ heat.
- Cheesy: Mix in cheddar for these savory fried bites’ richness.
- Herbs: Add chives for this simple recipe’s freshness.
- Sweet: Use creamed corn for these Southern cornmeal bites’ twist.
- Veggie: Add bell peppers for these crispy cornmeal nuggets’ crunch.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Food and Tips’ tartar sauce for these savory fried bites.
- Serve with Food and Tips’ BBQ ribs for these crispy cornmeal nuggets.
- Enjoy with Food and Tips’ chili for these Southern cornmeal bites.
Storage
I store these Southern cornmeal bites in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days. I freeze them for 1 month, reheating at 350°F for 8 minutes for this simple recipe’s crispiness.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve Fried Hush Puppies in a basket for crispy cornmeal nuggets appeal.
- Garnish: Add parsley for these savory fried bites’ charm.
- Pairing: Enjoy with Food and Tips’ fish for these Southern cornmeal bites.
- Portion Size: ~3–4 hush puppies per serving for a side dish.
- Occasions: Perfect for fish fries, BBQs, or casual dinners.
FAQs About Fried Hush Puppies
Here are answers to common questions about these Southern cornmeal bites:
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, add vinegar to milk for these crispy cornmeal nuggets.
How do I keep them crispy?
Drain well on paper towels for these savory fried bites.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes for this simple recipe.
What oil is best?
Vegetable or peanut for these Southern cornmeal bites.
How do I know oil is ready?
Test at 350°F or with sizzling batter for these crispy cornmeal nuggets.
More Delicious Snack Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Snack Plate Ideas
- Deep Fried Mushrooms: A Crispy Summer Snack
- Grilled Cheese Roll Ups – A Fun Independence Day Snack
Conclusion
Fried Hush Puppies offer crispy, savory cornmeal flavor in every bite. This simple recipe creates Southern cornmeal bites for any gathering. Savor the golden, tender delight fresh from the fryer!

Fried Hush Puppies
Ingredients
- 1 cup 120g cornmeal (yellow or white)
- 1 cup 120g all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp 12g sugar (optional)
- 1 tbsp 14g baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne or paprika optional
- 1 small onion finely grated
- 1 cup 240ml buttermilk
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Substitution: Use milk with vinegar for buttermilk; breadcrumbs for flour.
Instructions
Mix Dry Ingredients
- I whisk 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, and ¼ tsp cayenne in a bowl for these Fried Hush Puppies.
Add Onion
- I stir in 1 grated onion for these crispy cornmeal nuggets’ flavor.
Add Wet Ingredients
- I make a well, add 1 cup buttermilk and 1 egg, and mix until thick but scoopable for this simple recipe.
Heat Oil
- I heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) in a pot for these savory fried bites.
Fry Hush Puppies
- I drop tablespoon-sized batter into oil, frying 2–3 minutes per side until golden, then drain on paper towels for these Southern cornmeal bites.
Notes
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