Dairy-Free Southern Style Hush Puppies

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly fluffy, these Dairy-Free Southern Style Hush Puppies are a delectable twist on a Southern classic, perfect for those looking to enjoy comfort food without dairy. Made with a blend of yellow cornmeal and all-purpose flour, and seasoned with a touch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper, these fried morsels pack a flavorful punch. A plant-based "buttermilk" substitute and the option for a flax egg keep the recipe dairy-free and easily adaptable for a vegan version. Bursting with the sweetness of diced onions and the freshness of green onions, these hush puppies are deeply satisfying and crave-worthy. Perfectly fried to golden perfection in just minutes, they make an ideal side dish for barbecues, fish fries, or any Southern-inspired meal. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing treat that delivers both nostalgia and a fresh, modern twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.75 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond, soy, or oat)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 large egg, beaten (or flax egg for vegan version)
• 0.25 cup chopped green onions
• 0.25 cup finely diced onion
• 3 cups neutral oil for frying (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ground black pepper.

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.

Step 3

Add the beaten egg (or flax egg if making a vegan version) to the milk mixture, and whisk until well combined.

Step 4

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir to form a thick batter. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5

Fold in the chopped green onions and finely diced onion until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6

In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the neutral oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature.

Step 7

Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 8

Fry each hush puppy for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 9

Repeat the process until all the batter is used.

Step 10

Serve the hush puppies warm with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside classic Southern dishes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1264.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7000.2

Total Fat 723.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 53.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 185mg	0%
Sodium 2059.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 178.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.2g	0%
Total Sugars 4.6g
Protein 25.5g	0%

Vitamin D 115.0IU	0%
Calcium 318.4mg	0%
Iron 9.3mg	0%
Potassium 672.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 88.9%

Protein: 1.4%

Carbs: 9.7%