Sweet Crab Hush Puppies

Published: November 28, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this tasty dish in no time.
Flavorful Experience: The combination of crab meat and Old Bay seasoning creates a deliciously savory bite that you’ll crave again and again.
Versatile Snack: Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, these hush puppies pair wonderfully with various dipping sauces like remoulade or tartar sauce.
Crowd-Pleaser: They’re sure to be a hit at gatherings, making them ideal for parties or family get-togethers.
Adaptable Ingredients: You can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making this recipe flexible for your pantry staples.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking process seamless, it’s essential to have the right tools at hand. These tools will help you prepare your Sweet Crab Hush Puppies efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Box grater
Rubber spatula
Deep frying pan or deep fryer
Slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining all your ingredients without spills.
Box grater: Makes it easy to grate onion finely for even flavor distribution.
Deep frying pan or deep fryer: Ensures consistent heat for perfectly fried hush puppies every time.

Ingredients

For the Base

8.5 oz Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (original flavor)
¼ cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup buttermilk
1 egg
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
¼ teaspoon Kosher salt

For the Flavor

1 small onion (grated)
½ cup corn kernels (canned, fresh, or frozen)
½ cup lump crab meat

For Frying

Oil (vegetable or canola oil)

How to Make Sweet Crab Hush Puppies

Step 1: Prepare the Oil

Heat the oil to 350 degrees F. While waiting for it to reach temperature, grate ½ an onion using a box grater. It should yield about 2-3 tablespoons.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, and grated onion. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the Jiffy mix, flour, salt, and Old Bay seasoning to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is well blended.

Step 4: Fold in Add-ins

Gently fold in the corn kernels and crab meat using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Fry the Hush Puppies

Drop batter by tablespoons into the hot oil. Fry over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. Avoid frying at high heat to prevent burning on the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. If using a deep fryer, fry for a total of 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve warm with lemon wedges, remoulade sauce, or tartar sauce. Enjoy these Sweet Crab Hush Puppies fresh out of the fryer!

How to Serve Sweet Crab Hush Puppies

These delicious sweet crab hush puppies can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a versatile addition to your meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a family dinner, here are some serving suggestions.

With Dipping Sauces

Remoulade Sauce: This tangy sauce adds a zesty kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the hush puppies.
Tartar Sauce: A classic choice, tartar sauce complements the crab flavor well and provides a creamy texture.
Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and enhances the crab’s natural flavors.

As Part of a Seafood Platter

Seafood Salad: Combine your hush puppies with a refreshing seafood salad for a delightful contrast in textures.
Fried Shrimp: Serve alongside crispy fried shrimp for an indulgent seafood feast that will impress your guests.
Grilled Fish: Pair with grilled fish for a light yet satisfying meal that showcases different seafood flavors.

In Tacos or Wraps

Hush Puppy Tacos: Use soft tortillas to create tacos filled with hush puppies, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of sauce for an exciting twist.
Crab Hush Puppy Wraps: Roll them into wraps with lettuce and sliced avocados for a fun handheld meal.

How to Perfect Sweet Crab Hush Puppies

To achieve the best sweet crab hush puppies possible, keep these tips in mind. They’ll help you create golden-brown bites that are tender on the inside.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lump crab meat when available for the best flavor and texture.
Monitor Oil Temperature: Keeping oil at 350 degrees F ensures even cooking without burning the outside before the inside is done.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense hush puppies instead of light and fluffy ones.
Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to tweak seasonings based on personal preferences or add some heat with cayenne pepper for extra spice.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Crab Hush Puppies

Sweet crab hush puppies make an excellent appetizer or side dish. Pair them with these sides to create a complete meal.

Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw balances the richness of hush puppies and adds freshness.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob enhances the corn flavor in the hush puppies while adding sweetness.
Garden Salad: A simple garden salad provides crispness and lightness, complementing the fried texture of hush puppies.
Fried Green Tomatoes: These Southern favorites offer a savory crunch that pairs beautifully with crab flavors.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned well make for a hearty side that appeals to all ages.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing out richer dishes like hush puppies.
Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad brings comfort food vibes and contrasts nicely with crispy appetizers.
Baked Beans: The sweet flavor of baked beans adds depth, making for a satisfying combination with hush puppies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sweet Crab Hush Puppies, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Using High Heat: Frying at too high of a temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Always maintain medium heat for even cooking.
Skipping the Grated Onion: Not grating the onion can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Ensure you grate it finely to incorporate the flavor throughout.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too vigorously can make the hush puppies tough. Gently fold in ingredients until just combined for a light texture.
Not Testing Oil Temperature: If you’re unsure if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into it. If it sizzles and rises, you’re ready to fry.
Ignoring Serving Suggestions: These hush puppies shine when paired with sauces or fresh lemon. Don’t miss out on enhancing their flavor by serving them well!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow them to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Sweet Crab Hush Puppies

Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Make sure they are fully cooled prior to freezing.

Reheating Sweet Crab Hush Puppies

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warmed; this may result in softer texture.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side for crispy results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sweet Crab Hush Puppies.

How do I ensure my Sweet Crab Hush Puppies are crispy?

To achieve crispiness, fry them at the right temperature (around 350°F) and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower oil temperature.

Can I use frozen crab meat in my hush puppies?

Yes, using frozen crab meat is perfectly fine! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before use.

What can I serve with Sweet Crab Hush Puppies?

These hush puppies pair well with lemon wedges, remoulade sauce, or tartar sauce for dipping, enhancing their delicious flavors.

How long will my Sweet Crab Hush Puppies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Sweet Crab Hush Puppies are a delightful treat that brings together crispy texture and flavorful crab meat. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various dips and sides. Whether served as an appetizer or side dish, these hush puppies are sure to impress your guests. Give this recipe a try and enjoy experimenting with different flavors!

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