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Light and fluffy on the inside, perfectly crispy on the outside, with just a touch of spice, these Jalapeno Hush Puppies are the perfect accompaniment for a true Southern meal.
This recipe was originally published in February 2018. It has been updated for photos and content.
Whenever I make fried dishes like these Fried Alligator Bites, Cajun Chicken Wings or these Southwest Egg Rolls, I like to reuse the oil to make these Jalapeno Hushpuppies. Or sometimes I just like to make the hush puppies.
Because they go great with this Chicken Etouffee, New Orleans Gumbo, or this New Orleans BBQ Shrimp.
The tang of the buttermilk, spice of the jalapenos and sharp flavor of cheddar cheese make these hush puppies some of the best ever.
Ingredients
The buttermilk in this recipe adds a touch of tangy flavor while helping to keep the hush puppies moist and tender. Learn how to make buttermilk.
I prefer to use a sharp cheddar cheese as it has a stronger flavor than the mild, but you can use whichever you prefer.
The remaining ingredients are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
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Step By Step Instructions
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine, being careful not to over mix. It's ok if it's a little lumpy.
Heat about 2-3 cups of oil to 350F in a dutch oven. To test the temperature of the oil, I like to use an Instant Read thermometer like this Thermapen. Any one will work, I just really like this one as it's incredibly quick and accurate.
Using a medium sized cookie scoop, drop scoops of the batter in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry for about 2-3 minutes then flip over and fry another 2-3 minutes. They should be golden brown on all sides.
Using a skimmer strainer (or large slotted spoon), remove the hushpuppies from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
Serve them with Cajun Remoulade, ranch dressing or ketchup. These are also perfect serviced alongside this sous vide fried chicken - while you have the oil out you might as well fry some more!
Expert Tips
- Don't overcrowd the pan or the temperature of the oil may drop too much. This can cause hush puppies to become soggy.
- If making more than 2-3 batches, keep the cooked ones warm in a 200F oven.
- Add an additional jalapeno (or other pepper) for more heat.
- Add in some crumbled bacon for a meaty flavor.
If jalapenos are your thing, you may also like these air fryer jalapeno poppers!
Did you make this recipe? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how they turned out!
Recipe
Jalapeno Hush Puppies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- 4 whole jalapenos minced
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ medium onion minced
- 1 egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine, being careful not to over mix. It's ok if it's a little lumpy.
- Heat about 2-3 cups of oil to 350F in a dutch oven.
- Using a medium sized cookie scoop, drop scoops of the batter in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 2-3 minutes then flip over and fry another 2-3 minutes. They should be golden brown on all sides.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the hushpuppies from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
Expert Tips:
- Don't overcrowd the pan or the temperature of the oil may drop too much. This can cause hush puppies to become soggy.
- If making more than 2-3 batches, keep the cooked ones warm in a 200F oven.
- Add an additional jalapeno (or other pepper) for more heat.
- Add in some crumbled bacon for a meaty flavor.
Nutrition
Stacy D says
These are better than any hush puppy I've ever been served! WOW! So delicious and not gummy like a lot of hush puppies. Like the alligator bites we served with these, my family devoured them and have already started asking me to make them again!
Danielle says
Thank you so much 🙂
layla says
I hate the smell of frying too - but these sound yummy!
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
I love fried food but hate frying too. The smell lingers for days. These hush puppies are beautifully golden and crispy on the outside. They would be flying of the plate at my house.
Danielle@wenthere8this says
I know, I wish there was something I could do about the smell. As soon as I get a house, my frying is moving outside!!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
omg I LOVE hush puppies and I would gobble every one of these up! I love your tip about frying outside, that's so smart, I'm going to try it when I make a (big) batch of these puppies 🙂
Danielle@wenthere8this says
Yes! I hate the oil smell I get in my condo. I'd totally recommend doing it outside! I hope you enjoy 🙂
Monica | Nourish & Fete says
These sound SO good - what terrific flavors! A major crowd-pleaser, no doubt about it!
Danielle@wenthere8this says
Thanks! They are quite delicious...and addictive!
Kim @ Three Olives Branch says
These look amazing! I love hush puppies, but have never made them, so it looks like it is time I did! Love that you added the jalapeno and cheddar right into them, yum!
Danielle@wenthere8this says
Thanks! They're super easy to make. I hope you enjoy them!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
Those look so yummy and so perfectly southern! 🙂 I'm from the Midwest so I didn't have hush puppies until I moved to the south!
Danielle@wenthere8this says
Thanks! I've loved hush puppies since I first had them as a kid 🙂
Chris says
Jalapeno and cheese is like my all time favourite combo! These look SO delish, i'd have to make a whole batch and eat them all to myself!!! YUM.
Danielle@wenthere8this says
Thanks! I definitely could have eaten these all myself!