Mrs. Clay’s Classic Hush Puppies
Crisp outside, tender inside, and quietly comforting
Hush puppies are one of those humble foods that never try to steal the spotlight — and yet somehow everyone reaches for them first.
Crisp and golden on the outside, soft and corn-scented inside, these hush puppies are meant to be served hot, eaten by hand, and enjoyed without fuss. They’re the perfect side for fried chicken, fish, or a simple supper that needs just one more warm bite.
🍲 What Makes These Hush Puppies Special
These hush puppies are:
- Lightly crisp, not heavy or greasy
- Tender inside, not dry
- Savory, not sweet
- Onion-forward but gentle
They’re old-fashioned in the best way — the kind that feel familiar even the first time you make them.
Step-by-Step with Mrs. Clay
From batter bowl to golden hush puppies
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Step 2: Add the Onion
Stir in:
- ¼ cup very finely minced yellow onion
The onion should almost disappear into the batter — this gives flavor without chunks.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk:
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup buttermilk
Pour into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
The batter should be thick but scoopable.
If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons more buttermilk.
Step 4: Fry the Hush Puppies
Heat peanut oil (or vegetable oil) to 350°F.
Using a small scoop or spoon, carefully drop batter into the oil.
Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until:
- Deep golden brown
- Cooked through
Remove to paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt while hot.
🌸 Mrs. Clay’s Tip
If the oil is too hot, hush puppies brown before cooking inside. Keep the temperature steady for the best texture.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot with:
- Fried chicken or fish
- French fries
- Slaw or pickles
They’re best fresh, straight from the fryer.
✨ A Thought to Close the Day
Some foods don’t need explaining.
They simply belong.
From My Recipe Box to Yours
Mrs. Clay’s Classic Hush Puppies
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup finely minced yellow onion
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
- Whisk dry ingredients together.
- Stir in onion.
- Add egg and buttermilk; mix just until combined.
- Fry at 350°F until golden, 2–3 minutes.
- Drain and lightly salt.
