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Nothing says Southern comfort quite like a basket of hot, golden hush puppies fresh out of the fryer. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside—these are the kind of hush puppies that disappear fast.

Using my Smokin and Grillin with AB Hush Puppy Mix, this recipe keeps things easy while still delivering that classic, down-home flavor you expect. Whether you’re serving them with fried fish, barbecue, or enjoying them straight from the plate, these hush puppies are a must-make.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and simple—perfect for weeknights or cookouts
  • Crispy texture with a tender center
  • Customizable with cheese, spice, or sweet corn
  • Made with AB’s signature hush puppy mix for authentic flavor

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Smokin and Grillin with AB Hush Puppy Mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 2–3 tablespoons grated onion (optional, for added flavor)
  • 1–2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeño (optional, for a mild kick)
  • Cooking oil, for frying

How to Make Classic Hush Puppies

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the hush puppy mix and water.
  2. Stir in the grated onion and diced jalapeño, if using.
  3. Mix just until a smooth, thick batter forms. Do not overmix.
  4. Let the batter rest for 20 minutes—this step is key for the best texture.
  5. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, working in batches.
  7. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
  8. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot and enjoy!

Want to switch things up? Try one of these easy add-ins:

Cheese Hush Puppies

Stir in ¼–½ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a rich, melty bite.

Cajun Style

Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for bold, Southern spice.

Extra Heat

Increase the diced jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more kick.

Sweet Corn Hush Puppies

Fold in ¼ cup whole kernel corn (drained well) for a touch of sweetness and texture.


Serving Suggestions

These hush puppies pair perfectly with:

They’re also great as an appetizer or party snack—just don’t expect leftovers.


Pro Tips for the Best Hush Puppies

  • Letting the batter rest helps activate the mix and improves texture
  • Keep oil temperature steady for even frying
  • Don’t overcrowd the fryer—crispy results need space

Classic Southern Hush Puppies

5 from 1 vote
Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Nothing says Southern comfort quite like a basket of hot, golden hush puppies fresh out of the fryer. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside-these are the kind of hush puppies that disappear fast.
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Ingredients  

  • 2 cups Smokin and Grillin with AB Hush Puppy Mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 –3 tablespoons grated onion optional
  • 1 –2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeño optional
  • Cooking oil for frying

Instructions 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine hush puppy mix and water.
  • Stir in grated onion and diced jalapeño, if using.
  • Mix until a smooth, thick batter forms. Do not overmix.
  • Let batter rest for 20 minutes to activate.
  • Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot.
  • Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil, working in batches.
  • Fry 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
  • Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Letting the batter rest improves texture.
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even browning.
  • Do not overcrowd the fryer to ensure crisp results.

Nutrition

Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 344mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About AB

Aaron “A.B.” Brown, a self-taught culinary maestro, has carved his flavorful path into the hearts and kitchens of millions. With over 3.6 million devoted YouTube subscribers, he’s become a household name for those seeking culinary expertise.

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2 Comments

  1. ElliottTerman says:

    Where is your hush puppy mix sold? I’m in Dutchess County in NY. I love HP’ies. Learned to love them when I went to school in Raleigh, NC (NC State).