Crispy Southern Hushpuppies Recipe for Easy Dinner Sides
Crispy Southern Hushpuppies are the ultimate easy dinner side. After making them dozens of times, I’ve perfected the batter and frying technique for a golden, crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. The secret? Cornmeal and buttermilk. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Quick Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp and Easy Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup with Fresh Dill.
Why This Crispy Southern Hushpuppies Recipe for Easy Dinner Sides Is Pure Comfort
- Golden, crispy outsides
- Soft, fluffy insides
- Easy to make from scratch
- Better than takeout
What You'll Need for Crispy Southern Hushpuppies Recipe for Easy Dinner Sides
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Self-rising cornmeal mix
- Buttermilk
- Eggs
- Onion
- Jalapeño (optional)
- Salt
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika (optional, for color)
- Optional: Tartar sauce
- Optional: Hot sauce
- Optional: Cholula or your favorite hot sauce
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Self-rising cornmeal mix: If you don't have self-rising cornmeal mix, you can make your own by combining 2 cups of cornmeal, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 tablespoon of baking powder.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron skillet — Even heat for perfect frying → See on Amazon
- Deep fry thermometer — Prevents burning and ensures even cooking → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Southern Hushpuppies Recipe for Easy Dinner Sides
- Prepare batter: In a large bowl, whisk together self-rising cornmeal mix, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using). In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in finely chopped onion and jalapeño (if using). Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oil: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Fry hushpuppies: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop batter into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve hushpuppies hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Southern Hushpuppies Recipe for Easy Dinner Sides
- : The key to crispy hushpuppies is to keep the oil at a consistent temperature. Use a deep fry thermometer to monitor it.
- Common mistake and fix: If your hushpuppies are soggy, it's likely because the oil wasn't hot enough. Make sure your oil is at least 350°F (175°C) before frying.
- : For a spicy kick, add a finely chopped jalapeño to the batter.
- : To make ahead, fry hushpuppies as directed, then let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Southern Hushpuppies Recipe for Easy Dinner Sides
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Up to 3 days Make-ahead tip: Yes, see pro tips
Freezing Crispy Southern Hushpuppies Recipe for Easy Dinner Sides
Not recommended
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes Microwave: Not recommended
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter, less dense hushpuppy, you can substitute some of the buttermilk with beer.
- Best substitution: If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Make-ahead: See pro tips for make-ahead instructions.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your hushpuppies are falling apart, it's likely because the batter wasn't allowed to rest. Let the batter rest for at least 10 minutes before frying.
Want to level up this recipe?
Vegetable oil — High smoke point for frying without burning → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Southern Hushpuppies Recipe for Easy Dinner Sides
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Self-rising cornmeal mix
- Buttermilk
- Eggs
- Onion
- Jalapeño (optional)
- Salt
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika (optional, for color)
Optional Toppings
- Tartar sauce
- Hot sauce
- Cholula or your favorite hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare batter: In a large bowl, whisk together self-rising cornmeal mix, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using). In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in finely chopped onion and jalapeño (if using). Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oil: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Fry hushpuppies: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop batter into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve hushpuppies hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter, less dense hushpuppy, you can substitute some of the buttermilk with beer.
- Best substitution: If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Make-ahead: See pro tips for make-ahead instructions.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your hushpuppies are falling apart, it's likely because the batter wasn't allowed to rest. Let the batter rest for at least 10 minutes before frying.
Storage
- Fridge: Up to 3 days
- Freezer: Not recommended
- Oven reheat: 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes
- Microwave reheat: Not recommended
- Make ahead: Yes, see pro tips
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sat. Fat: 1g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Southern Hushpuppies Recipe for Easy Dinner Sides FAQs
Yes, see pro tips for make-ahead instructions.
If your hushpuppies are soggy, it's likely because the oil wasn't hot enough. Make sure your oil is at least 350°F (175°C) before frying.
Not recommended. Hushpuppies are best enjoyed fresh.
Yes, but they won't be as crispy as when fried in oil. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Southern Hushpuppies Recipe for Easy Dinner Sides and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
