Southern hush puppies are more than just a side dish — they’re a deep-fried symbol of comfort, tradition, and down-home flavor. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, hush puppies are a must-have at fish fries, barbecues, and family gatherings across the South.
What Are Southern Hush Puppies?
Southern hush puppies are small, deep-fried cornmeal fritters traditionally served with fried fish or seafood. The name is believed to come from hunters and fishermen tossing fried cornmeal balls to dogs to “hush” them.
Authentic Southern hush puppies are:
- Made with cornmeal
- Lightly sweet or savory
- Fried until golden and crispy
- Often flavored with onion or spices
26 Southern Hush Puppies Recipes
1. Classic Southern Hush Puppies
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Add buttermilk, onion, and egg.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop spoonfuls into oil and fry until golden.
2. Sweet Southern Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: 2 tbsp sugar
Tip: Perfect with fried catfish or honey butter.
3. Savory Onion Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: ½ cup grated onion
Flavor Profile: Bold, classic Southern taste.
4. Jalapeño Southern Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: 1 minced jalapeño
Tip: Remove seeds for mild heat.
5. Cheddar Cheese Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: ½ cup shredded cheddar
Result: Crispy outside, cheesy inside.
6. Bacon Southern Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: ½ cup cooked chopped bacon
Perfect For: BBQ nights and fish fries.
7. Corn Kernel Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: ½ cup sweet corn kernels
Texture: Extra crunch and sweetness.
8. Cajun Southern Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Flavor: Spicy Louisiana-style hush puppies.
9. Garlic Butter Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: ½ tsp garlic powder
Finish: Brush with melted garlic butter.
10. Buttermilk Southern Hush Puppies
Tip: Use full-fat buttermilk for authentic softness.
11. Seafood Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: ¼ cup finely chopped shrimp
Serve With: Tartar sauce or remoulade.
12. Green Onion Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: 2 chopped green onions
Flavor: Mild, fresh, and savory.
13. Honey Butter Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: 1 tbsp honey
Serve With: Whipped honey butter.
14. Spicy Southern Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: ½ tsp cayenne pepper
Heat Level: Medium to hot.
15. Gluten-Free Southern Hush Puppies
Swap: Gluten-free flour blend
Result: Still crispy and fluffy.
16. Cast Iron Skillet Hush Puppies
Method: Fry in a cast iron skillet
Benefit: Extra crispy crust.
17. Vegan Southern Hush Puppies
Swap: Plant milk + flax egg
Taste: Surprisingly authentic.
18. Old-Fashioned Southern Hush Puppies
Tip: Use stone-ground cornmeal
Flavor: Deep, rustic corn taste.
19. Pickle Juice Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: 1 tbsp pickle juice
Taste: Tangy Southern twist.
20. Smoked Paprika Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: ½ tsp smoked paprika
Flavor: Smoky and rich.
21. Chili Cheese Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: Chili flakes + cheddar
Perfect For: Game day snacks.
22. Cornbread-Style Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: ¼ cup cornbread mix
Texture: Extra fluffy.
23. Pepper Jack Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: Pepper Jack cheese
Taste: Spicy and creamy.
24. BBQ Southern Hush Puppies
Extra Ingredient: 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
Serve With: Pulled pork.
25. Air Fryer Southern Hush Puppies
Method: Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes
Benefit: Healthier alternative.
26. Southern Fish Fry Hush Puppies
Tip: Serve hot with coleslaw and fried fish
Classic Pairing: Catfish or whiting.
Tips for Perfect Southern Hush Puppies
- Use yellow cornmeal for authentic flavor
- Keep the oil at 350°F
- Don’t overmix the batter
- Fry in small batches
- Serve immediately for the best texture
Best Sauces for Southern Hush Puppies
- Honey butter
- Tartar sauce
- Remoulade
- Ranch dressing
- Hot sauce
Final Thoughts on Southern Hush Puppies
These 26 Southern hush puppies recipes prove that one humble cornmeal fritter can be endlessly delicious. Whether you love them sweet, spicy, cheesy, or classic, hush puppies bring comfort and tradition to every table.
