When Southern-style gatherings of comfort food, good company, and delightful weather are in season, a Hush Puppies cook out can hardly be beaten! Whatever your level of Southern cuisine expertise, whether you are a skilled Southern cook or you’re just starting to realize the magic of cornmeal, crispy edges, and perfectly crispy golden bites of flavor, Hush Puppies is the ultimate tradition bringing you from ordinary to extraordinary all on their own.
In this blog, we will get into everything to host your own Hushpuppies cook out – the history of Hush Puppies and how they’ve evolved, tips and tricks for cooking and serving, pairings, and how to grow it into a whole backyard affair.
What Are Hush Puppies?
Hush Puppies are fried golden balls of seasoned cornmeal dough that are crispy with a light, fluffy center. They are often presented as a side dish along with fried fish or barbecued meats. Hush Puppies are a Southern classic staple, unmistakably in the family of comfort cuisine.
A Bite of History
The history of Hush Puppies is rife with folklore. One story is that Southern cooks would throw whatever bits of fried cornmeal dough into their dogs awaiting their next meal, telling them to “hush, puppies!” Whatever the case may be, one thing is for certain: Hush Puppies has secured a part of Southern cuisine history.
Why Host a Hushpuppies Cook out?
There are dozens of reasons to host a friendly Hush Puppies cook out, but the main one is easy: community. Food brings people together, and there is not much that says “Southern hospitality” quite like a table full of fresh, hot hushpuppies with cold drinks… and laughter.
When you host a Hush Puppies cook out, you can be assured it’s:
- Easy to plan – minimal ingredients
- Cost-effective for large groups
- Possibly fits a wide variety of flavors and dietary needs
- Fun for families and feeds a crowd
Regardless of whether it is a summer afternoon spent with friends, a birthday celebration, or a relaxed family gathering, nothing enhances a cook out quite like delicious hushpuppies.
The Star Recipe: Southern Hushpuppies Cook Out
No hushpuppies cook out would be complete without a recipe, so here is the tried and true classic southern hushpuppies recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use for additional heat)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion or scallions
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cayenne).
- In a separate bowl, mix the egg, buttermilk, and diced onions.
- Add the wet ingredient mixture to the dry mixture. Employ a spatula to gently combine the two mixtures until they are just incorporated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or frying pan (around 350°F).
Fun Ideas to Spice Up Your Hushpuppies Cook out
Although we love the traditional version, there are lots of ways to amp up your Hush Puppies cook out with some creative and delicious twists:
1. Cheesy Jalapeño Hushpuppies
Simply add some shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños to the batter for a spicy, cheesy version of a hushpuppy.
2. Cajun Shrimp Hushpuppies
Mix in finely chopped cooked shrimp, and seasonings such as Cajun seasoning to make a seafood hushpuppy!
3. Sweet Corn & Honey Hushpuppies
Just a little honey and some corn kernels will make any savory dish just a touch sweeter.
4. Vegan Hushpuppies
You can make this recipe vegan by using plant-based dairy milk and egg substitutes; for a “Perfect Hushpuppies,” I would check out almond milk, and a flaxseed egg once again delivers the best texture and taste.
Perfect Pairings for Your Hushpuppies Cook out
To enjoy a complete Southern spread at your hushpuppies cook out, you may want to consider serving them with:
1. Fried Catfish or Fried Shrimp
The best classic pairing is fried catfish (or shrimp)! Crispy, flaky fish and golden hushpuppies are always a gracious pairing.
2. Barbecue Pulled Pork
Try some barbecue pulled pork with coleslaw on soft buns to fill out the plate!
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Delicious with melted butter and chili-lime seasoning.
4. Southern-Style Coleslaw
Creamy, crunchy, tangy! Coleslaw is balanced and cuts through the richness of fried foods. Also check southern-style cook out ideas
5. Sweet Iced Tea or Lemonade
What’s a complete Southern cook out without a refreshing glass of sweet tea?
Setting the Stage for a Great Hushpuppies Cook out
When throwing a Hush Puppies cook out, it’s about the experience as much as it is the food. Here are a few ideas to establish the right feel:
1. Backyard Space
- Use picnic tables with gingham tablecloths.
- Provide ambiance with fairy lights or string bulbs.
- Have shaded areas set up with umbrellas or a tent.
2. Southern Music Playlist
Build a playlist of bluegrass, country, and soul artists. Artists like Dolly Parton, Ray Charles, and The Zac Brown Band. If you want to get more information check cook out side menu.
3. Games and Activities
- Cornhole or horseshoes for some fun competition.
- A kids’ coloring station with free Southern-themed printables.
- A photo booth with fun props such as cowboy hats and bandanas.
Frying Pro-Tips
Frying hushpuppies is not difficult, but a few tips will ensure they turn out perfect every time.
1. Don’t Overmix
Overmixing will make the batter tough; mix until just combined.
2. Maintain Oil Temp
Use a thermometer to keep the oil in the 350 to 375°F (175 to 190°C) range. If the oil is too low, they will absorb too much oil, but if the oil is too high, they will burn on the outside while remaining undeveloped on the inside.
3. Drain Well
After frying, allow the hushpuppies to drain any extra oil on a wire rack or on paper towels.
4. Serve Immediately
Hushpuppies are best when served hot and fresh-the crispier the better!
Making It Eco-Friendly
Sustainability is becoming more of a trend, even for traditional cook outs. Here’s how to host a more eco-friendly Hush Puppies cook out:
- Use compostable plates and utensils.
- Offer up drinkware that is reusable or mason jars.
- Get your ingredients from local farmers or markets.
- Provide recycles bins as well as compost bins.
- Use leftover hushpuppies for meals the next day (they’re great as croutons or breakfast sides!)
What To Do With Left-Over Hushpuppies
Should you have leftover Hush Puppies after your cook out (which is rare), you can:
- Put them back in the oven for 10 minutes at 350° F, which will keep them crispy.
- Crush the hushpuppies to use as a crunchy salad topper.
- Make a breakfast hushpuppy hash by dicing them up and frying the hushpuppies, eggs, onions, and sausage.
Hosting for Larger Crowds
If you’re cooking for 20+ people, try this:
- Batch prep your batter ahead of time and refrigerate until you are ready to cook.
- Use multiple fryers or a large deep skillet so that you can keep up with the demand!
- Set up a “hushpuppy station” where people can watch or help you fry hushpuppies.
- Have a couple of different dipping sauces: garlic aioli, remoulade, honey butter, or spicy ketchup.
Closing thoughts
A hushpuppies cook out is more than a meal – it brings people together for a celebration of flavor, culture, and connection. It is a chance to share warmth, laughter, and the blissful crunch of delicious golden-fried goodness. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your unique twist, one thing is for sure: your guests won’t forget the experience and every bite.
So get out your fryer, gather up your favorite people, and let the Hush Puppies cook out begin!
FAQ’s
1. What are Hush Puppies?
Hushpuppies are made from a cornmeal batter, usually combined with flour, baking powder, egg, buttermilk, and chopped onion, that is then deep-fried in vegetable oil until golden brown.
2. Can I pre-make Hushpuppies at a cook out?
Yes, you can premake the batter and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before your cook out. For optimal freshness and texture, we recommend frying Hush Puppies fresh at the cook out.
3. What serves well with Hushpuppies at a cook out?
Hushpuppies serve especially well with fried fish, BBQ meats, coleslaw, grilled corn, and, of course, iced tea! Hushpuppies are very versatile and pair with most southern-style dishes.
