Are you craving a taste of the South? Then look no further! These oven-baked hush puppies are a delicious, healthier twist on a classic Southern side dish. Forget greasy deep-frying; this recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown perfection right from your oven. Perfect as a quick dinner side, an appetizer for a crowd, or even a fun snack, these hush puppies are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Let's dive into this easy recipe and bring some Southern charm to your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus extra for greasing the baking sheet)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet with vegetable oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This simple step ensures your hush puppies won't stick and will achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to ensure even leavening.
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vegetable oil. Then, gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; don't overmix. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing can result in tough hush puppies.
Step 4: Add Cornmeal and Onion
Stir in the cornmeal and chopped onion. The cornmeal adds that characteristic texture and flavor to these delicious hush puppies.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Drop rounded tablespoons of the hush puppy batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You'll know they're done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Remove the hush puppies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. These are fantastic served warm, straight from the oven!
Tips for the Best Hush Puppies:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough hush puppies. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh buttermilk: Fresh buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps create a light and fluffy texture.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more or less salt and pepper, or even experiment with other spices like garlic powder or onion powder.
Variations:
- Cheesy Hush Puppies: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a cheesy twist.
- Spicy Hush Puppies: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the batter for a kick.
- Jalapeño Hush Puppies: Incorporate finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy and flavorful addition.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This oven-baked hush puppy recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to deep-fried versions. It's a simple, easy recipe that delivers amazing flavor and texture. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat, these hush puppies are sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!