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Homemade Hush Puppies Recipe

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these homemade hush puppies are a perfect Southern side dish. Made with Jiffy cornbread mix and grated onion for extra flavor, they're quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious.  
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 24 hush puppies
Course: Side-dishes
Cuisine: Southern American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box Jiffy Cornbread Mix
  • 1/2 small onion grated
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Oil for frying

Method
 

  1. Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine Jiffy cornbread mix, grated onion, buttermilk, beaten egg, panko bread crumbs, flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix. The key here is to work the ingredients just enough to bring them together; overmixing will develop too much gluten and make your hush puppies tough instead of tender.
  2. Rest the batter: Cover and refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes to firm up and enhance flavor. This resting period is crucial as it allows the dry ingredients to fully hydrate and the flavors to meld together. The chilled batter will also hold its shape better when dropped into the hot oil.
  3. Heat the oil: Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350–375°F (175–190°C). The correct oil temperature is essential - too low and your hush puppies will absorb too much oil and become greasy; too high and they'll brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside.
  4. Fry the hush puppies: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop batter into hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which would lower the oil temperature and result in soggy hush puppies.
  5. Drain and serve: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately while hot and crunchy. The contrast between the crispy exterior and soft, cornbread-like interior is what makes hush puppies so delightful.

Notes

  • For best results, use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature while frying.
  • You can add additional ingredients like corn kernels, jalapeños, or cheese to customize your hush puppies.
  • Traditional Southern hush puppies are often served with tartar sauce, honey butter, or remoulade.
  • The name "hush puppies" comes from the tradition of fishermen tossing fried cornmeal to their dogs to "hush the puppies" during fish fries.