These Homemade Hush Puppies are golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside — a perfect side for seafood dinners, barbecues, or any comfort-food craving!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Golden – Perfectly fried for a crunchy exterior with a soft, fluffy center.

• Quick & Easy – Made with simple pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes.

• Versatile – Pairs perfectly with seafood, barbecue, or any Southern-inspired meal.

• Crowd-Pleasing Snack – Ideal for family dinners, parties, and holidays.

Ingredients

• 1 box Jiffy Cornbread Mix

• 1/2 small onion, grated

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp baking powder

• Oil, for frying

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 200 kcal per serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, combine cornbread mix, grated onion, buttermilk, egg, panko, flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.

Step 2: Chill the Batter

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up before frying.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a deep pot or fryer, heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350–375°F (175–190°C).

Step 4: Fry the Hush Puppies

Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Remove hush puppies with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Cheesy Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

• Sweet Version: Add 1 tablespoon of sugar for a lightly sweet hush puppy.

• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake hush puppies instead of frying them?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, but note that they won’t be as crispy.
2. Can I make these without Jiffy Cornbread Mix?
Absolutely. Substitute with 1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup flour, 1 tbsp sugar, and 2 tsp baking powder.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked hush puppies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4 days.
4. Can I freeze hush puppies?
Yes! Freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until crispy.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Hush Puppies are the ultimate Southern comfort food — crispy, golden, and full of flavor! Whether served alongside seafood, barbecue, or as a standalone snack, they’re quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.