Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (2024)

by Teri Lyn Fisher · Published:

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These hush puppies are deliciously savory, fried balls of cornmeal based batter. They're finished with a spicy honey sauce for the perfect sweet, spicy, salty bite!

Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (1)

This Hush Puppies Recipe is one of our favorites! The first time I had Hush Puppies I was completely hooked. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle. They are seriously addicting and I dare anyone to eat just one.

We added some green onion to our hush puppies batter, for a boost of flavor, and finished ours off with a simple, spicy honey drizzle

What Are Hush Puppies?

Hush Puppies are southern, savory fried balls made from a cornmeal based batter. They’re usually eaten as an appetizer or snack.

History of Hush Puppies

There are a lot of varying stories about the origins, but most of them are myths. A popular story is that fishermen and hunters would fry up leftover batter (from frying fish for their own dinners). They would toss them at their dogs to eat to “hush the puppies” when they would get rowdy at night. This is something that I believed to be true for the longest time.

After doing a little digging, I found out that they used to be called ‘red horse bread’ in South Carolina. They were specifically coined by a man named Romeo Govans. He was famously known for his fish fries that included red horse bread.

Red Horse is actually a type of fish that Southerns would coat in a cornmeal based batter and fry up. They would then take the excess batter and fry up little balls to enjoy on the side or as a snack. The name ‘hush puppies’ is said to have started in Georgia. Newspapers began writing about a “cornbread concoction” by the name of Hush Puppies, although the exact origins of the name is up for debate.

How to Make Our Hush Puppies Recipe

Hush Puppies Ingredients

Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (2)

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Process

  1. Place all ingredients into a mixing bowl.
  2. Whisk together until a thick batter forms and no dry spots remain.
Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (3)
Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (4)
  1. Preheat oil in a large pot.
  2. Drop small balls of batter into oil, a few at a time and fry for a few minutes until golden brown.
Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (5)
Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (6)
  1. Gently flip hush puppies in oil to evenly fry.
  2. Continue to fry until golden brown and fluffy on the inside.
Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (7)
Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (8)
  1. Drain hush puppies onto a paper towel and lightly season with salt.
Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (9)

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Spicy Honey Drizzle Ingredients

Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (10)

Process

  1. Combine ingredients into a small bowl.
  2. Whisk together until fully combined.
Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (11)
Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (12)
  1. Drizzle spicy honey over hush puppies
Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (13)

Useful Tools for Our Hush Puppies Recipe

Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (14)
Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (15)

Tips and Tricks for Hush Puppies Success

  • We add sliced green onion to our puppies, which is not traditional. They can easily be omitted, although we love the little oniony bits of flavor dotted throughout each fried ball.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, you can combine 2/3 cup milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes before whisking it into the batter.
  • We like to use a small ice cream scooper to easily drop balls of batter into the oil, but two spoons also work well.
  • It’s important to flip each hush puppy while they fry in the oil about halfway through to ensure even all sides get golden brown and that they’re completely cooked through the center.
  • We use an asian style chili sauce for out spicy honey drizzle, but you can use crushed red pepper flakes instead.

Storing Leftovers

To refrigerate: Once your Hush Puppies have cooled, place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Place a layer of the puppies in the container and layer another paper towel on top. Repeat.
To Freeze: Let Hush Puppies cool. Once they are cool transfer to a baking sheet and spread them out in one layer not touching. Place them in the freezer until they are completely frozen through. Transfer to an airtight tag and store in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat: Place frozen or refrigerated hush puppies on a baking sheet spread in an even layer not touching. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees, and bake for about 5 minutes. Be sure to not burn the tops, so check halfway through. If they are getting a bit too toasty on top, you can flip them.

Is Our Hush Puppies Recipe Gluten-Free?

No, our hush puppies recipe is not gluten-free as we use a wheat-based flour. You can always try this recipe with a different kind of flour like almond, or cup 4 cup, to make these gluten-free (although we have no tested other versions)

Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (16)

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Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (21)

Hush Puppies

5 from 25 votes

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These hush puppies are deliciously savory, fried balls of cornmeal based batter. They're finished with a spicy honey sauce for the perfect sweet, spicy, salty bite!

RECIPE BY

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 egg
  • cup buttermilk
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

to fry

  • 2 cups oil for frying

spicy honey drizzle

  • cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chili sauce such as Sambal
  • sea salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Pour oil in a large pot and begin preheating on medium-high heat.

  • Place all ingredients for the hush puppies into a large bowl and whisk together to create a thick batter.

  • Once the oil has reached 350 degrees F fry large (2 tablespoon) spoonfuls of batter for about 5 minutes, flipping every 2 to 3 minutes. This will take several batches.

  • Drain on paper towels and season with salt.

  • In a small bowl combine the honey and chili sauce and stir together.

  • Serve the hush puppies warm with a drizzle of the spicy honey sauce.

NOTES

**Makes: 16 Hush Puppies – 2 Per Serving**

Calories: 272kcal Carbohydrates: 47g Protein: 4g Fat: 8g Saturated Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 23mg Sodium: 439mg Potassium: 144mg Fiber: 2g Sugar: 26g Vitamin A: 118IU Vitamin C: 1mg Calcium: 67mg Iron: 1mg

CUISINE: American, Southern

KEYWORD: cornmeal, fried

COURSE: Appetizer, sides, Snack

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Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (25)

About Teri Lyn Fisher

Teri Lyn Fisher is half of Spoon Fork Bacon. She is also a food and cosmetics photographer. She is a big fan of hot dogs. #sfbTERI

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Reader Interactions

/ 17 Comments

Comments

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  1. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (26)J.B. Kim

    Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (27)
    These were awesome and so easy thanks!

    Reply

  2. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (28)Emily

    Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (29)
    Made these to have with chili and it was a hit!

    Reply

  3. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (30)christine

    Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (31)
    I rarely deep fry in my house because it’s kind of a pain, but these guys were totally worth it and actually really simple! It was the perfect movie night snack!

    Reply

  4. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (32)Amy P

    Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (33)
    I hate frying – but will fry for these.
    So good

    Reply

  5. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (34)Jordan

    Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (35)
    I haven’t had hush puppies in such a long time. These were the perfect weekend treat and so easy to make. Loved the spicy honey drizzle!

    Reply

  6. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (36)Denise

    Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (37)
    These are incredible. I can’t wait to make these for my friends!!

    Reply

  7. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (38)Aubrey

    Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (39)
    I’ve made these a couple of times. Love love love the sauce!

    Reply

  8. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (40)Sagar A.

    Very similar to dish “Bhajiya” in India. Gonna try this receipe your way. Thank you.

    Reply

  9. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (41)Sherry

    I’ve been making hushpuppies for the 50+ years I’ve been married now. I use to use spoon dipped in water between each hushpuppy but learned a few years ago to use ice cream scoop. Works perfect. I’ve made with jalapeño added and also crawfish. One tip my parents always said was don’t mix until right before frying and do not stir down the batter. Leave it alone once you add in the milk. My recipe also has yeast. I can’t wait to try the drizzle.

    Reply

  10. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (42)Kirsten Oliphant

    Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (43)
    Hush puppies are my favorite food group. Pinning!

    Reply

  11. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (44)Marie

    They sound yummy! you could make them into a dessert and add some dessicated coconut and vanilla extract and make a bit of a chocolate dipping sauce. :-D

    Reply

  12. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (45)Amy@HealthyGrits

    Obviously I’m a little late to the party (as in almost a year late) but as a southern girl I love hush puppies and would never think to drizzle them in what looks to be an asian inspired sauce. With that being said…these look yummy!

    Reply

  13. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (46)Megan

    Whoa, I’d probably eat 14 and save just 1 for whoever else was over for the Harry Potter marathon. Yum.

    Reply

  14. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (47)nicole {sweet peony}

    Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (48)
    this is awesome version of the southern classic… totally digging the spicy drizzle!

    Reply

  15. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (49)Meg's Everyday Indulgence

    These sound great! They would be a yummy and different app for a football viewing party! I’m keeping this one in mind!

    Reply

  16. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (50)myFudo

    Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (51)
    These are great appetizers. I ate them while on a vacation in Kenya, they are called as bhajia there. really good.

    Reply

  17. Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (52)Georgina

    Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (53)
    Oh yum! Funny: I make an eerily similar spicy honey “drizzle” (“dip”) as well. So much better than Thai Sweet Chili sauce.

    Reply

Hush Puppies Recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon (2024)

FAQs

What is hush puppy breading made of? ›

Hush puppies are made from a basic batter consisting of yellow cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, buttermilk or milk and eggs. Many recipes call for the addition of scallions or onions. The base lends itself to riffing, too, including the addition of spicy peppers, cheese, spices or even beer.

What is the difference between corn fritters and hush puppies? ›

Hush Puppies vs. Corn Fritters. Hush puppies and corn fritters may be in the same family, but each is unique. They're both deliciously indulgent, deep-fried dough featuring corn, but hush puppies are made from a cornmeal-based batter, while corn fritters are flour-based and studded with corn kernels throughout.

What's the difference between conch fritters and hush puppies? ›

The tasty, tender fried fritters are similar in size to hush puppies with a consistency that is like a soft luxurious crab cake. But instead of being made with a simple corn batter, they are filled with a delicious blend of chopped fresh conch, peppers, and vibrant spices.

Why are my hush puppies greasy? ›

The reason is that the hush puppies tend to be greasy if cooked at too low a temperature.

What are original hush puppies? ›

In fact, the Carolinas can proudly claim to be the birthplace of this now-iconic American food. A hushpuppy is a simple treat—thick cornmeal batter dropped in spheres (or nuggets or fingers) into hot oil and fried till crisp and brown.

Are hush puppies a Southern thing? ›

Hush puppies are believed to have originated in the southern United States, where they are a traditional dish. They are typically made with cornmeal, flour, egg, buttermilk, baking soda, and onion, though various spices and other ingredients—including garlic and peppers—can be added.

Why do they call it a hush puppy? ›

The name came from southerners who would fry some basic cornmeal mixture (possibly a bread-coating or battering) and feed it to dogs to "hush the puppies". Although there are many possible origins for the dish, it is found to be akin to "red-horse bread", named after the red horse fish of the South Carolina rivers.

Why do hush puppies taste like onions? ›

Hush puppies are basically deep-fried cornmeal that typically includes finely chopped sweet onions.

Are falafels like hush puppies? ›

Although falafel and hushpuppies look similar the taste is quite different. This is due to the different ingredients that are used. When making falafel different legumes like chickpeas and a mix of different spices. Hushpuppies on the other hand is made with deep-fried cornmeal.

Are falafels hush puppies? ›

Falafel might be considered the “Lebanese/Mediterranean hush puppy,” though the fresh herbs and spices make it a much healthier and more complex version. It's a delicious source of protein for vegans and vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

What is the brand hush puppies famous for? ›

Since 1958, the brand has defined authentic casual style for generations of consumers around the world. Today, Hush Puppies is the favorite shoe for all who embrace the lighthearted spirit and modern style of this iconic brand – represented by our lovable basset hound! We invented casual style, you make it your own.

Why are my hush puppies so dry? ›

Think of the batter as a quick bread: Stir only until the dry ingredients are moist, what cooks once described as ten times around the bowl. Over-mixing makes for tough hushpuppies.

How do you know when hush puppies are done? ›

When the hush puppies turn golden brown, start temping them with your Thermapen. If the lowest temp you see is 165°F (74°C), the hush puppies are done! Remove the hush puppies to a paper towel-lined pan, bring the oil back up to heat, and fry the rest in batches as above.

Why do my hush puppies fall apart? ›

The main reason hush puppies fall apart isn't the batter, it's the oil. To ensure your hush puppies stay intact, make sure the oil is heated to the correct temperature. Add 3 to 4 inches of oil to your skillet or Dutch oven, and using a thermometer, heat the oil to 365° to 375°.

What does hush puppy breaded mean? ›

The name came from southerners who would fry some basic cornmeal mixture (possibly a bread-coating or battering) and feed it to dogs to "hush the puppies". Although there are many possible origins for the dish, it is found to be akin to "red-horse bread", named after the red horse fish of the South Carolina rivers.

What is corn dog breading made of? ›

Cornmeal and flour: This corn dog batter starts with yellow cornmeal and all-purpose flour. Sugar: A pinch of sugar lends a hint of sweetness. Baking powder: Baking powder acts as a leavener, which means it helps the batter rise. Salt and pepper: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Why is fried cornmeal called hush puppies? ›

In the instance of hushpuppies, the tale goes that Confederate soldiers were preparing food around a campfire and heard Union soldiers in the vicinity, so they pitched their yelping dogs some fried cornmeal cakes and ordered them to “hush puppies.”

Why are they called hush puppies for slaves? ›

According to an Antebellum-era legend (1812-1860), hush puppies may have gotten their name when individuals attempting to escape slavery needed to keep any lingering watchdogs silent. Cornmeal batter would be fried and, when needed, tossed to the dogs as a distraction.

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