Hush Puppies - freshly baked bread

Hush Puppies

Cornbread & Biscuits

Crispy, golden cornmeal fritters with a soft, fluffy interior. The essential side for fried fish and seafood.

Prep Time

10 min

Bake Time

15 min

Servings

10

Calories

170

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a cast-iron skillet or baking pan.

  2. 2

    Mix Dry

    Combine cornmeal/flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

  3. 3

    Add Wet

    Stir in buttermilk, melted butter, and egg until just combined.

  4. 4

    Bake

    Pour into prepared pan. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and set.

Baker's Notes

The number one rule of biscuits: cold butter, cold buttermilk, and work the dough as little as possible. Every extra fold develops gluten and costs you flakiness.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

There is something deeply satisfying about a freshly baked hush puppy — that crackling golden crust giving way to a tender, custardy centre studded with sweet cornmeal and tangy buttermilk. The touch of sugar is what lifts them beyond ordinary cornbread, while the melted butter keeps every bite rich without weighing them down.

Canadian home cooks have adopted these as the perfect weekend project: quick to whip up, forgiving to bake, and endlessly versatile. Whether you're serving them alongside a pan of crispy fish or just pulling them from the oven with a pat of butter, they hit the spot every time.

Tips for the Best Hush Puppies

Gardez la pâte souple — quelques grumeaux signifient une mie plus douce, tandis que trop travailler la pâte transforme ces beignets en briques denses. Pour une croûte plus croustillante, versez la pâte dans une poêle en fonte préchauffée sortie du four, et laissez les bords se détacher avant de trancher.

What to Serve With It

These shine as the classic companion to fried perch, walleye, or lake trout — the kind of pairing that feels like a summer evening on the cottage. They also pair beautifully with poutine gravy, pulled pork sandwiches, or a simple bowl of tomato soup on a cold Ontario night.

Storage & Reheating

Store cooled hush puppies in an airtight container at room temperature for one day, or refrigerate for up to three. Reheat in a 375°F oven for ten minutes to restore the crust, or microwave briefly if you prefer a softer texture.

Nutrition Facts

170

cal

4g

Protein

2g

Fat

43g

Carbs

3g

Fiber

336mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make hush puppies ahead of time?+

Yes — bake them fully, cool, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag. Reheat frozen hush puppies at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crisp.

Why does my cornbread turn out dry?+

Overbaking or overmixing are the usual culprits. Pull them from the oven the moment the edges pull away and the centre springs back lightly — carryover heat will finish the job.

What type of cornmeal works best?+

Medium-grind yellow cornmeal gives the classic texture. Fine grind yields a denser crumb, while stone-ground adds a nuttier flavour and heartier bite.

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?+

You can — stir one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice into one cup of milk and let it sit five minutes before using. The acid reacts with the baking powder just like real buttermilk.

How do I get a deeper golden crust?+

A preheated cast-iron skillet is the trick. Heat it in the oven while the oven warms, then pour the batter in carefully — the instant sizzle creates that signature golden edge.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don't overmix the batter — a few lumps are fine and prevent tough cornbread.
  • A preheated cast-iron skillet gives the best golden crust.
  • Cold butter is the secret to flaky biscuits — freeze it and grate it in.

Reviews (5)

André G.★★★★★

Just like from the bakery! The crust is crispy and the crumb is soft. Bravo for this extraordinary recipe.

Chantal D.★★★★★

Easy to prepare and so delicious! Even my picky kids went for seconds. This bread has become a staple in our home.

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellent recipe. I followed the instructions to the letter and the result was perfect. My wife loved it. The best homemade bread I've made.

Marie L.★★★★★

Made this last weekend and my family loved it! The bread came out perfectly golden with a beautiful crust. Will definitely be making this again.

Michael W.★★★★★

This recipe is a keeper. The Baker's Notes really helped me understand the technique. My new favourite bread to bake on weekends.