If you're craving a snack that's golden, crispy, and packed with Southern charm, this Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe is going to be your new favorite. These little fried cornmeal bites bring just the right mix of crunch and fluffy sweetness, perfect for sharing (or not!).

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

When I first made these hush puppies, I couldn’t believe how something so simple could taste so incredible—crispy on the outside with a tender, slightly sweet inside. They’re just as great as a snack or alongside your favorite Southern dishes.

Classic Southern Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet cornmeal and a hint of onion makes these hush puppies irresistibly tasty.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry, making this a fuss-free recipe.
Quick to Make: Ready in just 16 minutes from start to finish, ideal for last-minute cravings or quick appetizers.
Perfectly Crispy Texture: Fried at just the right temperature so you get that crunchy exterior without grease.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe plays a crucial role, and you don’t need fancy stuff to make them shine. Just make sure to get good-quality cornmeal and fresh buttermilk for the best 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 ingredient that gives hush puppies their signature texture and flavor. I recommend medium grind for the best balance of crunch and softness.
All-purpose flour: Helps bind the batter, keeping the hush puppies light and fluffy inside.
Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that complements the cornmeal beautifully.
Baking powder: Gives the batter a little lift, ensuring your hush puppies aren’t heavy or dense.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors so nothing tastes flat.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch adds a subtle, comforting warmth without overpowering.
Egg: Acts as a binder, making sure everything sticks together perfectly as you fry.
Buttermilk: Tangy and creamy, it keeps the hush puppies tender and adds depth of flavor.
Onion: Grated fresh onion infuses the batter with a mild savory note that balances the sweetness.
Peanut or vegetable oil: Essential for frying — it handles high heat well and gives you that crisp, golden crust.

📝

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

The beauty of this Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe is just how versatile it can be. Whether you want to add some extra kick, make it vegetarian-friendly, or tailor it for special occasions, there’s room to get creative without losing that perfect crunch and fluffy center.

Jalapeño Kick: I love adding finely diced fresh jalapeños to the batter for a spicy twist. It brings an exciting warmth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cornmeal.
Cheesy Delight: Mixing in shredded sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, savory depth. My family always asks for this version because the melty cheese inside contrasts so nicely with the crunchy crust.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. It works just as well, making these hush puppies accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
Herbs & Freshness: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives towards the end. It brightens the flavor and gives your hush puppies a lovely fresh note perfect for spring or summer meals.

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

Start by combining 1 cup cornmeal, ½ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is evenly blended — this ensures every hush puppy is bursting with balanced flavors and just the right hint of heat. It’s that simple foundation that sets the whole recipe off on the right foot.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, lightly beat 1 large egg, then whisk in ¾ cup buttermilk. Add ½ a small onion, finely grated, including its juices, into the mixture. The onion adds a subtle savory sweetness that complements the cornmeal beautifully. Give it a good stir to combine evenly, but don’t overmix—keeping it a bit loose helps achieve that light fluffiness.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry to Form the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture and gently fold together until just combined. The batter should stay slightly lumpy, which is key to fluffy hush puppies. Resist the urge to overmix here — a few lumps means you’re on track for tender little bites.

Step 4: Heat Your Oil Just Right

Pour 2 inches of peanut or vegetable oil into a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-high flame until the oil reaches 375°F on a digital thermometer. Keeping the oil between 350°F and 375°F is essential to get that picture-perfect golden crust without absorbing too much oil or burning. Patience here makes all the difference.

Step 5: Fry Your Hush Puppies to Perfection

Using two spoons, carefully scoop tablespoon-sized portions of batter and gently push them into the hot oil one at a time. Fry in small batches to avoid crowding and drop the heat as needed to keep the temperature steady. Each hush puppy needs about 2 to 3 minutes to cook through, turning them partway with a wire spatula so all sides get nicely golden and crispy. You’ll know they’re done when they float up and are beautifully browned.

Step 6: Drain and Serve Warm

Remove the hush puppies with a slotted spoon and set them onto a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. This lets excess oil drain away and keeps your hush puppies wonderfully crunchy. Serve them fresh and warm for the best experience, but if you have leftovers, follow the storage tips to enjoy them later.

Top Tip

Perfecting the Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe is all about a few key details that really elevate the texture and flavor. These tips come from hands-on experience and can make your frying adventure smooth and successful.

Maintain the Oil Temperature: Using a digital thermometer is a game-changer. Keep your oil between 350°F and 375°F to ensure a golden crust without greasy or burnt bites.
Don’t Overmix Your Batter: Stir until just combined and a little lumpy — this helps keep the hush puppies light and fluffy inside.
Use Two Spoons for Dropping Batter: This technique helps you control the batter size and prevents overcrowding the pan, so each hush puppy fries evenly and crisps perfectly.
Drain on a Wire Rack: Instead of paper towels alone, draining on a wire rack over a baking sheet keeps them from getting soggy and preserves that irresistible crunch.

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

Garnishing your Southern hush puppies is a simple way to add color and a bit of extra flavor. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives brightens up their golden crunch beautifully. For a tangy twist, offer a side of creamy remoulade or spicy aioli for dipping. A wedge of lime or lemon also pairs nicely if you want a hint of citrus zing.

Side Dishes

These hush puppies make a fantastic companion to classic Southern meals. Serve alongside fried catfish or shrimp for an authentic Southern vibe, or pair with barbecue ribs and coleslaw for a backyard feast. They’re also wonderful with a bowl of hearty gumbo, or even just a crisp green salad for a lighter meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover hush puppies keep well when stored properly. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to extend their freshness, refrigerate them where they’ll last up to 1 week.

Freezing

To freeze, first arrange your cooked hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1 to 2 hours so they firm up individually before transferring to a resealable airtight container. Stored this way, they’ll keep deliciously for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen hush puppies before reheating. Use an air fryer or oven to revive their crisp exterior — about 3 to 4 minutes in the air fryer works wonders. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave can reheat a few at a time, but know they’ll be softer and less crunchy than fresh or oven-reheated ones.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this recipe?

While buttermilk adds a unique tang and tenderness to the hush puppies, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.

What oil is best for frying hush puppies?

Peanut or vegetable oil works best due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors, allowing you to maintain that perfect 350°F to 375°F frying temperature for golden, crispy results.

Why is controlling the oil temperature so important?

Maintaining oil between 350°F and 375°F prevents the hush puppies from absorbing too much oil—avoiding greasiness—and ensures they cook through evenly without burning the outside.

Can I add other ingredients to the batter?

Absolutely! Some people love adding diced jalapeños, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs to the batter for extra flavor. Just keep the original texture in mind so you don’t throw off the cooking balance.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a taste of the South into your kitchen. With their crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful inside, these hush puppies are more than just an appetizer—they’re a comforting little delight that’s perfect for sharing or savoring any day of the week. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make them again and again, turning every bite into a warm, crispy celebration.