If you’re craving that perfect blend of crunch and tender fluffiness, you’re in for a treat. This Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe delivers golden fried bites packed with just the right hint of sweetness, a touch of heat, and that comforting cornmeal goodness we all love.

A white plate full of golden brown fried dough balls with a crunchy texture is placed on a white marbled surface. The dough balls are round and uneven in shape, some slightly larger than others, showing a rough and crispy outer layer. In the center of the plate is a small white bowl filled with creamy white dipping sauce that has tiny green herb bits. Around the plate, a few dough balls are scattered, and in the background, there is a cooling rack with more fried dough balls on it. A beige cloth is visible in the lower left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of these little golden nuggets when I make them at home—the crunch on the outside with that soft, fluffy center is just irresistible. They turn out perfectly every time, making them my go-to Southern snack or side dish whenever I want something comforting and crave-worthy.

Authentic Southern Flavor: The lightly sweetened cornmeal base with grated onion and a kick of cayenne pepper gives these hush puppies that classic Southern charm.
Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside—exactly what you want from fried cornmeal balls.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 16 minutes, they’re a great appetizer or side that doesn’t take all day to make.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Serve them alongside seafood, BBQ, or just enjoy as a tasty snack for family and friends.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before digging in, gather your ingredients with a little heads-up on what makes each one special. Picking the right cornmeal and fresh onion can really elevate the flavor and texture.

Flat lay of a small mound of bright yellow cornmeal, a small bowl of fine white all-purpose flour, a small bowl of granulated white sugar, a small white bowl filled with pale beige baking powder, a small white bowl of fine white salt, a small white bowl with vibrant red cayenne pepper powder, one large uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl filled with creamy white buttermilk, half a small fresh yellow onion grated with visible juice droplets, and a small white bowl filled with golden peanut oil, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cornmeal: The star of the show—it provides that signature corn flavor and texture that makes hush puppies so satisfying.
All-purpose flour: Helps bind everything together and gives the batter structure for frying.
Granulated sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness that balances the spices and enhances cornmeal’s natural flavor.
Baking powder: The secret behind those light, fluffy bites by adding a bit of lift.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors in every ingredient.
Cayenne pepper: Gives the hush puppies a subtle, warming kick without overpowering.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the batter.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, making the interior tender and flavorful.
Grated onion: Provides flavor depth and a little natural sweetness—all the juices go right into the batter for extra moisture.
Peanut or vegetable oil: Perfect for frying at the right temperature to get that golden crisp without greasiness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe is wonderfully versatile—you can easily tailor it to your taste or dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Cheesy Twist: I love mixing in a handful of sharp cheddar cheese or pepper jack into the batter. It adds a melty, savory surprise in every bite that pairs beautifully with the slight sweetness of the hush puppies.
Herb Garden Fresh: For a fresh seasonal spin, stirring in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even a bit of thyme brings a fragrant brightness that lifts the classic flavors.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy heat, try adding a bit more cayenne pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika. It enhances the warmth already there from the onion and cayenne, turning these hush puppies up a notch.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend of your choice. Just watch the moisture since different gluten-free flours absorb liquid differently; you might need to adjust the buttermilk slightly.
Onion Variations: While grated yellow onion is classic, finely chopped green onions or chives make a milder, fresher onion flavor that’s lovely for a lighter take.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe

The image shows several golden-brown fried dough balls with a crispy outside and a soft, yellow inside. One dough ball is broken open in the front, revealing its moist, crumbly texture. In the background, more dough balls are piled in a white plate, with a small white cup of white dipping sauce placed at the center of the plate. The setting is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine 1 cup (138g) of cornmeal, ½ cup (71g) of all-purpose flour (scooped and leveled), 2 tablespoons (25g) of granulated sugar, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly so every bit of these dry ingredients is evenly distributed—this helps your hush puppies bake up perfectly with that ideal balance of flavor and texture.

Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 large lightly beaten egg with ¾ cup (169g) of buttermilk. Then, add ½ a small onion, finely grated (about ¼ to ⅓ cup) along with its juices. Stir gently until completely incorporated. The grated onion gives the hush puppies their signature subtle sweetness and moisture, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry to Form Batter

Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry bowl and stir gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be a bit lumpy to ensure the hush puppies stay light and fluffy inside with a crispy outside. Overmixing can make them dense, and we don’t want that!

Step 4: Heat the Oil to the Perfect Temperature

Choose a heavy skillet like a cast iron or Dutch oven and heat about 2 inches of peanut or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Use a digital thermometer to carefully bring and maintain the oil temperature at 375°F. This heat level is key: it cooks the hush puppies quickly, giving them a golden, crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.

Step 5: Fry Your Hush Puppies Until Golden

Using two spoons, scoop a tablespoon of batter and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Use the back of one spoon to gently push the batter off into the oil one piece at a time. Fry in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid soggy results. Let each batch cook approximately 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally with a wire spatula to achieve that perfect golden color all over.

Step 6: Drain and Keep Warm

Once golden brown, remove hush puppies with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil. If frying multiple batches, monitor the oil temperature closely and adjust heat as needed to keep it steady around 375°F for consistent results.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe takes just a few simple tricks, and these tips will help you get that golden crunch every single time.

Oil Temperature Control: Invest in a digital thermometer and keep your frying oil steady between 350°F and 375°F. This is the secret to crunchy hush puppies that aren’t greasy or burnt.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Mixing just until combined keeps the hush puppies light and fluffy inside. Overworking the batter will make them dense.
Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding. This prevents the oil temperature from dropping and ensures even cooking and beautiful color.
Drain Properly: Use a wire rack set over paper towels after frying. It helps keep them crispy rather than soggy from sitting in excess oil.

How to Serve Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, yellow mixture that looks slightly grainy and creamy. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially covered by the mixture, its handle angled to the right. The mixture has some small clumps and a smooth texture with a rich, golden color, showing hints of darker specks spread throughout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These hush puppies are already bursting with flavor, but a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. Serving them with a side of tangy jalapeño jelly, honey butter, or a zesty remoulade dip takes them from tasty to irresistible. For a Southern touch, a dollop of creamy coleslaw on the side complements these golden bites beautifully.

Side Dishes

The Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Southern dishes like fried catfish, shrimp and grits, or barbecue pulled pork. They're the perfect crunchy counterpoint to creamy dishes like buttermilk coleslaw or sweet corn pudding. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance that satisfying crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover hush puppies keep nicely in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigeration is your friend—they last up to 1 week chilled. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to prevent any sogginess.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooked hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours. Once firm, transfer them to a resealable airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to enjoy Southern comfort anytime!

Reheating

For the crispiest results when reheating, thaw chilled or frozen hush puppies first. Then use an air fryer or oven to warm them up—about 3 to 4 minutes in the air fryer works wonders to revive that fresh-fried crunch. You can also microwave them for convenience, but keep in mind they won’t be quite as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make hush puppies without buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ¾ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This ensures the batter has the right acidity to work with the baking powder for a light texture.

Why are my hush puppies dense and not fluffy?

Dense hush puppies usually result from overmixing the batter or using oil that’s too hot or too cold. Stir the batter just until combined, and maintain your oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for the best texture.

What oil is best for frying hush puppies?

Peanut oil or vegetable oil both work great because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor. This allows you to fry at the right temperature for crispy, golden hush puppies.

Can I add other ingredients like cheese or jalapeños to the batter?

Absolutely! You can customize your hush puppies by folding in diced jalapeños, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs. Just be mindful not to overload the batter to keep that classic balance of crispy outside and fluffy inside.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe brings a little Southern sunshine to your kitchen. There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into those golden, crunchy bites with their warm, tender centers. Whether you’re serving them up as a party appetizer or alongside your favorite home-cooked meals, these hush puppies are sure to become a beloved staple. Happy frying, and enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!