Traditional Hush Puppies Recipe – Crispy, Savory, and Full of Old-Fashioned Comfort.
Discover the heartwarming flavor of our traditional hush puppies recipe, a classic Southern comfort food made with stone-ground cornmeal and crispy bacon. These golden, crispy bites are perfect for cold mornings, cozy dinners, or anytime you want a budget-friendly, homemade breakfast that fills you up and brings a touch of nostalgia.
Perfect on their own or paired with Coffee Soup—a simple, historic dish made by pouring hot coffee over torn bread and adding sugar and cream—this combination offers a warm, satisfying start to the day.
Follow our easy hush puppies recipe and enjoy a hearty, comforting dish that’s rich in tradition, flavor, and down-home goodness.
⦁ 4 slices bacon
⦁ 1 cup stone-ground cornmeal
⦁ 1 teaspoon baking powder
⦁ 1 egg
⦁ ½ teaspoon salt
⦁ ½ cup milk (add more if needed)
1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the stone-ground cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the egg and milk. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well until smooth.
3. Cook the Bacon: Cut up the bacon and fry it until crispy 175–180°C (350–360°F). Add the cooked bacon pieces to the batter, stirring to incorporate.
4. Fry the Hush Puppies: In the bacon grease or vegetable oil, fry spoonfuls of the batter until golden brown.
5. Serve: Enjoy the hush puppies plain or with syrup.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Stone-Ground Cornmeal – Gives authentic texture and hearty flavor
✔ All-Purpose Flour – Helps bind and lighten the texture
✔ Eggs – Essential for structure and moisture
✔ Buttermilk – Adds slight tang and tenderness
✔ Baking Powder & Baking Soda – For lift and fluffiness
✔ Salt – Enhances flavor throughout
✔ Sugar – A small touch for balance (optional, depending on taste)
✔ Onion – Finely grated for a savory kick
✔ Bacon – Cooked and crumbled; traditional Amish twist for extra flavor
✔ Butter or Lard – Used for frying or mixed into the batter for richness
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Mix Dry First – Combine cornmeal, flour, baking agents, and salt in a large bowl
✔ Whisk Wet Separately – Beat eggs and mix with buttermilk and melted butter
✔ Fold Together – Add wet to dry, mix gently until just combined
✔ Stir in Onion & Bacon – Adds traditional depth and crunch
✔ Chill the Batter – Let rest for 10–15 minutes for best texture
🔥 Cooking Techniques
✔ Use Lard or Neutral Oil – For that signature crispness; heat to 175–180°C (350–360°F)
✔ Scoop Evenly – Use a spoon or small scoop for uniform hush puppies
✔ Don’t Crowd the Pan – Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady
✔ Turn Once – Let them brown on one side before gently flipping
✔ Drain on Paper Towels – Helps keep them crispy, not greasy
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Bacon + Onion = Flavor Boost – Classic Amish flavor combo
✔ Add Fresh Herbs – Optional, but parsley or chives can brighten up the mix
✔ Adjust Sweetness – Omit sugar if serving with savory meals; include for a sweeter bite
✔ Serve with Butter or Honey – A simple drizzle enhances the rustic taste
📦 Storage
✔ Best Fresh – Hush puppies are crispiest right after frying
✔ Reheat in Oven – 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 mins to restore crunch
✔ Freeze – Freeze uncooked scoops of batter; fry from frozen or thaw slightly before cooking
✔ Avoid Microwave – Tends to make them soggy
🍽 Serving
✔ Traditional Style – Serve hot with soups, stews, or Amish-style chili
✔ With Coffee Soup – For an old-fashioned, comforting breakfast pairing
✔ Dipping Options – Apple butter, spicy honey, or even sour cream
✔ Rustic Table – Serve in a basket lined with cloth for farmhouse charm