Homemade Hush Puppies Recipe

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until smooth. Make sure the buttermilk is at room temperature to prevent curdling when combined with the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — a slightly lumpy batter is okay. Overmixing can lead to dense hush puppies instead of light, airy ones.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small bit of batter into the oil. It should sizzle and float to the surface immediately.

Step 6: Fry the Hush Puppies

Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and make the hush puppies greasy. Fry them for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Use a slotted spoon to remove the hush puppies from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot, ideally alongside fried fish, shrimp, or a summer barbecue spread.

Tips for Perfect Hush Puppies

1. Uniform Size: Use a small cookie scoop to ensure each hush puppy cooks evenly.
2. Oil Temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too cool, and they’ll be greasy.
3. Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before frying. Stir gently before using.
4. Variations: Add shredded cheddar, chopped herbs, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor.

Homemade hush puppies are more than just a side dish—they’re a bite of Southern nostalgia, crunchy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside. With this recipe, you can enjoy them anytime, fresh from your own kitchen. Once you master the basic version, feel free to experiment with flavors and spices to make them uniquely yours.

If you want, I can also create a shortcut version for air fryer hush puppies that’s healthier but just as crispy and golden. Do you want me to do that?