Hush Puppies

If you order a round of hush puppies whenever you see them on the menu, let us introduce you to our favorite homemade version. Fried balls of savory cornmeal batter, hush puppies are a welcome addition to any seafood spread or fried food feast. These golden, crispy bites are so easy to make, you'll be whipping them up as a staple side or last-minute appetizer all year round. 

Why is it called a hush puppy? 

There are many theories around how the classic hush puppy got its name and origin. Many think that these fried balls of dough first came about during the Civil War, when soldiers tossed them at dogs to silence them when they heard approaching troops—hence the "hush puppy" name. 

But, hush puppies most likely came from an older Southern dish called "red horse bread": fried balls of cornmeal that accompanied fish fry dinners. The original "red horse" name—which referenced a common species of fish this side was often served with, not a horse at all—started to be called hush puppies as the recipe travelled to different Southern states like Georgia."Hush puppy" was a common saying that referenced silencing the dogs in your stomach (aka: something to cure a grumbling tummy), and most likely that saying transferred over to the now beloved dish! While it's odd, we can agree—these bites will cure any hangry craving.

What's the difference between a hush puppy and cornbread?

Hush puppies are similar to cornbread in that they're both made from a cornmeal batter, but hush puppies are shaped into balls and deep fried to give that crispy exterior with a soft middle while cornbread is baked in the oven. Essentially, you can think of hush puppies as deep fried balls of cornbread...and who wouldn't want that?

What should I serve it with?

Traditionally, hush puppies are often paired with seafood dinner like shrimp, crab legs, or as a side to your seafood boil. We paired ours with tartar sauce, but you can also dunk them in Sriracha butter, garlic aioli or even plain ketchup—go crazy! 

Made these? Let us know how it went in the comments below!