Crispy golden cornmeal fritters with sweet onion
Southern Hush Puppies
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6
24 hush puppies
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Southern Hush Puppies
Crispy golden cornmeal fritters with sweet onion
★4.6(17)
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these Southern hush puppies are made with cornmeal, buttermilk, and sweet onion. The perfect side for fried fish.
10m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
25m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Hush puppies are the unofficial side dish of every Southern fish fry. These golden cornmeal fritters get their tenderness from buttermilk and a touch of sugar.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
This recipe represents the best of American home cooking — unpretentious, generous, and built to satisfy. Southern Hush Puppies is the kind of dish that brings people to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds. It draws on the diverse culinary traditions that have shaped American food culture, combining familiar flavors with techniques that produce consistently excellent results.
The best side dishes complement without competing. They should add contrast to the main course — something bright alongside something rich, something crunchy alongside something soft. Think about the whole plate when you cook, and your meals will feel more complete and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup sweet onion, finely diced
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- 1
Mix cornmeal, flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- 2
Stir in beaten egg, buttermilk, and diced onion until just combined—don't overmix.
- 3
Heat oil to 365°F in a deep pot or Dutch oven.
- 4
Drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, frying 5-6 at a time for 2-3 minutes until deep golden.
- 5
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with remoulade or honey butter.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor
Substitutions
ButtermilkRegular milk with 1 tsp vinegar
Let it sit 5 minutes before using
Sweet onionGreen onions or corn kernels
Corn adds natural sweetness and texture
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use a small cookie scoop for uniform hush puppies that cook evenly.
Let the batter rest 5 minutes before frying—it thickens slightly and holds its shape better in the oil.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Recipe Notes from Our Kitchen
Editor's Note
Editor's note: Do not crowd the pan when roasting. Vegetables need space to brown properly — overlapping pieces steam instead of caramelize. Use two sheet pans if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (30mg) · 6 servings
Calories180
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein4g
Carbohydrates8g
Fat24g
Fiber280mg
Sugar1g
Sodium2g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are they called hush puppies?
- Legend says cooks tossed fried cornmeal to dogs to hush their barking during fish fries.
- Can I add jalapeños?
- Yes—diced jalapeños and shredded cheese make excellent mix-ins.
- Can I make this ahead?
- Yes. Most side dishes hold well for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, or on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Can I double this recipe?
- This scales easily. Use a larger sheet pan or cooking vessel to avoid crowding, which leads to steaming rather than browning. You may need to increase cooking time by a few minutes.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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