Image Source: Inspired by The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women via Black Foodie Finder
A Crispy Southern Classic That Brings Every Meal Together
Golden brown on the outside and light, fluffy on the inside, Buttermilk Hush Puppies are one of the South’s most beloved side dishes. Made with cornmeal, buttermilk, onion, and a handful of pantry staples, these bite-sized fritters are traditionally served alongside fried fish, barbecue, seafood, and other Southern favorites.
Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this recipe celebrates the enduring tradition of Southern comfort food. Hush puppies have long been a staple in African American and Southern kitchens, where simple ingredients were transformed into flavorful accompaniments that made every meal more satisfying. Their crispy exterior and tender center continue to make them a favorite at family gatherings and fish fries.
Ingredients
(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)
- Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil for deep frying
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
Makes: 8 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat 2 to 3 inches of Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil to 365°F in a deep fryer or heavy saucepan.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in the buttermilk, beaten egg, and finely chopped onion. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying only a few at a time to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the hush puppies are golden brown, turning as needed for even cooking.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Maintain the oil at 365°F for evenly cooked hush puppies with a crisp exterior.
- Mix the batter just until combined to keep the inside light and tender.
- Finely chop the onion so it distributes evenly throughout the batter.
- Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
- Serve with fried fish, shrimp, barbecue, or collard greens for an authentic Southern meal.
About the Creator
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) compiled The Black Family Reunion Cookbook to preserve African American culinary traditions through family recipes, regional specialties, and treasured food memories. The cookbook celebrates the recipes that have nourished generations while honoring the resilience, creativity, and rich heritage found throughout Black American foodways.
The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. This celebrated cookbook features hundreds of cherished family recipes, Heritage Recipes, and regional specialties that preserve the rich culinary traditions of African American families while celebrating the joy of gathering around the table.
