Simple Jiffy Hush Puppies

Disclaimer: Our editors have used AI to create or enhance parts of this article and some images. All content has been fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy.

Here’s my go-to recipe for classic Southern hush puppies using Jiffy cornbread mix. These golden, crispy bites are perfectly seasoned and come together in just minutes – making them the easiest side dish for any fish fry or barbecue.

These hush puppies have become a regular at our weekend family dinners, and I always make an extra batch because they disappear so quickly. There’s something about that crispy outside and soft, warm inside that keeps everyone coming back for more.

What Kind of Corn Muffin Mix Should I Use?

Jiffy is the go-to brand for this recipe, and it’s probably what your grandmother used too – it’s been around since 1930! While other brands of corn muffin mix will work, the 8.5-ounce blue box of Jiffy gives these hush puppies that classic, slightly sweet taste that makes them so irresistible. If you’re in a pinch and can’t find Jiffy, look for any corn muffin mix (not plain cornbread mix) that includes sugar in the ingredients, as this helps create that traditional hush puppy flavor. Just make sure whatever brand you choose is around the same 8.5-ounce size, or you’ll need to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.

Options for Substitutions

This simple hush puppies recipe can be adapted with several easy swaps:

• Corn muffin mix: Jiffy is the go-to brand, but any corn muffin mix will work. Just make sure it’s not cornbread mix, as the texture won’t be quite right.
• Self-rising flour: Out of self-rising flour? Use all-purpose flour plus 1/4 teaspoon baking powder and a pinch of salt.
• Buttermilk: Regular milk works fine, or make your own buttermilk by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Sweet onion: Any type of onion will do – yellow, white, or even green onions. If using dried onion, use 1 tablespoon instead.
• Cayenne pepper: You can swap this with black pepper for less heat, or use paprika for color without the spice. For extra kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegetable oil: Any neutral oil with a high smoke point works well – try canola, peanut, or corn oil for frying.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Frying

The biggest challenge when making hush puppies is getting the oil temperature just right – too hot and they’ll burn on the outside while staying raw inside, too cool and they’ll become greasy and heavy. Keep your oil between 350-375°F using a thermometer, and don’t overcrowd the pan as this will make the oil temperature drop quickly. Testing the batter consistency is crucial – it should be thick enough to hold its shape when dropped from a spoon, but not so thick that it becomes dense and heavy when fried (if needed, adjust with small amounts of milk). For the crispiest results, avoid making the hush puppies too large – about 1 tablespoon of batter per puppy is perfect, and make sure to turn them only once during frying for that golden-brown exterior. Let them drain on paper towels immediately after frying to keep them crispy, not greasy.

What to Serve With Hush Puppies?

These crispy, golden hush puppies are a natural fit alongside your favorite Southern dishes and seafood meals. They’re perfect next to a plate of fried catfish or grilled fish, where their slightly sweet corn flavor complements the savory seafood perfectly. For a classic fish fry setup, serve them with coleslaw and some tartar sauce for dipping – the creamy sauces work great with both the fish and hush puppies. You can also pair them with barbecue dishes like pulled pork or smoked brisket, where they’ll help soak up all those tasty sauces and juices.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These tasty hush puppies are best enjoyed right after cooking, but if you have leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know they might lose a bit of their crispy exterior over time.

Freeze: Want to save some for later? Once they’re completely cool, place them in a freezer bag or container and pop them in the freezer. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. It’s a great way to have a quick side dish ready when you need it!

Warm Up: To get that fresh-made taste back, warm your hush puppies in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until they’re heated through. If they’re frozen, no need to thaw first – just add a few extra minutes to the heating time. The oven method helps bring back some of that original crispiness!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	5-10 minutes
Total Time	15-25 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 500-600
• Protein: 10-15 g
• Fat: 20-30 g
• Carbohydrates: 70-80 g

Ingredients

• 1 package of corn muffin mix
• 1/4 cup self-rising flour
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons grated sweet onion
• 1/3 cup buttermilk or regular milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Vegetable oil

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn muffin mix and flour until well combined.

Add the egg, grated onion, buttermilk, salt, and pepper to the dry ingredients.

Stir the mixture until all ingredients are fully incorporated and a cohesive batter forms.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of oil to approximately 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s important to use enough oil to allow the batter to fry evenly and achieve a golden brown color.

Step 3: Fry the Hush Puppies

Once the oil has reached the desired temperature, carefully drop batter by spoonfuls into the hot oil.

Fry the hush puppies until they are golden brown on both sides, making sure to turn them as needed for even cooking.

This should take just a few minutes per side.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried hush puppies to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Allow them to cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Enjoy as a side dish or snack while still warm!