By Wendy Stoltz, Hristina Polk / Last Modified On September 5, 2023

These crunchy gluten-free hush puppies are perfect in texture and taste so good. They make the perfect bite-size appetizer, snack, or Southern meal side. Slather them with your favorite dip or topping to complement the seasoning. These are really hard to resist!

So, what are hush puppies? They are savory dough balls that are deep-fried. Some like to call them savory donuts. But before we start, I love creating gluten-free dinner recipes and meals for you.  These gluten-free chocolate donut holes are rich, chocolaty, and perfectly tender, so much better than store-bought!

I love learning new things. Do you? Try these gluten-free courses at Udemy. 

Gluten-Free Hush Puppies Recipe

I am going to share how to make light and fluffy hush puppies. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and yes, they are gluten-free too. This is another one of those recipes you miss when you need to follow a gluten-free diet. But after testing and getting the perfect crunch and density, we have the best GF hush puppies for you to make at home. 

Get your basic ingredients together, or get them soon; you are going to want to make these now! Follow my steps and have a look at the write-up so you can be on the path to success. You can even make your own buttermilk if you don't have it on hand. So scroll down and get going with this recipe. 

Why You’re Going to Love These Gluten-Free Hush Puppies

Easy to make - There are no added skills necessary to make these simple gluten-free hush puppies. 

Basic ingredients - This recipe uses basic ingredients, some of which you will have on hand and others that are readily available at your local store or online if you prefer.

Seasoned so well - The combination of the garlic, chili, and onion seasoning makes these gluten-free hush puppies taste so good. 

Ingredients in Gluten-Free Hush Puppies

Cornmeal - 1 Cup Gluten-free Cornmeal. Is corn gluten-free? Short answer: yes.

Flour - ¾ Cups White Rice Flour

Sugar - ¼ Cup Sugar

Leavening agents - Baking powder and baking soda. These help with rising and browning.

Xanthan gum - ¼ tsp xanthan gum

Seasoning - Chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Buttermilk - ½ Cup buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of lemon juice. Stir to combine and set aside for a few minutes until the milk thickens. Use as directed in the recipe.

Egg - 1 egg lightly beaten.

Oil - Vegetable oil for frying. You can use an oil with a high smoke point.

Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free Hush Puppies

Skillet - I like to use a non-stick skillet. 

Mixing bowls - These Pyrex mixing bowls come in handy.

Cooling rack - Use a cooling rack with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Candy thermometer - Use a candy thermometer to control the oil temperature.

Ice cream or cookie scoop - Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to get the right portions.

If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free Hush Puppies, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Make Gluten-Free Hush Puppies

1. Heat at least 2 inches of vegetable oil to 360F. You can use a candy thermometer if you don’t know when it is ready. If you don’t have one, simply drop a small amount of the batter in the oil, and if it is bubbling, it means it is ready for frying.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients - cornmeal, white rice flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In a second mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients - buttermilk and egg. Whisk to combine and add to the dry ingredients.
4. Stir to combine until you reach a creamy consistency with no clumps. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the batter and drop it carefully into the hot oil. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, and remove it from the oil. Place on a cooling rack lined with paper towels. Repeat with the remaining batter.
5. If the dough balls turn dark on the outside but still raw on the inside, turn the heat down. If it takes them longer than 3 minutes to cook, turn the heat up. When all is done, serve immediately.

For the complete list of ingredients and instructions in Gluten-Free Hush Puppies, please see the complete recipe below.

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Hush Puppies

Ensure your oil remains at the correct temperature - If possible, use a candy thermometer to maintain your oil temperature.

Don't overmix the batter - Mix it, so the ingredients combine, but don't overmix it.

Use a cookie scoop - The cookie scoop helps to get the same size, and it also works well when you spray a bit of cooking spray on it so the dough doesn't stick to it.

Use oil that has a high smoke point - Use an oil that is meant for deep frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Store Gluten-Free Hush Puppies?

Store the GF hush puppies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. 

Can I Freeze Gluten-Free Hush Puppies?

Yes, you can. They freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to freeze them on a baking tray first and then transfer them into freezer bags. 

Can You Make This Gluten-Free Hush Puppies Ahead of Time?

Yes, they last 3-5 days in the fridge or consider making them and freezing them for up to 3 months.

What Substitutions / Replacements Can I Make in This Gluten-Free Hush Puppies?

Egg-free - I have not tried this recipe with an egg substitute. Let us know if you do.

Dairy-free - You can make the buttermilk with dairy-free milk and lemon juice.

Continue to Content

Yield: 6 servings

Gluten-Free Hush Puppies

Print

These crunchy gluten-free hush puppies are perfect in texture and taste so good. They make the perfect bite-size appetizer, snack, or side.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Gluten-free Cornmeal
• ¾ Cups White Rice Flour
• ¼ Cup Sugar
• 2 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp xanthan gum
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ Cup buttermilk*
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Heat at least 2 inches of vegetable oil to 360F. You can use a candy thermometer if you don’t know when it is ready. If you don’t have one, simply drop a small amount of the batter in the oil, and if it is bubbling, it means it is ready for frying.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients - cornmeal, white rice flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In a second mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients - buttermilk and egg. Whisk to combine and add to the dry ingredients.
4. Stir to combine until you reach a creamy consistency with no clumps. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the batter and drop it carefully into the hot oil. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, and remove it from the oil. Place on a cooling rack lined with paper towels. Repeat with the remaining batter.
5. If the dough balls turn dark on the outside but still raw on the inside, turn the heat down. If it takes them longer than 3 minutes to cook, turn the heat up. When all is done, serve immediately.

Notes

• Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
• If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of lemon juice. Stir to combine and set aside for a few minutes until the milk thickens. Use as directed in the recipe.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.

• 
  Bobs Red Mill Gluten Free Cornmeal, 24 oz
• 
  Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free White Rice Flour, 24 Ounce (Pack of 4)
• 
  Bob's Red Mill, Xanthan Gum Powder, 8 oz
• 
  Gorilla Grip Stainless Steel Multipurpose BPA-Free Spring Scoop, 4 TBSP, for Melon, Cookie Dough, Ice Cream Scoops, Perfect Portion Sizes, Easy Squeeze and Clean Release, Scooper Size 16, Aqua
• 
  ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer with Pot Clip, 8" Long Probe Instant Read Food Cooking Meat Thermometer for Grilling Smoker BBQ Deep Fry Oil Thermometer
• 
  Checkered Chef Cooling Rack - Set of 2 Stainless Steel, Oven Safe Grid Wire Racks for Cooking & Baking - 8” x 11 ¾"
• 
  SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, Swiss Granite Coating Omelette Pan, Healthy Stone Cookware Chef's Pan, PFOA Free (8/9.5/10/11/12.5 Inch) (9.5 Inch)
• 
  Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 106Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 1149mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 0gSugar: 9gProtein: 3g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands used at the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.

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