Crispy Homemade Hush Puppies with Green Onion Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting Southern classic that delights with every bite, this Crispy Homemade Hush Puppies with Green Onion Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, crunchy bites offer a perfect balance of sweet cornmeal and savory green onion, delivering a crispy exterior that gives way to a moist, tender center. Whether you’re serving them alongside a seafood feast or enjoying them as a snack, this recipe brings that authentic, old-fashioned hush puppy goodness right to your kitchen, creating moments of pure joy with every crispy morsel.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these hush puppies lies in their simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a key role in crafting that perfect texture, flavor, and irresistibly crispy crust that makes this Crispy Homemade Hush Puppies with Green Onion Recipe so beloved.

• 1 1/2 cup cornmeal (fine grind or medium grind): The backbone of the hush puppy, giving them their signature sweetness and hearty texture.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour): Adds structure and helps bind the ingredients together for tender hush puppies.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Provides a subtle lift, ensuring these hush puppies aren’t dense.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for a perfectly puffed, fluffy bite.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a hint of savory warmth without overwhelming the corn flavor.
• 1 tsp paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and a subtle pop of color to the batter.
• 1 1/2 tsp sea salt: Enhances every flavor, balancing out the sweetness and spices.
• 2-3 Tbsp cane sugar (or coconut sugar): Just enough sweetness to highlight the cornmeal’s natural flavor.
• 3 stalks green onion (finely chopped): Fresh bits of green onion cut through the richness, giving an aromatic bite in every hush puppy.
• 2/3 cup buttermilk (or cream): Adds moisture, tang, and helps tenderize the hush puppies.
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten): Essential for binding the batter and creating a light texture inside.
• 3 cups avocado oil (for frying): A high smoke point oil perfect for achieving that golden crispy crust without burning.

How to Make Crispy Homemade Hush Puppies with Green Onion Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the cornmeal, flour, baking soda, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. This dry mix forms the flavorful base of your hush puppies, where each spice and seasoning adds layers of taste and that beautiful golden hue.

Step 2: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the finely chopped green onions, buttermilk, and lightly beaten eggs to your dry ingredients. Gently stir everything until just combined — you want a batter that’s thick but scoopable. The green onions create those lovely flecks of fresh, sharp flavor that contrast wonderfully with the sweet cornmeal.

Step 3: Heat the Oil for Frying

Pour about 3 to 4 cups of avocado oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep saucepan, heating it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Using avocado oil is key because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point, letting your hush puppies fry to perfection without any burnt taste.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Use your hands or a small spoon to form tablespoon-sized balls of batter. Carefully drop them into the hot oil, frying 3 to 6 at a time to give each plenty of space. The hush puppies will immediately begin to bubble and turn golden, naturally turning in the oil for even cooking. Fry each batch for about 1 to 2 minutes or until they reach a crispy, golden-brown finish that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Crispy Homemade Hush Puppies with Green Onion Recipe

Garnishes

To enhance the flavor and presentation, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or some extra finely chopped green onions over the hush puppies just after frying. A small drizzle of honey butter can also elevate their savory-sweet balance for a delightful twist.

Side Dishes

Hush puppies are a classic companion to fried fish, shrimp, or barbecue dishes. Consider serving them alongside coleslaw, tangy remoulade, or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness with some crispness and acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve these Crispy Homemade Hush Puppies with Green Onion Recipe in mini wire baskets lined with parchment paper for that charming Southern street food vibe. You can also turn them into sliders by slicing them open and adding a small scoop of pimento cheese or pulled pork for a fun, bite-sized treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover hush puppies in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed well helps retain their moisture without making them soggy.

Freezing

If you want to save these hush puppies for longer, freeze them on a baking sheet first until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready to be reheated whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To bring back that coveted crispiness, reheat leftovers in a hot oven or air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy or soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to it to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which helps tenderize the hush puppies and enhance flavor.

What if I don’t have green onions? Can I skip them?

While green onions add a distinctive fresh note, you can omit them or substitute with finely diced shallots or chives for a similar mild onion flavor.

Is avocado oil the best choice for frying hush puppies?

Avocado oil is excellent due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but you can also use peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying with similar results.

How do I know when the hush puppies are cooked through?

They should be golden brown and firm to the touch. You can test by cutting one open; the inside should be moist but fully set with no raw batter pockets.

Can I make hush puppies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that works well in baking, and ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making your own hush puppies from scratch, and this Crispy Homemade Hush Puppies with Green Onion Recipe nails everything you want in this beloved Southern snack. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with fresh flavor, these hush puppies are sure to become a staple at your table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed hush puppies any other way!

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