Hush Puppies with Orange Honey Drizzle

Name: Hush Puppies with Orange Honey Drizzle Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a little depth); 2 tbsp sugar; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; ¼ cup finely diced onion (or scallions for a milder bite); 1 tbsp melted butter; Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil works best); ½ cup honey; Zest of 1 orange; 2 tbsp fresh orange juice; Pinch of sea salt; Make the Batter

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There are some recipes that just feel like home, and for me, hush puppies are at the top of that list. Growing up in Florida, no fish fry or shrimp basket was complete without a side of golden hushpuppies. They're crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, with just the right balance of flavors.

This version takes on a sunshine-inspired twist with an orange honey drizzle, adding a touch of sweetness and citrus. Whether you’re serving them alongside fried catfish, bringing them to a backyard cookout, or just craving a taste of Southern tradition, this is the recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A Florida classic with a twist: Crispy cornmeal hush puppies get a sunny upgrade with a bright orange honey drizzle that feels like a little taste of the coast.
Crunchy on the outside, fluffy inside: The texture is spot-on every time, with that irresistible golden crust giving way to a soft, tender center.
Simple pantry ingredients: Made with cornmeal, buttermilk, and a few basics, this recipe is quick and easy to whip up.
Crowd-pleasing flavor: Perfect for fish fries, cookouts, or holiday spreads, these little bites disappear fast!
A recipe you’ll crave: Once you taste that citrusy honey drizzle over warm hush puppies, you’ll never want to serve them any other way.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions & Variations
How To Serve
How to Store & Reheat
Tips & Tricks
FAQ
Related

Equipment

Mixing bowls (one large, one small)
Whisk
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Small cookie scoop or spoon (for portioning batter)
Deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (for frying)
Deep-fry thermometer (to monitor oil temperature)
Slotted spoon or spider strainer (to remove hush puppies from oil)
Paper towels or wire rack (for draining excess oil)
Small saucepan (for warming the orange honey drizzle)
Microplane or fine grater (for zesting the orange)

Ingredients

For the Hush Puppies

Cornmeal: Gives hush puppies their signature texture and flavor.
All-purpose flour: Balances the texture, keeping the inside soft and fluffy instead of crumbly.
Baking powder & baking soda: Helps the hush puppies puff up slightly, giving them a light bite.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the drizzle.
Smoked paprika (optional): Adds a subtle depth and smoky warmth.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness that makes the cornmeal shine.
Buttermilk: Keeps the batter moist and adds a pleasant tang; also helps with tenderness.
Egg: Binds the batter and contributes to a soft interior.
Onion or scallions: Provides a savory bite that balances the sweet drizzle.
Melted butter: Adds richness and helps with browning.
Oil for frying: Peanut or vegetable oil works best for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.

For the Orange Honey Drizzle

Honey: Smooth, naturally sweet, and the perfect finishing touch.
Orange zest: Bright and fragrant, it brings Florida sunshine to the dish.
Fresh orange juice: Adds a light citrus tang to balance the sweetness of the honey.
Pinch of sea salt: Rounds out the flavors and prevents the drizzle from being overly sweet.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, paprika, and sugar.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Stir in the diced onion.

Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients just until moistened (do not overmix). Batter should be thick and scoopable.

Step 4: Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop batter into the hot oil (work in batches).
Step 6: Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally.
Step 7: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 8: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey with orange zest, juice, and pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and fragrant. Remove from heat.

Step 9: Place warm hush puppies on a platter, then drizzle generously with the orange honey. Serve immediately.

Substitutions & Variations

Cheesy Hush Puppies: Stir ½ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack into the batter to make cheesy hush puppies.
Spicy Twist: Add finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring some heat.
Herbed Version: Mix in chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives for a bright, fresh flavor.
Corn Classic: Fold in ¼ cup of fresh or canned corn kernels for extra sweetness and texture.
Citrus Swap: Try using lemon or lime instead of orange for a different citrusy drizzle.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend in place of regular flour.
Sweet-Only Treat: Omit the onion, increase the sugar slightly, and enjoy them as a dessert-style hush puppy with the honey drizzle and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

How To Serve

I find hush puppies to be a versatile appetizer or side dish, easily making many whole meal feel complete. Here are some ideas on how to serve hush puppies and what to pair them with:

Classic Southern Fish Fry Style: Pair them with crispy fried catfish (or any white fish), coleslaw, and tartar sauce. A true Florida-style feast!
With Dips: Serve alongside sauces like remoulade, spicy aioli, ranch, or honey butter for variety.
As a Brunch Side: Add them to a brunch spread with fried chicken, shrimp and grits, or collard greens for a Southern-inspired twist.
With the Drizzle: Drizzle generously with the orange honey right before serving so they’re glossy and irresistible. Offer extra on the side for dipping.
Party Platter: Arrange on a tray with skewers or toothpicks for easy snacking at cookouts, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped scallions, fresh parsley, or even a little extra orange zest for a bright finish.

How to Store & Reheat

Store: Place cooled hush puppies in an airtight container lined with paper towels. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the orange honey drizzle separately in a sealed jar in the fridge.
Freeze: For longer storage, arrange cooked hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheat (Best Method): Warm hush puppies in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes.
Quick Option: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes for a fast, crispy finish.
Avoid: The microwave will make them soggy, so it’s best to skip that method if you want to preserve their crunch.

Tips & Tricks

Keep the oil hot (but not too hot): Aim for 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the hush puppies will soak up oil and turn greasy; too hot, and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through. A deep fryer thermometer is highly recommended.
Don’t overcrowd the pot: Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady and ensure even cooking.
Use a scoop for uniform size: A small cookie scoop or spoon keeps the hush puppies the same size so they cook evenly.
Rest the batter: Letting the batter sit for 5–10 minutes before frying helps the cornmeal hydrate and gives a better texture.
Drain properly: Place cooked hush puppies on a wire rack over a baking sheet instead of just paper towels to help them crisp up on all sides.
Serve warm: Hush puppies taste best fresh from the fryer, while the outside is still crisp and the inside is fluffy.
Make the drizzle just before serving: Warming the honey with orange zest and juice right before you drizzle keeps it aromatic and glossy.

Hush puppies and fried catfish on a plate

FAQ

What oil is best for frying hush puppies?

Neutral, high-smoke-point oils like peanut, canola, or vegetable oil work best.

How do I dispose the cooking oil?

What not to do: Don’t pour it down the sink or toilet. It can clog pipes and damage plumbing. Don’t pour it directly into the yard or trash can while hot. It can cause messes, smells, or even attract pests.
What to do: Let the oil cool completely after frying. Pour it into a sealable, non-recyclable container (like an empty milk jug, coffee can, or the oil’s original container). Toss the sealed container in your regular trash.

Can I reuse the cooking oil?

If the oil is relatively clean (not burned or heavily used), strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove crumbs. Store in a sealed jar for up to a month and reuse for another round of frying.

Can I bake hush puppies instead of frying?

They won’t be as crispy, but yes. You can bake spoonfuls of batter at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes until golden.

My hush puppies came out greasy. What went wrong?

This usually means the oil wasn’t hot enough. Make sure it stays around 350°F (175°C) while frying.

Can I make hush puppies without buttermilk?

Yes! Mix ½ cup milk with 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.

Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose?

You can, but adjust the recipe by reducing the added baking powder and salt so it doesn’t over-rise or taste too salty.

Looking for other appetizer recipes? Try one of these:

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