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Classic Hush Puppies

A simple cornmeal batter with onion is fried into golden, crispy puffs, the classic Southern companion to fried fish.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 10 minCook time
🍽 6Servings
🏷 Side DishCategory
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Hush puppies are a beloved Southern side, with legend claiming they were originally fried cornmeal balls tossed to barking dogs to ‘hush’ them during fish fries along the Southern coast. Whether or not the story is entirely accurate, hush puppies became a defining accompaniment to fried fish and seafood throughout the South.

Crispy outside, tender inside, and full of flavor

A simple cornmeal batter with onion is fried into golden, crispy puffs, the classic Southern companion to fried fish.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Stir in the diced onion.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk, then combine with the dry ingredients.
  4. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pot to 175°C.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry 2-3 minutes, turning, until golden brown.
  6. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Let the oil come to full temperature before frying to prevent the hush puppies from soaking up too much oil. Test one hush puppy first and adjust the batter with a little extra buttermilk if it's too thick.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook10 min
Servings6
CategorySide Dish
PublishedAugust 12, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →