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.
Prep Time 35 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Servings 6
Calories 220 kcal
- 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
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:
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!
Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFiber: 5gSugar: 1g