These sweet potato hush puppies are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with warm, comforting flavors. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with cornmeal and gentle spices, making these bite-sized fritters an irresistible side dish or snack for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These hush puppies are easy to make and come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients. They have a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors, a golden crunchy crust, and a soft, fluffy interior. They’re versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a fun party snack, and they pair well with many meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

1. Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Stir in the mashed sweet potato and diced onion until evenly combined.
4. Add the egg, buttermilk, and melted butter. Mix gently just until the batter comes together. The batter should be thick but easy to scoop.
5. Using a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of batter carefully into the hot oil.
6. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until the hush puppies are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 to 6
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
• Replace cinnamon and nutmeg with smoked paprika for a more savory version.
• Stir in finely chopped green onions instead of regular onion for a milder flavor.
• Serve with honey butter, spicy maple syrup, or a light yogurt-based dip.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soft.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to fry the batter shortly after mixing, but you can prepare it up to 1 hour in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes, turning once, though they will be less crispy than fried.

What kind of sweet potatoes work best?

Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes work best because they are naturally sweet and creamy.

Can I freeze sweet potato hush puppies?

Yes, freeze them after frying and cooling. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen for best texture.

Why is my batter too thick?

If the batter is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of buttermilk until it becomes scoopable.

Why is my batter too runny?

Add a little extra cornmeal, one tablespoon at a time, until the batter thickens.

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, buttermilk gives better flavor. If needed, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or sunflower oil, work best.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying.

What can I serve with sweet potato hush puppies?

They pair well with fried fish, shrimp, grilled chicken, or barbecue-style dishes.

Conclusion

Sweet potato hush puppies are a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines simple ingredients with big flavor. Crispy, warm, and lightly spiced, they’re perfect for sharing and easy to customize to your taste. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a favorite at your table.

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