These golden, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside hush puppies are the ultimate sidekick to any seafood feast or honestly, anything fried and delicious. Inspired by the famous Long John Silver’s version, this recipe brings all the nostalgic, deep-fried goodness straight to your kitchen.

They’re slightly sweet, perfectly seasoned, and have that iconic cornmeal crunch that makes them totally irresistible. Whether you’re serving them up with fried fish, dunking them in sauce, or just snacking on them hot out of the fryer (guilty), these hush puppies are a total crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you pop one, you’ll be reaching for another… and another.

Why You’ll Love Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect as a side, appetizer, or snack. Serve them with seafood, BBQ, or even chili.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, inexpensive pantry staples.

Quick and Easy: Mix, scoop, and fry ready in minutes.

Customizable: Want more heat? Add jalapeños. Love cheese? Stir some in!

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies

Here’s the secret to these golden bites of joy they’re simple, satisfying, and oh-so snackable:

Cornmeal: The star of the show. Gives the hush puppies that signature grit and crunch.

All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind everything together and balance the texture.

Sugar: A touch of sweetness to bring out the flavor classic Long John Silver’s style.

Baking Powder: Adds lightness and makes them puff up just right.

Salt: Essential to bring out all the other flavors.

Onion (grated or minced): Adds a subtle savory bite and depth of flavor.

Milk or Buttermilk: Keeps the batter moist and helps it fry up fluffy.

Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.

Oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable for that perfect golden crunch.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This dry base gives you that classic hush puppy texture.

Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk (or buttermilk), egg, and onion. Mix until just combined. The batter should be thick but scoopable. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.

Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for best results too hot and they’ll burn, too cool and they’ll be greasy.

Scoop and Fry: Drop spoonfuls of batter (about a tablespoon each) into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan give them room to puff and float.

Fry Until Golden: Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping once, until they’re deep golden brown and cooked through.

Drain and Cool: Use a slotted spoon to transfer hush puppies to a paper towel-lined plate. Let them drain and cool slightly.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside fried fish, chicken, or BBQ.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 190

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve with fried fish, shrimp, or chicken for a classic combo.
• Dip in tartar sauce, honey mustard, or spicy mayo for extra flavor.
• Pair with BBQ, baked beans, and coleslaw for a Southern-style feast.
• Crumble leftovers over salads or chili for added crunch.
• Make a hush puppy bar with different sauces and toppings fun for parties!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Use a small cookie scoop for uniform size and even frying.
• For added flavor, mix in minced jalapeños, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions.
• Always test one hush puppy first to check oil temperature and seasoning.
• If the batter is too thick, add a splash of milk. Too thin? A sprinkle of flour.
• These are best served fresh, but you can reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use self-rising cornmeal instead of regular?
Yes, just reduce or skip the baking powder and salt to balance it out.

2. Can I bake hush puppies instead of frying?
Technically yes, but they won’t have that same crispy texture. Frying is key for the classic taste.

3. What’s the best oil for frying hush puppies?
Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil neutral oils with a high smoke point work best.

4. How do I know when they’re cooked through?
They should be golden on the outside and cooked all the way through. Cut one open to check it should be fluffy, not doughy.

5. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can mix it and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before frying.

6. Can I freeze hush puppies?
Yes! Freeze after frying. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.

7. Can I make them spicy?
Absolutely add cayenne, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the batter.

8. Do I have to use onion?
It adds flavor, but you can omit it or replace it with onion powder if needed.

9. What’s the texture supposed to be like?
Crispy outside, soft and slightly dense inside not too airy or cake-like.

10. How do I keep them warm before serving?
Place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until ready to serve.

Conclusion

Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies bring the perfect balance of crispy, fluffy, and flavorful to any table. Whether you’re serving them up next to a seafood platter or just craving something golden and delicious, these hush puppies hit the spot every time. Easy to whip up, even easier to devour this recipe is a keeper for sure. So heat up that oil, mix your batter, and get ready for some deep-fried happiness in every bite.

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