Subscribe to Marlin magazine and get a year of highly collectible, keepsake editions – plus access to the digital edition and archives. Sign up for the free Marlin email newsletter.
These charred sweet potato hush puppies combine smoky, grilled sweetness with a crispy fried crust and a touch of Cajun seasoning. Perfect as a Southern-inspired appetizer or side, they’re golden, flavorful, and ideal for backyard cookouts. Pairs well with a Tito’s Ginger Cocktail.
Ingredients | Serves 4-6
- 1 medium-size sweet potato
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup rendered lard or butter
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup sweet yellow onion, diced small
- 1 ½ tsp. sugar
- 1 tbsp. kosher salt
- 1¼ tsp. white pepper
- 2 cups masa, fine cornmeal
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup AP flour
- 1½ tsp. baking soda
- 1½ tsp. baking powder
- 8 cups vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
- 1 tsp. Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp. smoked Maldon salt
To Prepare
- Set a grill to about 350°F. Place sweet potato on the grill whole and close the lid. Bake the sweet potato for about 35 minutes, or until soft, checking every 10 minutes to rotate.
- Allow the sweet potato to cool slightly. In the meantime, prepare dry ingredients for the hush puppies by mixing sugar, salt, cornmeal, flours, baking soda and baking powder in a medium bowl.
- In another medium bowl, mash the cooled sweet potato to a rough pureed consistency. Add eggs, milk, buttermilk, lard or butter, and onion. Mix well and incorporate into the dry mixture until a thick batter develops, being careful not to overmix.
- In a large pot, add the frying oil, and heat until the oil reaches 350°F. Scoop about 1 oz. of batter into the hot oil carefully, frying about 5 or 6 scoops at a time. Fry for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove carefully with a slotted spoon or spider utensil and place golden hush puppies on a paper-towel-lined sheet pan. Dust immediately with Cajun seasoning and Maldon salt. Repeat this with all the batter.
- Transfer hush puppies to a heatproof vessel and continue to bake for about 4 minutes on the 350°F grill with the lid on, ensuring they are all hot and fully cooked on the inside.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve with sauce of choice.
Sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Big Green Egg.
