Fresh Corn Hush Puppies are the epitome of comfort food! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, each bite is a warm, savory burst of flavor from the corn and seasonings. These hush puppies are perfect for sharing, whether at a family dinner, a barbecue, or a friendly gathering.
The addition of fresh corn kernels provides a lovely burst of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory batter. The crisp golden exterior ensures each bite is satisfying, and the tenderness inside makes them hard to resist. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a snack that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting or attending a party, these hush puppies will always steal the show.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup cornmeal
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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1 large egg
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3/4 cup buttermilk
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1 cup fresh corn kernels (or frozen corn, thawed)
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1/4 cup finely chopped onion
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Directions:
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In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
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Fold in the fresh corn kernels and chopped onion.
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding.
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Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove the hush puppies from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
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Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Fresh Corn Hush Puppies Are So Special
What sets fresh corn hush puppies apart from the traditional recipe is the addition of sweet, juicy kernels of corn. Corn is a staple in Southern cuisine, and using fresh corn enhances the flavor and texture of the hush puppies. The corn kernels bring a natural sweetness to the dish, balancing out the savory seasoning in the batter. This addition not only makes the hush puppies more flavorful but also adds a bit of texture and visual appeal. When the hush puppies are fried to a golden crisp, the corn kernels pop in your mouth, offering a satisfying bite that’s hard to resist.
The History of Hush Puppies
Hush puppies have deep roots in Southern history, and their origin is surrounded by a bit of folklore. According to one popular tale, the name “hush puppy” came from the practice of feeding fried cornmeal to dogs to “hush” them during fish fries or cookouts. Whether this story is true or not, it certainly adds a bit of charm to the dish’s history. Other accounts suggest that hush puppies were created as a way to use up leftover cornmeal or batter from a larger meal, which was then fried into small bites. Regardless of the true origin, hush puppies have become a beloved comfort food in the South, often accompanying dishes like fried catfish, barbecue, and shrimp.
The Perfect Snack or Side Dish
Fresh corn hush puppies are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a snack on their own, paired with a dipping sauce, or used as a side dish to complement a variety of main courses. Their crispy exterior makes them a perfect accompaniment to a hearty seafood platter or grilled meats, and they work wonderfully with tangy sauces like tartar sauce, spicy ketchup, or even honey mustard. Because they are so flavorful, hush puppies can easily take center stage at any gathering, whether it’s a family dinner, picnic, or backyard barbecue. Their bite-sized form makes them ideal for sharing, and they are guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Customizing Your Corn Hush Puppies
One of the best aspects of making hush puppies is their versatility in terms of customization. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences. For example, if you prefer a spicier version of hush puppies, you can add finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the batter. If you want to make them even more flavorful, consider adding herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme. These herbs bring an aromatic freshness to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the corn and adding depth to the flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cornmeal for a unique texture, such as using stone-ground cornmeal for a coarser, more rustic finish.
For a more decadent twist, you can incorporate shredded cheese into the batter. Cheddar cheese, in particular, works well with the sweetness of the corn and the savory batter, creating a delicious contrast in flavor. If you’re looking to make a healthier version of hush puppies, you can bake them instead of frying, although they won’t have the same crispy texture. Alternatively, you could use a healthier oil for frying, like avocado or coconut oil, which offer a higher smoke point and added health benefits.
Serving Suggestions for Fresh Corn Hush Puppies
While fresh corn hush puppies are a treat on their own, they pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. They are particularly great as an accompaniment to Southern-style seafood, such as fried catfish or shrimp. The sweetness of the corn balances the richness of the seafood, creating a harmonious combination of flavors. For a more traditional Southern meal, serve the hush puppies alongside fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread for a true taste of the South.
They also pair wonderfully with barbecued meats like ribs, pulled pork, or brisket. The crunchy texture of the hush puppies offers a great contrast to the tender, smoky meat. If you’re having a cookout or a family-style meal, they make for a great side dish that will please everyone. Don’t forget to offer a selection of dipping sauces to elevate the flavor, from tangy vinegar-based sauces to creamy ranch or spicy barbecue sauce.
For a more casual gathering, consider serving the hush puppies with a refreshing slaw or a light salad. The crispness of the slaw complements the rich flavor of the hush puppies, while the fresh greens provide a balance of textures. Adding a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil on the slaw will brighten up the flavors and create a more well-rounded meal.
How to Make the Best Fresh Corn Hush Puppies
To make the best fresh corn hush puppies, the key is to get the balance right between the cornmeal, flour, and liquid. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when dropped into the hot oil but not so dense that it becomes heavy. The addition of buttermilk gives the hush puppies a tender crumb and a slight tang, which complements the sweetness of the corn.
The temperature of the oil is also crucial for achieving the perfect fry. If the oil is too hot, the hush puppies will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. If the oil is too cool, the hush puppies will absorb too much oil and become greasy. The ideal frying temperature is around 350°F (175°C), so a thermometer is a helpful tool to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
When frying the hush puppies, be sure to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, leading to soggy hush puppies. Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
Conclusion
Fresh corn hush puppies are a delicious and versatile treat that brings together the best of Southern cuisine. With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and sweet corn flavor, they make for the perfect snack or side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, a summer cookout, or a casual gathering with friends, these hush puppies are sure to be a hit. Their simple ingredients and easy preparation make them a crowd-pleaser, while the addition of fresh corn adds a unique and flavorful twist to the traditional recipe. Whether you enjoy them with a side of seafood, barbecue, or on their own with a dipping sauce, fresh corn hush puppies are a true Southern comfort food that everyone will love.
If you’re looking to try your hand at a Southern classic with a modern twist, fresh corn hush puppies are a must-try. Their versatility, flavor, and crispy texture make them a standout dish that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. So, gather your ingredients, heat up the oil, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these delicious hush puppies today!