Baked Healthy Southern-Style Hush Puppies

The Versatile Hushpuppy: A Southern Classic with Endless Possibilities

Hushpuppies may be a humble Southern staple, but they’re one of the most versatile little bites you can put on your plate. Traditionally golden and crispy on the outside with a soft, flavorful center, these cornmeal-based delights can be customized in so many ways to suit your taste. Whether you like them smoky, spicy, sweet, or savory, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a hushpuppy—especially when you make them with wholesome, plant-based ingredients.

A Classic with a Cajun Twist

For those who love bold Louisiana flavors, a Cajun-inspired hushpuppy (recipe listed below) is the perfect way to bring a little heat to the table. By adding smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme, you get that signature Southern spice. Mix in sweet corn, finely diced onions, and chopped jalapeños to create the perfect balance of heat and natural sweetness. But the real magic? Pairing them with a zesty Cajun remoulade sauce—a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dip that elevates every bite.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Hushpuppies aren’t just for seafood boils and barbecue spreads—they can be a delicious snack, a side dish, or even the star of the meal. Pair them with a fresh salad, serve them alongside a hearty soup, or simply enjoy them with that flavorful Cajun remoulade for an easy, satisfying bite.

If you haven’t experimented with hushpuppies beyond the traditional recipe, now’s the time to get creative!

Healthy Southern-Style Hush Puppies

Carlisa Krenek

These baked hush puppies are a healthier twist on the Southern classic, made with whole food ingredients and no oil. Perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 35 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Servings 6

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup gluten free flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or any plant-based milk
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup finely chopped green onions or a mix of bell peppers and onions for added flavor

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, gluten free flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to create a buttermilk-like consistency.
• Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped green onions.
• Shape the Hush Puppies: Using a spoon, cookie dough scooper or your hands, form small balls or patties and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the hush puppies are golden brown and cooked through. You can flip them halfway through for even browning.
• Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Notes:

Add Spice: For a kick, add some chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the batter.
Make Ahead: The batter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before
baking.

Time-Saving Tips:

1. Prep Veggies Ahead: Chop the green onions or other vegetables the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

2. Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half the hush puppies after baking. Reheat in the oven for quick snacks or meals.

3. Quick Assembly: Mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in a jar or container for quick assembly when needed.

To modify this hush puppies recipe for a Cajun flavor , use these  adjustments:

Cajun Modifications:

1. Increase the spice level:

• Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste).

• Include 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat.

• Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.

• 1 tsp nutritional yeast (optional)

2. Incorporate fresh ingredients:

• Replace the green onions with 1/2 cup finely diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow).

• Add 1/4 cup finely diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

• Mix in 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (classic Cajun herb blends).

 3. Optional for texture:

• Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.

• Serve with my dairy free Cajun remoulade sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and nutritional yeast (if using).

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, mix the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let sit for a few minutes to create a buttermilk-like consistency.

4. Add the Veggies:

Stir the diced bell peppers, jalapeños, parsley, and okra into the dry ingredients for an even distribution of flavors.

5. Combine Mixtures:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. The batter should be thick enough to shape. 

6. Shape the Hush Puppies:

Using a spoon, (I use a cookie dough scooper) or your hands, form small balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

7. Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the hush puppies are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.

8. Cool & Serve:

Let the hush puppies cool slightly before serving.​ Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFiber: 5gSugar: 1g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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