Southern Hushpuppies
These golden, crispy hushpuppies are a Mississippi Delta treasure that pairs perfectly with fried catfish or BBQ. With a deliciously crunchy exterior and soft, tender interior, this traditional Southern recipe is simple to make yet packed with flavor. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just for two, these homemade hushpuppies will become a staple in your recipe collection!
Equipment
- kitchen thermometer
- Dutch oven or cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1½ cups yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 small onion finely diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 large egg beaten
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Vegetable or peanut oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and sugar.
- Add diced onion to the dry mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine beaten egg, buttermilk, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don't overmix.
- Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 365°F (185°C).
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil, cooking 5-6 at a time.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
For Two (8 hushpuppies):
Ingredients:
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- 2½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ small onion, finely diced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 small egg, beaten (or ½ large egg)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons melted butter
- Vegetable or peanut oil for frying
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and sugar.
- Add diced onion and green onions to the dry mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine beaten egg, buttermilk, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don't overmix.
- Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 365°F (185°C).
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil, cooking 5-6 at a time for family size or 3-4 at a time for the smaller batch.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.