Picture this: you’re sitting down at a cozy family fish fry on a warm summer evening, the sound of laughter echoing, plates piled high with crispy fried catfish, coleslaw, and—of course—those golden little nuggets of perfection we call hush puppies. These bite-sized, deep-fried cornmeal treats are more than just a side dish—they’re a tradition.
Hush puppies carry a piece of Southern history and hospitality with them. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and bursting with savory flavor. Whether you’re making them for a backyard barbecue, a weeknight dinner, or as a nostalgic treat to remind you of home, this recipe is here to show you how easy it is to make hush puppies from scratch using Jiffy Cornbread Mix. Once you try them fresh and hot out of the fryer, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.
Why You’ll Love This Hush Puppies Recipe
- Quick and Easy – With Jiffy Cornbread Mix as the base, you can whip up the batter in minutes.
- Perfectly Fluffy Inside, Crispy Outside – Thanks to a balance of flour, bread crumbs, and buttermilk.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
- Crowd-Pleaser – These little bites disappear fast at parties, fish fries, and family dinners.
- Customizable – Add cheese, jalapeños, or herbs for your own spin.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create the perfect homemade hush puppies:
- 1 box Jiffy Cornbread Mix – The base that gives them that signature sweet corn flavor.
- 1/2 small onion, grated – Infuses the batter with mild savory flavor.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk – Ensures a tender, moist texture.
- 1 large egg, beaten – Helps bind everything together.
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs – Adds extra crunch.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Balances the batter for frying.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Brings out the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle kick.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Gives a little lift for fluffiness.
- Oil, for frying – Choose peanut, vegetable, or canola oil for best results.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy Cornbread Mix, grated onion, buttermilk, beaten egg, bread crumbs, flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—lumps are okay! - Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot. Heat to 350°F (175°C). A thermometer is key to keeping the oil steady. - Scoop and Fry
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Work in small batches to avoid overcrowding. - Cook to Golden Perfection
Fry for about 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until each hush puppy is deep golden brown and cooked through. - Drain and Serve
Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels to drain. Serve warm with dipping sauces or alongside your favorite meal.
Cooking Times and Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: ~180 kcal
Tips for the Best Hush Puppies
- Keep Oil Consistent: 350°F is the sweet spot. Too hot and they’ll burn outside before cooking through; too cool and they’ll soak up oil.
- Grate the Onion Fine: This way, it blends seamlessly without overpowering.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined to avoid dense hush puppies.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: Ensures even sizes for consistent cooking.
- Drain on Paper Towels: Keeps them crisp instead of soggy.
The Story Behind Hush Puppies
The origins of hush puppies are as fun as their name. According to Southern folklore, these fried cornmeal balls were used by cooks to quiet barking dogs during outdoor fish fries. They’d toss the sizzling nuggets to the pups with a quick “hush, puppy!” and the name stuck.
Beyond the story, hush puppies have deep ties to Southern cooking traditions. They were often paired with fried fish, barbecue, or seafood boils as a cheap and filling side. Today, they remain a beloved staple at cookouts, diners, and family kitchens across the South.
Serving Suggestions
Hush puppies are versatile! Here are some delicious ways to serve them:
- With Fried Fish – The classic combo. Catfish and hush puppies are like peanut butter and jelly.
- With Barbecue – Pulled pork, brisket, or ribs pair beautifully with the crispy corn bites.
- As a Snack – Serve with ranch, honey butter, or remoulade sauce for dipping.
- At Brunch – Swap out toast for hush puppies alongside eggs and bacon.
- Party Appetizer – Pass them around at gatherings with a spicy aioli dip.
Flavor Variations
Want to put your own twist on hush puppies? Try these fun add-ins:
- Cheddar Cheese – Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar for cheesy bites.
- Jalapeños – Add diced jalapeños for heat.
- Green Onions – Mix in chopped green onions for freshness.
- Bacon Bits – Crumbled bacon takes them to the next level.
- Sweet Corn Kernels – A handful of corn adds extra sweetness and texture.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness—avoid the microwave if you want them crunchy.
- To Freeze: Lay cooled hush puppies on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Batter Too Wet: If it’s too loose, add a little extra flour or bread crumbs.
- Crowding the Oil: Fry in small batches so they cook evenly.
- Skipping the Thermometer: Guessing oil temperature often leads to greasy or undercooked hush puppies.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Taste the batter before frying—you want that balance of salt and spice.
Pairing Hush Puppies with Dips
While traditional hush puppies are often served plain, dipping sauces make them irresistible. Here are some favorites:
- Classic Ranch Dressing
- Honey Butter – Sweet and creamy.
- Remoulade Sauce – Tangy and slightly spicy.
- Chipotle Mayo – Smoky with a kick.
- Barbecue Sauce – Sweet and savory pairing.
Healthier Alternatives
Love hush puppies but want a lighter version? Try these swaps:
- Bake Instead of Fry: Scoop batter onto a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
- Air Fryer Method: Place spoonfuls of batter in an air fryer basket at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes. Spray lightly with oil for crispiness.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for added fiber.
- Less Salt: Cut the salt in half and add herbs like parsley or dill for flavor.
FAQs About Hush Puppies
1. Can I make hush puppies without Jiffy mix?
Yes! You can make them with a blend of cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Jiffy just makes it quicker.
2. How do I know when they’re done?
They should be golden brown on the outside and fluffy inside. Insert a toothpick—it should come out clean.
3. What oil is best for frying hush puppies?
Peanut oil is traditional for its high smoke point, but canola or vegetable oil works too.
4. Can hush puppies be sweet?
Yes! Add a little sugar or drizzle with honey for a sweeter twist.
5. What’s the difference between hush puppies and corn fritters?
Hush puppies are savory and denser, while corn fritters often include whole kernels and can be sweeter.
Final Thoughts
Homemade hush puppies are proof that simple ingredients can create pure comfort food magic. Crispy, golden, and deeply satisfying, they’re a side dish that never fails to make people smile. Whether you’re keeping it classic or adding jalapeños and cheese, these hush puppies will be the star of your next meal.
So grab that Jiffy mix, heat up the oil, and treat yourself and your family to a taste of Southern tradition. Once you try them, they’ll become a go-to recipe for every occasion.