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These crispy golden hush puppies are a simple and satisfying side that elevate any southern-inspired meal right at home. Made with basic pantry ingredients and a touch of Cajun seasoning, they bring a perfect balance of crunch and tender centers that never fail to please the whole family.
I put this recipe together one night when I wanted something cozy and crunchy to go with dinner and it immediately became a favorite for weekend cookouts and casual suppers.
Ingredients
- Fine ground cornmeal: gives hush puppies their signature texture Choose a fresh bag for a nutty flavor
- All-purpose flour: helps bind and lighten the batter Use bleached flour for a softer crumb
- Kosher salt: seasons evenly and dissolves well Make sure it's fresh and not clumpy
- Baking powder and baking soda: combined create the perfect rise and lightness Don't swap for single raising agents
- Cajun seasoning: adds a smoky spicy depth Pick a quality blend with paprika and garlic for best results
- Buttermilk: lends acidity that activates the leavening and keeps the inside tender Look for the freshest carton
- Large egg: helps bind the mixture and contributes to golden color Choose organic or free-range if possible
- Yellow onion: grated finely brings moisture and sweet sharp notes Freshly grated is essential for the best taste
- Garlic cloves: minced infuse savory aroma and flavor Fresh garlic is a must to avoid bitterness
- Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the cornmeal, flour, kosher salt, baking powder, baking soda, and Cajun seasoning. This ensures even distribution of rising agents and seasoning which is key for consistent flavor and rise in every bite.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth. Add the grated onion and minced garlic, mixing well to combine. The fresh aromatics blend with the buttermilk acidity creating a flavorful moist batter.
- Mix Batter:
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the hush puppies light and tender rather than dense.
- Fry:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350 degrees Fahrenheit or when a small drop of batter sizzles and rises immediately. Use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to carefully drop golf ball sized portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through approximately three to four minutes per batch.
- Serve:
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the hush puppies and drain them briefly on paper towels. Serve while warm with your favorite sauce like spicy mayo or classic tartar sauce.
My favorite part of this recipe is the grated onion which adds subtle sweetness and moisture without making the dough wet. I remember my grandmother serving these at family barbeques and how everyone eagerly lined up for seconds. The hush puppies have a way of bringing people together.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day to retain crispness. Refrigerate beyond that and reheat in a hot oven to regain crunch.
Ingredient Swaps
Try using almond or oat flour to make this recipe gluten free A mild chili powder can replace Cajun seasoning for a different spicy flavor.
Serving Ideas
Serve alongside fried catfish or shrimp for an authentic southern meal Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the batter for brightness.
Friends have told me this recipe revived their faith in homemade hush puppies after disappointing attempts elsewhere. Perfect crispness and flavor is achievable at home with just a few pantry staples.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What gives hush puppies their crispy texture?
A combination of fine ground cornmeal and frying in hot oil creates the signature crispy exterior, while the wet ingredients keep the interior moist and tender.
- → Can I adjust the level of spiciness in these fritters?
Yes, by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning or substituting it with other spices, you can customize the heat level to your preference.
- → What is the purpose of buttermilk in the batter?
Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and acidity, which helps tenderize the batter and enhances the depth of flavor in the fritters.
- → How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
The oil should be around 350°F (175°C). You can test by dropping a small amount of batter; it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
- → Can these fritters be made ahead of time?
For best texture, fry just before serving. However, you can prepare the batter in advance and fry when ready to maintain freshness and crispness.