Hush puppies are a delicious deep-fried side dish made of cornmeal, flour, eggs, and seasonings. They are a staple of Southern cooking and pair well with many classic Southern main dishes. So what main dish goes best with hush puppies? There are a few key factors to consider when choosing the perfect main to serve alongside crispy, savory hush puppies.
Flavor Profile
Hush puppies have a distinctly corn-forward, savory flavor. Their texture is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The ideal main dish to pair with hush puppies will complement and contrast with their strong cornmeal taste and fried crispiness. Lighter, brighter dishes help balance the fried richness. Hearty, savory dishes match the hush puppies’ deep umami flavors.
Meat vs. Seafood vs. Vegetarian
Hush puppies pair excellently with a variety of proteins. Fried seafood classics like fried catfish, shrimp, oysters, and calamari are natural matches. The crunchy coatings and briny flavors complement the hush puppies. Heartier smoked or braised meats like pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked chicken, and country-fried steak also make satisfying meal partners. Vegetarian mains like fried green tomatoes, eggplant Parmesan, or vegetable kebabs can provide lighter contrast.
Sides and Sauces
The other components of the meal should fit the overall theme. Fresh, bright sides like coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, collard greens, or corn on the cob help lighten the meal. Hearty roasted or mashed potatoes, cornbread, baked beans, or grits can lean into the soul food vibe. Sauces like ketchup, hot sauce, honey mustard, or country gravy add another flavor layer.
10 Perfect Main Dishes to Pair with Hush Puppies
Now let’s explore 10 delicious main dish options for serving with hush puppies:
1. Fried Catfish
A Southern classic. Crispy, cornmeal-crusted catfish fillets have a sweet, mild flavor that pairs perfectly with hush puppies. Tartar sauce or remoulade adds tangy contrast. Serve with coleslaw and baked beans or fries.
2. Jambalaya
Spicy Cajun jambalaya, loaded with Andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables, is a hearty match for hush puppies. The rice soaks up the rich sauce and provides a canvas for the corn flavors.
3. Low Country Boil
A seafood boil with shrimp, crawfish, smoked sausage, corn, and potatoes lets the hush puppies shine alongside a medley of complementary flavors. Spicy seasonings and melted butter bring everything together.
4. Fried Chicken
Crispy, juicy fried chicken is a no-brainer pairing. Opt for boneless fried chicken tenders, wings, or drumsticks along with mashed potatoes, greens, and biscuits for a satisfying spread.
5. Barbecue Pulled Pork
Smoky pulled pork barbecue doused in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce plays beautifully with the corn-y goodness of hushpuppies. Coleslaw, greens, beans, and cornbread round it out.
6. Shrimp and Grits
Creamy grits studded with sautéed shrimp makes for comforting, down-home meal with crispy hush puppies on the side. Spoon on some peppery gravy for even more richness.
7. Chicken and Dumplings
Warm chicken stew with soft homemade dumplings complements the crispy texture of the hush puppies. Biscuits and greens complete this hearty dish.
8. Southern Fried Tofu
For a vegan spin, try crispy cornmeal-crusted tofu served with mashed potatoes, green beans, and tomato gravy. The textures align for finger-licking satisfaction.
9. Blackened Fish Tacos
Grilled blackened tilapia or cod make flavorful taco fillings when paired with zesty cabbage slaw, pico de gallo and spicy chipotle crema. The tacos offer a lighter take on the crispy hushpuppies.
10. Eggplant Parmesan
Fried breaded eggplant layered with cheese and marinara sauce gives you the crisp-factor along with rich Italian flavors. Serve with spaghetti and Caesar salad for a vegetarian feast.
Key Factors for Pairing Main Dishes with Hush Puppies
When considering what entrée to serve with hush puppies, keep these guidelines in mind:
Complement the corn flavor
Dishes that contain corn, cornmeal, barbecue sauce, Cajun seasonings, or butter will harmonize with the dominant corn taste of hush puppies.
Contrast the fried texture
Pair your crispy hush puppies with softer mains like stews, tacos, pasta, or saucy dishes. The textures will balance each other.
Match the heartiness
Hearty meats and rich sides make the meal feel cohesive. Lighter proteins and fresh sides prevent heaviness.
Consider seasoning and spice
Spicy Cajun blackening spices or zesty barbeque flavors bring out the savory corn essence of hush puppies.
Combine cuisines
Southern classics are a natural fit but ethnic fusions can also hit the spot. Try BBQ pulled pork tacos or Cajun jambalaya pasta.
Sides Dishes and Sauces for Serving with Hush Puppies
The side dishes and sauces served alongside the main course and hush puppies also impact the overall flavor profile. Here are complementary options:
Classic Southern Sides
– Cole slaw
– Potato salad
– Baked beans
– Collard greens
– Corn on the cob
– Macaroni and cheese
– Mashed potatoes
Sauces
– Barbecue sauce
– Honey mustard
– Ranch dressing
– Tartar sauce
– Country gravy
– Hot sauce
– Ketchup
Lighter Sides
– Caesar salad
– Fruit salad
– Pasta salad
– Creamed spinach
– Sauteed vegetables
– Green salad
Hush Puppy Cooking Tips
To get the perfect crispy, corn-y hush puppies to pair with your main course, follow these frying tips:
– Use very hot oil between 350-375°F. This prevents greasiness.
– Shape the batter into 1-inch balls or tube shapes for even cooking.
– Fry in batches to prevent crowding and sticking. Don’t overload the pot.
– Fry 2-3 minutes per batch until golden brown all over.
– Drain on paper towels before serving.
– Let the oil reheat between batches for consistent results.
Top 3 Hush Puppy Recipes
Pair these delicious homemade hush puppy recipes with your favorite main course:
Classic Hush Puppies
| Ingredients: | |
| 2 cups cornmeal | 1/4 cup flour |
| 1 teaspoon baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon salt |
| 1 egg | 1 cup buttermilk |
| 1 small onion, finely diced | Oil for frying |
Instructions:
– Whisk together dry ingredients. Add egg, buttermilk, and onions.
– Shape into balls and fry at 350°F until golden brown.
Jalapeño Hush Puppies
| Ingredients: | |
| 2 cups yellow cornmeal | 1/2 cup flour |
| 2 teaspoons baking powder | 1 teaspoon salt |
| 1 egg | 1 cup milk |
| 1 jalapeño, diced | 1/2 cup shredded cheddar |
| Oil for frying |
Instructions:
– Mix dry ingredients. Stir in egg, milk, jalapeños and cheese.
– Fry in 350°F oil until golden brown.
Vegan Hush Puppies
| Ingredients: | |
| 2 cups cornmeal | 1/2 cup chickpea flour |
| 2 teaspoons baking powder | 1 teaspoon salt |
| 1 1/4 cups non-dairy milk | 1 small onion, diced |
| Oil for frying |
Instructions:
– Whisk together dry ingredients. Stir in non-dairy milk and onions.
– Drop spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until crispy.
The Perfect Meal: Fried Catfish with Hush Puppies
For the quintessential Southern meal to showcase crispy, delicious hush puppies, try pan-fried catfish. The combination of delicately fried cornmeal-breaded fish and piping hot hush puppies is sheer perfection.
Round out the plate with tartar sauce, creamy coleslaw, onion rings or fries, and baked beans. For a lighter take, serve blackened or grilled catfish over a fresh salad with fruit, veggies, and a zesty vinaigrette. Either way, the catfish and hush puppies will steal the show.
The crispy textures and savory corn flavors are made for each other. For a satisfying soul food experience, fried catfish with hush puppies can’t be beat. So next time you whip up a batch of hush puppies, fry up some catfish for a match made in Southern comfort food heaven.
Conclusion
Hush puppies are the ideal accompaniment to a variety of hearty, savory, and comforting main dishes. Their crispy exterior and soft, cornmeal interior provide delightful contrast to meats, seafood, vegetables, and other entrees. When served alongside the perfect meal, hush puppies really steal the spotlight. Whether you opt for fried favorites like catfish, shrimp, and chicken or veggie dishes like eggplant Parmesan, the hush puppies will provide irresistible crunch and flavor. With the right balance of textures, seasonings, and soul-satisfying ingredients, you can craft a meal that highlights the magic of hush puppies.