Easy and Delicious Cracker Barrel Hush Puppies Recipe for Any Occasion

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, golden hush puppy.

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with savory flavor, these little bites are a Southern classic.

If you’ve ever dined at Cracker Barrel, you’ve likely been treated to their famous hush puppies – served hot and often paired with fried chicken, fish, or a hearty BBQ meal.

But did you know you can recreate that same crispy perfection at home?

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Cracker Barrel-style hush puppies that will transport you straight to the heart of Southern comfort food.

Whether you’re looking to impress at your next family dinner or simply satisfy a craving for a savory snack, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you achieve restaurant-quality hush puppies right in your own kitchen.

Get ready for a delicious experience that’s crispy, flavorful, and totally irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cracker Barrel Hush Puppies

To create the perfect hush puppies, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to give them that signature crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior.

Below are the key ingredients that will bring this recipe to life.

Dry Ingredients

The base of any great hush puppy recipe is the dry ingredients.

These provide the texture and structure that allow the hush puppies to fry up perfectly.

• Cornmeal: This is the key to that satisfying texture. It gives the hush puppies their signature crunch and a slight sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Flour helps balance the cornmeal and ensures the batter sticks together while frying.
• Baking Powder: This will help your hush puppies rise a bit and achieve that light, airy interior.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the dough and bringing all the flavors together.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.

Wet Ingredients

Now, we’ll combine our dry ingredients with some liquid goodness to create a thick batter that fries up beautifully.

• Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together, providing structure and moisture to the batter.
• Milk: Adds a smooth texture to the batter. While whole milk is ideal, any type of milk will work.
• Buttermilk: This is the secret ingredient for a richer flavor and extra fluffiness. It adds a slight tang and helps the hush puppies crisp up nicely.

Flavor Enhancers

The beauty of hush puppies is that they are incredibly versatile, and the flavorings you add can elevate them even more.

• Onion: Finely chopped onion gives the hush puppies a savory depth. It’s essential for that classic Southern taste.
• Optional – Jalapeños: For those who like a bit of heat, finely chopped jalapeños can be added to the batter, giving your hush puppies a spicy kick.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll be ready to make hush puppies that taste just like the ones you get at Cracker Barrel, right in your own kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cracker Barrel Hush Puppies

Making Cracker Barrel hush puppies at home is simpler than you might think.

Follow these easy steps to achieve the perfect golden, crispy hush puppies that are sure to impress.

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

These dry ingredients will create the foundation for your hush puppies, providing that satisfying crispiness on the outside.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, create a well in the center of your dry mixture and add the wet ingredients.

Beat the eggs and whisk in the milk and buttermilk.

Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.

The batter should be thick but not too stiff—if it feels too dry, you can add a little more milk to loosen it.

Step 3: Stir in the Onion and Optional Jalapeños

Once the batter is well mixed, fold in the finely chopped onion.

The onion adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth to the hush puppies.

If you’re using jalapeños for a spicy kick, stir them in at this point.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense hush puppies.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer with enough oil to submerge the hush puppies (about 2-3 inches deep). Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).

You can test the oil by dropping a small spoonful of batter into it—if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, it’s ready.

Step 5: Fry the Hush Puppies

Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil.

Do not overcrowd the pot; work in batches if needed.

Fry the hush puppies for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once your hush puppies are golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serve them hot, and enjoy the perfect combination of crispiness and flavor!

Tips for Perfect Hush Puppies

Achieving perfect hush puppies is all about getting the right texture and flavor balance.

Here are a few tips to ensure your hush puppies turn out just right every time.

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix.

Overmixing can result in dense, tough hush puppies.

Mix until the batter just comes together; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

2. Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature

Maintaining the oil temperature around 350°F is key for crispy hush puppies.

If the oil is too hot, the hush puppies will burn on the outside and remain raw inside.

If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and turn greasy.

You can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature or test it with a small drop of batter.

3. Use Fresh Ingredients

For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients, particularly when it comes to the onions.

Fresh, finely chopped onions add more flavor and moisture to the batter, giving your hush puppies that delicious homemade taste.

4. Adjust Consistency

If your batter feels too thick to drop easily into the oil, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time.

A slightly thick batter is ideal, but you want it to be scoopable, not too stiff.

5. Don’t Skip the Buttermilk

Buttermilk is the secret to achieving light, fluffy hush puppies.

The tangy flavor it imparts complements the sweetness of the cornmeal and balances the other savory ingredients.

Serving Suggestions for Your Cracker Barrel-Inspired Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of dishes to complete your meal.

Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Fried Fish or Chicken

The classic pairing for hush puppies is fried fish, particularly catfish, or fried chicken.

The crispy, golden hush puppies provide the perfect contrast to the tender, juicy fried chicken or flaky fish.

It’s a Southern staple you can’t go wrong with.

Serve with BBQ

Hush puppies make an excellent side dish for any barbecue meal.

Whether you’re serving up ribs, pulled pork, or brisket, their crispy texture and subtle sweetness complement the smoky flavors of grilled meats.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

Hush puppies are delicious on their own, but adding a dipping sauce can take them to the next level.

Try pairing them with classic tartar sauce, a tangy honey butter, or even a spicy ranch dressing.

For those who love a bit of heat, a homemade sriracha mayo or a sweet chili sauce will add a kick to every bite.

As an Appetizer or Snack

Cracker Barrel hush puppies also make a great appetizer or snack at any gathering.

Serve them in a basket with a few dipping sauces on the side for a fun and shareable treat. They’re sure to disappear quickly!

Conclusion: Bring the Taste of Cracker Barrel to Your Kitchen

Making Cracker Barrel-inspired hush puppies at home is an easy way to bring the flavors of the South into your kitchen.

With simple ingredients, a few straightforward steps, and a little bit of patience, you’ll be enjoying crispy, golden hush puppies that taste just like the ones you love at Cracker Barrel.

Whether you’re serving them as a side dish to fried chicken, fish, or barbecue, or simply enjoying them on their own with a delicious dipping sauce, these hush puppies are sure to become a family favorite.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients—experiment with extra spices, herbs, or even cheese to give your hush puppies a personal touch.

Regardless of how you make them, one thing’s for sure: they’ll be a hit at any meal.

So, next time you’re craving that comforting Southern goodness, whip up a batch of these easy hush puppies and savor every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make hush puppies without buttermilk?

While buttermilk gives hush puppies a rich, tangy flavor and light texture, you can substitute it with regular milk or even a mixture of milk and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.

If you choose to skip buttermilk, the flavor and texture will be slightly different, but they will still be delicious!

2. Can I bake hush puppies instead of frying them?

Though frying gives hush puppies their signature crispy exterior, you can bake them if you prefer a lighter version.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), form the batter into small mounds, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they’re golden and crisp.

3. How can I make my hush puppies spicier?

To add some heat to your hush puppies, finely chop fresh jalapeños, chili peppers, or even a dash of cayenne pepper.

Stir them into the batter for that perfect spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

4. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

The ideal frying temperature for hush puppies is around 350°F (175°C).

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small spoonful of batter into it.

If it rises quickly to the surface and starts bubbling, the oil is ready for frying.

5. Can I freeze hush puppies for later?

Yes! If you have leftover hush puppies, you can freeze them for later.

Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

When you’re ready to eat them, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.