Hush puppies are a staple food in many American households. These bite-sized pieces of deep-fried cornmeal batter are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern staple, made with cornmeal, flour, onions, and spices and deep-fried to crispy perfection.
They are the perfect side dish for barbeques, fish fries, and seafood boils.
While hush puppies are delicious on their own, they can be even better when paired with the right-side dishes. But what to serve with hush puppies?
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some quick and amazing dishes that you can serve with hush puppies to take your meal to the next level.
What is hush puppies? What do hush puppies taste like?
Hush puppies are an ideal type of deep-fried, savory cornmeal fritter that was originally served in the American South.
They have a slightly sweet and subtle corn flavor, and they are usually served as an accompaniment to seafood, such as fish or shrimp.
Hush puppies can also be enjoyed on their own, usually with a side of ketchup or tartar sauce.
They can also be flavored with onion or garlic for added flavor.
Hush puppies should have a crunchy exterior and light, fluffy interior when prepared correctly.
Best Sides to Seve with Hush Puppies
1. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a perfect classic side dish that goes perfectly with hush puppies. It provides a nice balance to the salty and crunchy hush puppies.
You can go for a creamy coleslaw if you’re feeling indulgent or a vinegar-based coleslaw if you’re looking for something more tangy and refreshing.
2. Fried Chicken
Another Southern favorite, fried chicken, is a perfect partner for hush puppies.
The crispy coating on the chicken complements the crispy texture of the hush puppies, and the flavors work well together.
3. Mac and Cheese
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? This comfort food is a great side dish for hush puppies.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and filling, making it a perfect complement to the crunchy hush puppies.
Discover More: 23 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Lobster Mac and Cheese
4. Collard Greens
Collard greens are an ideal classic Southern side dish that pairs well with hush puppies.
They add a bit of green to your plate and provide a nice contrast to the fried foods.
5. Baked Beans
Baked beans are another classic side dish that pairs well with hush puppies.
They’re sweet, savory, and delicious, making them a great complement to the salty hush puppies.
6. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a perfect classic side dish for barbeques, and it works well with hush puppies, too.
The sweet and juicy corn provides a nice contrast to the salty and crispy hush puppies.
7. Potato Salad
Potato salad is an ideal classic summer side dish that works well with hush puppies. It’s creamy flavorful, and pairs well with the crunchy texture of the hush puppies.
8. Shrimp Cocktail
If you’re having a seafood boil or a fish fry, then shrimp cocktail is a great side dish to serve with hush puppies.
The fresh and tangy flavors of the shrimp cocktail complement the salty and crunchy hush puppies.
9. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a perfectly healthy and delicious side dish that works well with hush puppies.
Grilling adds a nice char and smoky flavor to the veggies, and the flavors work well with hush puppies.
10. Green Salad
If you’re looking for something light and refreshing to pair with hush puppies, then a green salad is a great option.
The fresh greens provide a nice contrast to the fried foods, and the flavors work well together.
11. Fried Okra
Fried Okra is another classic Southern side dish that you can serve with the hush puppies.
The crispy and crunchy texture of the okra makes it an excellent choice to offset the softness of the hush puppies.
Learn More: What to Serve with Fried Okra| 25 Delicious and Easy Side Dishes to Try
12. Chow-Chow
Chow-Chow is a tangy vegetable relish that is popular in Southern cuisine.
It is a perfect accompaniment to hush puppies because the acidity of the relish cuts through the richness of the hush puppies, making every bite taste better.
13. Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas are a popular staple in Southern cuisine, and pairing them with hush puppies will be a treat.
The sweet and nutty flavor of the peas goes well with the savory and deep-fried flavor of hush puppies.
Main Course to eat with hush puppies
One of the best main courses to eat with hush puppies is fried chicken. This ideal classic combination has been enjoyed for generations and is still a popular choice today.
Fried chicken packs in rich flavor and crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the soft, savory taste of hush puppies.
With just a few ingredients like flour, oil, and seasonings, you can quickly whip up a delicious meal for your family.
To enhance the flavor further, you can serve the fried chicken alongside classic sides like coleslaw or mashed potatoes.
The combination of crunchy fried chicken and warm and fluffy hush puppies will be sure to satisfy all your dinner guests!
Best Sauce to eat with Hush Puppies
Hush Puppies are an ideal classic Southern comfort food, and while they can be enjoyed without any accompaniments, there are plenty of sauces that can take them to the next level.
Here are some of the best sauces to consider when it comes to pairing with hush puppies:
1. Honey Mustard
With a balance of sweet and tangy flavors, honey mustard is a great choice for hush puppies. The creamy texture helps to coat each bite for maximum flavor.
2. Ketchup
Ketchup, a traditional condiment, is almost always served with hush puppies but is often overlooked in favor of more unique options.
Ketchup adds a mild tomato flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the fried corn.
3. Remoulade
A classic French sauce, remoulade offers lots of flavor thanks to its combination of mayo and mustard along with other ingredients like capers and anchovies. (Recipe)
Its richness enhances the earthy notes from the cornmeal batter used in making hush puppies.
4. Tartar Sauce
A combination of mayo, pickles, onion, and lemon juice, tartar sauce offers a bit more piquancy than ketchup but still has that creamy texture that’s perfect for coating each bite.
5. Hot Sauce
For those who like their food with some heat, hot sauce is an ideal accompaniment for hush puppies as it adds both spiciness and smokiness, depending on which variety you use.
Try it out and see how much more flavorful this Southern staple can become!
Appetizers to serve with hush puppies
1. Fried Pickles
Bite-sized pickles are battered and fried until golden and crispy, then served with a tangy dipping sauce for a crunchy, savory appetizer that pairs perfectly with hush puppies.
2. Crab Cakes
Fresh crab meat is combined with finely chopped vegetables and spices before being formed into cakes and fried until golden brown.
Serve with a creamy tartar sauce or remoulade as an accompaniment to the hush puppies.
Find Out More: Explore 27 perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Crab Rangoon
3. Fried Green Tomatoes
Thick slices of green tomatoes are lightly coated in cornmeal before being fried, giving them a crispy outer texture while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
Serve with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
4. Baked Brie
An elegant appetizer, brie cheese is wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden brown and gooey on the inside.
Serve with sweet chutney or jam to balance out the savory hush puppies.
5. Jalapeno Poppers
Cream cheese-stuffed jalapenos are breaded in panko crumbs before getting deep fried to perfection, resulting in a spicy yet creamy bite that’s great for parties or game days when served alongside hush puppies!
6. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes are cut into thick wedges before being deep fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Then served with spiced ketchup or honey mustard to enhance the sweetness of this delicious appetizer that goes perfectly with hush puppies.
7. Mini Corn Dogs
Classic American fare made mini! These bite-sized treats are perfect for kids big and small alike, plus they pair wonderfully with hush puppies due to their similar taste profiles of seasoned corn meal batter around juicy hotdogs!
What else serves with hush puppies
Drinks to pair with hush puppies
1. Margaritas
A perfect companion for hush puppies, margaritas are a classic Mexican drink that uses tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
The tart flavor of the margarita makes it an ideal match for the salty and crunchy hush puppies.
2. Moscow Mules
This mix of vodka, ginger beer, and lime is a bubbly and zesty combination that pairs perfectly with Hush Puppies.
The sweet-and-sour flavor will contrast all the right ways against the savory nature of the hush puppies.
3. Sweet Tea
Sweet tea is an iconic Southern beverage that adds just the right amount of sugar to offset all the saltiness in hush puppies.
It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed traditionally or with a dash of sugar for added sweetness.
4. Apple Cider
If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic to pair with your hush puppies, look no further than apple cider.
This seasonal favorite is light and refreshing and will help cut through any heaviness from fried foods like hush puppies.
5. Sangria
For a fruity twist on a classic cocktail, serve some sangria alongside your hush puppies.
The combination of wine, fruit juices, and brandy creates a delicious balance of sweetness contrasted against the savory flavors of the hush puppies themselves.
6. Craft Beer
There’s no better way to complement fried food than with craft beer! Whether you prefer IPAs lagers or porters, you can find something to pair with your hush puppies that will bring out their best flavors even more so than when enjoyed on their own!
7. Root Beer Float
For those who want something sweet but still non-alcoholic, nothing beats a root beer float!
Perfectly balanced between sweet cream soda and creamy ice cream, this old-fashioned treat pairs well with both sweet (think honey butter!) and savory (think garlic parmesan!) flavored varieties of hush puppies!
Desserts to go with hush puppies
1. Apple Pie
Apple Pie is an ideal classic dessert and is a great way to pair with hush puppies, as the sweet and tart flavors of apple pie are perfectly complemented by the savory and salty taste of hush puppies. It’s easy to make, too: all you need is some apples, butter, sugar, and a bit of flour for the crust.
Bonus points if you use your own freshly-made hush puppies in place of store-bought!
2. Peach Cobbler
If you’re looking for something a bit more decadent than apple pie but still just as delicious when paired with hush puppies, try peach cobbler.
The peaches add an extra layer of sweetness to the mix that will be sure to tantalize your taste buds. You’ll also get a nice crunchy topping from the biscuit dough used in this recipe.
3. Bananas Foster
Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert that can be made easily at home and is sure to impress your guests when paired with hush puppies. (Recipe)
The combination of sweet bananas cooked in buttery rum sauce and spices makes for a heavenly combination that goes perfectly with the savory flavor of hush puppies.
4. Caramel Cake
Not only is caramel cake delicious on its own, but it’s also great with hush puppies!
The warm sweetness of caramel paired with the salty crunchiness of hush puppies makes for one amazing combination that no one can resist.
Plus, caramel cakes usually have a crunchy outer layer, which adds even more texture to this already amazing pairing.
5. Chocolate Mousse
Nothing pairs better with salty snacks like hush puppies than a rich and creamy chocolate mousse!
This dessert might take some time to make correctly, but it’s worth it in the end, as it’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth while still being well-balanced by the savory nature of hush puppies.
What are the best flavors to go with hush puppies?
When it comes to hush puppies, there are a variety of mouthwatering flavors that can be used to enhance the taste.
For a savory flavor, adding ingredients like garlic, onion powder, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper can help bring out the natural flavor of the hush puppies.
If you’re looking for something a bit sweeter, some people recommend combining honey with brown sugar for an added kick.
Other good options include adding maple syrup or hot sauce to the mix.
For a more exotic flavor, try including some chili powder or curry powder to give your hush puppies an extra punch.
Notwithstanding, all these ingredients will pair perfectly with hush puppies for a truly unique and flavorful experience.
How do you jazz up hush puppies?
There are a variety of ways to jazz up hush puppies. You can incorporate fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a herby flavor.
You can also include garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to give them a savory kick.
For sweet hush puppies, try adding mini chocolate chips or diced strawberries and blueberries.
Finally, you can go the traditional route and serve them with bacon bits, shredded cheese, jalapeños, or chopped onions. Enjoy!
How do you display hush puppies on a platter?
Hush puppies are best displayed on a platter when served as an appetizer.
To create a visually appealing presentation, arrange the hush puppies in a circular pattern, allowing each one to stand out.
For color contrast, consider incorporating lemon wedges or tartar sauce in between the hush puppies.
If serving several different varieties of hush puppies, alternate them on the platter for added visual interest.
Place any condiments, such as ketchup or hot sauce, alongside the platter for dipping options.
Finally, garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs, such as parsley, to give the plate an inviting aroma and a pop of color.
Wrap Up on what to serve with hush puppies
Hush puppies are an ideal delicious side dish that can be accompanied by a wide range of other dishes to make a complete meal.
From classic Southern favorites like fried chicken and coleslaw to healthier options like grilled vegetables and green salads, there’s something for everyone.
Try some of these amazing dishes the next time you serve hush puppies, and take your meal to the next level.
FAQs
How many hush puppies per person?
Typically, two hush puppies per person is a good estimate for a hearty appetite.
Depending on the size of the hush puppies and the hunger level of the individual, however, this amount can vary.
For instance, if you are serving jumbo-sized hush puppies as part of a meal, one may be enough to satisfy cravings.
On the other hand, if you are serving mini-sized hush puppies as part of an appetizer before a larger meal, three or four might be better suited for each person.
What goes good with hush puppies besides fish?
Hush puppies are an ideal classic Southern side dish that typically goes well with many types of seafood, especially fish.
However, they can also be served alongside other proteins, like fried chicken or barbeque pork.
Additionally, they can provide a crunchy contrast to creamy dishes like coleslaw or macaroni and cheese.
Vegetables such as grilled corn or sautéed okra can also offer a flavorful compliment to hush puppies.
For an even heartier meal, adding steak or sausage links is a great option.
Lastly, no Southern meal would be complete without some type of sweet accompaniment.
Fresh fruit cobbler is the perfect way to finish off your plate of hush puppies!