Name: Homemade Hush Puppies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 box Jiffy Cornbread Mix; ½ small onion, grated; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 large egg, beaten; ¼ cup panko bread crumbs; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon baking powder; Oil, for frying

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how fast and foolproof these hush puppies are. The Jiffy cornbread mix gives me a great starting point, and with a few extra ingredients like grated onion, buttermilk, and panko, the texture becomes light yet crispy. I can customize them in so many ways, and since they’re bite-sized, they’re perfect for snacking, dipping, or serving as a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon baking powder
Oil, for frying

Directions

I combine the Jiffy mix, grated onion, buttermilk, beaten egg, panko, flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder in a large bowl. I stir just until everything is mixed—overmixing can make the hush puppies dense.
I cover and refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and firms up the batter so it holds its shape during frying.
I heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350–375°F (175–190°C).
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, I drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
I fry them for about 2–3 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re deep golden brown and crispy.
I remove them with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. I always serve them hot—fresh from the fryer is best.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Cheesy hush puppies: I mix in shredded cheddar for extra richness.
Spicy version: I add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
Fresh herbs: I stir in chopped green onions, chives, or parsley for a fresh pop of flavor.
Sweet twist: I drizzle with honey or mix in a teaspoon of sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Bacon lovers: I add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, savory variation.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes to restore their crispy texture. I avoid microwaving, since that tends to make them soft. I also freeze extras in a zip-top bag and reheat from frozen in the oven when needed.

FAQs

Can I make hush puppy batter ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the batter a few hours in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge until I’m ready to fry. It actually improves the flavor and helps the batter firm up.

What kind of oil is best for frying hush puppies?

I use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. They all fry up golden and crispy without affecting the flavor.

How do I keep hush puppies from being greasy?

I make sure the oil is hot enough—350°F to 375°F. If the oil is too cool, the batter absorbs too much oil instead of crisping up.

Can I bake hush puppies instead of frying?

I can, but they won’t be quite as crispy. I scoop the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping once for even browning.

What do hush puppies go with?

They pair perfectly with fried fish, barbecue ribs, grilled chicken, coleslaw, or any Southern-inspired dish. I also love dipping them in spicy aioli, honey butter, or remoulade sauce.

Conclusion

These Homemade Hush Puppies are a Southern classic I come back to time and time again. Crispy, fluffy, and packed with flavor, they’re a fast and easy addition to any meal. Whether I stick with the classic version or mix things up with cheese, spice, or herbs, they always deliver that irresistible crunch I crave.

Homemade Hush Puppies Recipe