Brenda Gantt’s Hush Puppies recipe is a cherished gem from the heart of Southern United States cuisine. Shared widely across her social media platforms, this recipe has won the hearts of many food lovers worldwide. These deep-fried, cornmeal-based delicacies are often served as a side dish, particularly with seafood or barbecued foods, but they are equally delicious as a standalone snack.
This recipe, like all of Brenda Gantt’s creations, is straightforward and accessible, making it a favorite among home cooks of all skill levels. As Brenda often says, “It’s gonna be good y’all!” So, if you’re looking for a taste of Southern comfort, Brenda Gantt’s Hush Puppies is a recipe that promises to deliver.
What are Brenda Gantt’s hush puppies?
Brenda Gantt’s Hush Puppies is a much-loved recipe that she shares with her followers on various platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Originating from the Southern United States, hush puppies are deep-fried balls made from a cornmeal-based batter. They are often served as a companion to seafood or barbecued foods, and can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone snack.
The hush puppies in Brenda Gantt’s recipe are known for their authentic Southern flavor, achieved through a combination of self-rising cornmeal and flour, onions, and a blend of spices. The result is a unique taste that strikes a perfect balance between savory and sweet.
Why You’ll Love this Brenda Gantt Hush Puppies?
The magic of these hush puppies lies in their unique blend of ingredients, including self-rising cornmeal and flour, onions, and a mixture of spices, which results in an authentic Southern flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet.
The hush puppies are fried to perfection, forming a crispy outer layer while maintaining a soft and moist interior. This contrast in textures is a significant part of what makes them so enjoyable to eat.
In addition to their great taste and texture, Brenda Gantt’s Hush Puppies offer versatility. They can be paired with a variety of dishes, particularly fried fish or other types of seafood. However, they are also quite delicious by themselves, making them a fantastic appetizer or snack.
Despite their gourmet appeal, Brenda Gantt’s Hush Puppies are surprisingly easy to prepare. Her recipe is straightforward to follow, making it a great choice for cooks of any skill level.
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The Ingredients
- Vegetable Oil: This is used for deep frying. It has a high smoke point and doesn’t interfere with the taste of the hush puppies. The oil helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and moist.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor to the hush puppies. It also reacts with the self-rising flour to create a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Onion: Onions add a savory flavor that balances out the sweetness of the cornmeal and sugar. In Brenda Gantt’s recipe, onions are a key ingredient for adding depth to the overall taste.
- Self-Rising Flour: This type of flour is mixed with a leavening agent. It helps the hush puppies to puff up and become light and airy when fried.
- Sugar: Sugar adds a hint of sweetness that complements the savory elements of the dish. It also helps to brown the hush puppies.
- Salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients. It also enhances the overall taste of the hush puppies.
- Green Onions: Green onions add a fresh, slightly sharp flavor. They also provide a bit of color, making the hush puppies visually appealing.
- Yellow Cornmeal: Cornmeal is the main ingredient in hush puppies. It gives them their distinctive grainy texture and sweet flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a layer of savory flavor. It complements the onion and green onions, contributing to the rich, complex taste of the hush puppies.
- Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat to the hush puppies, balancing out the sweetness and providing a bit of a kick.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together. They also add moisture, helping to prevent the hush puppies from becoming too dry.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs using a fork or whisk. Add the buttermilk to the beaten eggs and mix well.
Step 3: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough hush puppies.
Step 4: Add Onions
Add the diced onions and green onions to the batter and gently fold them in.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).
Step 6: Fry the Hush Puppies
Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot or fryer. Fry the hush puppies for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the hush puppies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish for seafood, barbeque, or any Southern meal.
Notes
- For best results, use a deep fryer or a heavy pot for frying the hush puppies. This will ensure they cook evenly and have a uniform golden brown color.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If it gets too hot, the hush puppies may burn on the outside before being fully cooked on the inside.
- To make the hush puppies even more flavorful, you can add cooked crumbled bacon or grated cheddar cheese to the batter.
- Leftover hush puppies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
- Serve the hush puppies with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a tangy remoulade or a creamy ranch dressing. They also go well with seafood dishes like fried fish or shrimp.
- If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using in the recipe.
- For a twist on traditional hush puppies, try using different types of cornmeal, such as blue or white cornmeal. You can also add other ingredients like diced jalapenos or chopped herbs for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
How to store Brenda Gantt hush puppies?
After you have cooked and enjoyed your delicious Brenda Gantt hush puppies, you may wonder how to store any leftovers properly. Luckily, these tasty treats can easily be stored for future snacking.
First, make sure the hush puppies have completely cooled down before storing them. This will prevent moisture from building up in the container and making the hush puppies soggy.
Next, place the hush puppies in an airtight container or zip-top bag. You can also layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat the hush puppies, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
You can also freeze your hush puppies for longer storage. After cooling them down completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Variations
While this recipe uses traditional ingredients for hush puppies, there are many variations that you can try to make them even more unique and flavorful. Some ideas include:
- Adding diced jalapenos or hot sauce for a spicy kick
- Mixing in grated cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack
- Using different types of flour, such as corn flour or whole wheat flour
- Experimenting with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, paprika, or Old Bay seasoning
- Adding chopped cooked bacon for a smoky and savory twist
Brenda Gantt Hush Puppies Recipe
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil
- 2 cups – Buttermilk
- 2 pcs – Onion
- 2 cups – Self Rising Flour
- 4 tablespoons – Sugar
- 1 tablespoon – Salt
- 6 pcs – Green Onions
- 2 cups – Yellow Cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons – Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon – Cayenne Pepper
- 2 pcs – Eggs
Instructions
- Combine self-rising flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Beat eggs, and mix with buttermilk.
- Combine wet mix with dry mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in diced and green onions.
- Heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil, and fry for 2-3 mins per side until golden and crispy.
- Remove, and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with preferred dipping sauce or as a side for seafood, BBQ, or Southern meals.
Notes
- For best results, use a deep fryer or a heavy pot for frying the hush puppies. This will ensure they cook evenly and have a uniform golden brown color.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If it gets too hot, the hush puppies may burn on the outside before being fully cooked on the inside.
- To make the hush puppies even more flavorful, you can add cooked crumbled bacon or grated cheddar cheese to the batter.
- Leftover hush puppies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
- Serve the hush puppies with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a tangy remoulade or a creamy ranch dressing. They also go well with seafood dishes like fried fish or shrimp.
- If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using in the recipe.
- For a twist on traditional hush puppies, try using different types of cornmeal, such as blue or white cornmeal. You can also add other ingredients like diced jalapenos or chopped herbs for added flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make Brenda Gantt’s Hush Puppies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make Brenda Gantt’s Hush Puppies gluten-free by substituting the self-rising flour with a gluten-free alternative. Make sure to also use a gluten-free cornmeal. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the hush puppies.
Why did my hush puppies turn out greasy?
A: If your hush puppies are too greasy, it could be because the oil was not hot enough. When the oil is not at the right temperature, the hush puppies will absorb more oil and become greasy. Make sure your oil is around 365°F to 375°F before you start frying.
How do I get my hush puppies to be round?
A: To get round hush puppies, use two spoons or a small ice cream scoop to shape the batter into balls before dropping them into the oil.
Can I bake Brenda Gantt’s Hush Puppies instead of frying them?
A: While hush puppies are traditionally deep-fried, you can bake them. Scoop the batter onto a greased baking sheet and bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Q: What can I do if my hush puppies are falling apart in the oil?
A: If your hush puppies are falling apart in the oil, it might be due to the batter being too thin. Try adding a bit more cornmeal or flour to thicken it. Also, make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before adding the batter.
Wrapping Up
Brenda Gantt’s hush puppies are a beloved Southern side dish that is enjoyed by many. With the right combination of ingredients and some simple steps, you can make these delicious hush puppies at home and impress your family and friends. Also, don’t be afraid to get creative and add your twist to this classic recipe.
Whether served as a side or as a snack, these hush puppies are sure to be a hit. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – we guarantee you’ll love it! Happy cooking!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
I must say these look wonderful. I can’t wait to try your recipe. I will shop tomorrow morning to buy a couple of needs.