Hush puppies are usually made from a thick cornmeal batter, often mixed with flour, egg, milk or buttermilk, baking soda or baking powder, salt, and chopped onion. They’re then formed into small balls or spooned into hot oil and fried until golden.

Common ingredients

  • Cornmeal.
  • Flour.
  • Eggs.
  • Buttermilk or milk.
  • Baking powder or baking soda.
  • Salt.
  • Onion or scallions.

Optional add-ins

Some recipes also include garlic, peppers, sugar, cheese, or spices. Different regions and cooks vary the recipe, but the core is a savory cornmeal fritter.

What they taste like

They’re often described as crisp on the outside and soft or tender inside, kind of like a savory cornbread bite.