I love this recipe — it makes golden, crispy hush puppies that are perfect as a side or snack. With a simple batter and a quick fry, it’s one of my go-to comfort food treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy and quick these hush puppies come together. The batter uses a ready-made cornbread mix, so there’s almost no prep work. The grated onion adds just the right savory bite, and frying makes them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re perfect with seafood, barbecue, or just as a tasty snack any time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
½ cup onion, grated
5 tablespoons buttermilk
1 egg, beaten
Directions
In a bowl, combine the cornbread mix, grated onion, buttermilk, and beaten egg. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix.
Heat oil in a fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to about 350°F (175°C).
Drop spoonfuls of batter gently into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd.
Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2–4 minutes per side depending on size.
Remove hush puppies with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes roughly 12–16 hush puppies (depending on spoonful size). Prep takes about 10 minutes and frying another 10–15 minutes.
Variations
Add a teaspoon of sugar to the batter for a slightly sweet contrast.
Mix in chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for extra flavor.
For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeño.
Try mixing a little shredded corn into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat and restore some crispiness, bake them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes, or reheat in a toaster oven.
FAQs
How do I know when the oil is the right temperature for frying?
I use a kitchen thermometer — about 350°F (175°C) is ideal. If I don’t have one, I drop a small bit of batter: if it bubbles and rises immediately, the oil is ready.
Can I bake these hush puppies instead of frying?
Yes — I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place spoonfuls of batter on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 15–20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
I don’t recommend mixing the batter too far in advance — the cornbread mix can absorb too much liquid and end up dense. Better to mix just before frying.
Can I use a different cornbread mix or homemade cornbread batter?
Yes. I can use another cornbread mix or even homemade batter. The texture may vary slightly, but the hush puppies should still turn out tasty.
How do I store leftovers long term?
For longer storage, I let leftovers cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, I transfer them to a freezer bag. I reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for around 10–12 minutes until hot and crisp.
Conclusion
Homemade hush puppies are one of my favorite quick, comforting snacks. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, I can have delicious, golden-brown hush puppies fresh in under 30 minutes. I love serving them with seafood, barbecue, or just as a savory treat on their own.
These Homemade Hush Puppies are golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside — the perfect quick side or snack using a simple cornbread batter.
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:12–16 hush puppies
Ingredients
1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
½ cup onion, grated
5 tablespoons buttermilk
1 egg, beaten
Instructions
In a bowl, mix together the cornbread mix, grated onion, buttermilk, and beaten egg until just combined.
Heat oil in a fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, careful not to overcrowd.
Fry for 2–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter to keep hush puppies light.
Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for even frying.
Serve hot for best texture.
Customize with herbs, spices, or corn for variety.
