How to Make the Perfect Jalapeno Cheddar Hushpuppies
Southern American · Easy · 32 min · 6 servings
A spicy twist on the Southern classic with sharp cheddar and fresh jalapenos folded into the cornmeal batter. These bold flavored fritters add excitement to any cookout or fish fry.
Why this recipe works
This Jalapeno Cheddar Hushpuppies recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 32 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups yellow cornmeal
- 0.5 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 0.75 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 whole jalapenos seeded and finely diced
- 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mix Ins
Seed and finely dice the jalapenos. Shred the sharp cheddar cheese if not already shredded. Set both aside. Removing the seeds from the jalapenos controls the heat level so do not skip this step if you prefer a milder spice.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and half a teaspoon of salt. In a small bowl whisk the buttermilk and egg together. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined. Fold in the shredded cheddar and diced jalapenos gently.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Fill a heavy skillet or Dutch oven with vegetable oil to a depth of 3 inches. Heat over medium high heat until the oil reaches 365 degrees F. Test the temperature with a thermometer for best results before dropping in any batter.
Step 4: Fry in Batches
Use a small cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, frying 6 to 8 at a time. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes turning occasionally until all sides are deep golden brown. The cheese inside will melt and create pockets of rich flavor throughout.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Lift the hushpuppies out with a slotted spoon and set on paper towels to drain. Season with a pinch of salt right away. Serve hot with cool ranch dressing, sour cream, or a drizzle of honey for a sweet and spicy contrast.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- sharp cheddar cheese → pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy kick
- fresh jalapenos → pickled jalapenos for a tangier and more mellow heat
- buttermilk → sour cream thinned with a splash of milk
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not draining excess moisture from the jalapenos which makes the batter too wet
- Using pre shredded cheese with anti caking agents which does not melt as smoothly
- Dropping too many into the oil at once causing the temperature to drop and making greasy fritters
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 8g protein, 32g carbs, 18g fat, 2g fiber.
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