Alabama Grilled Hushpuppies – Perfectly Crispy & Golden

Introduction

Bring a taste of the South to your backyard with these Alabama Grilled Hushpuppies. Crispy on the outside, soft and savory inside, these cornmeal delights are cooked to perfection on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill. Forget deep-frying—grill them instead for unbeatable texture and flavor. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare, with a crispy golden crust that’s never burned thanks to the perfectly even heat of the Arteflame. Perfect as a side dish or snack, these hushpuppies will steal the show at any cookout!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Additional butter for grilling

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil over three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oil-soaked napkins and light the paper.
3. Wait about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop is evenly heated.

Step 2: Prepare the hushpuppy batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cayenne pepper.
2. Add the buttermilk, chopped scallions, diced onion, beaten egg, melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Stir until just combined. The batter should be thick and scoopable.

Step 3: Grill the hushpuppies

1. Butter the Arteflame cooktop generously to prevent sticking.
2. Using a spoon or small scoop, drop portions of the batter onto the griddle near the center where it’s hotter.
3. Cook for about 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
4. Flip each hushpuppy carefully and cook for another 3 minutes until cooked through.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

1. Remove the hushpuppies from the grill and let them rest for a minute before serving.
2. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like spicy remoulade or honey butter.

Tips

• Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform hushpuppy sizes.
• Keep the hushpuppies near the center for a faster, even cook.
• Melted butter on the grill prevents sticking and adds extra flavor.
• For extra crunch, add finely chopped jalapeños or crumbled bacon to the mix.

Variations

1. Cheesy Jalapeño: Add 1/4 cup of diced jalapeños and extra sharp cheddar for a spicy, cheesy twist.
2. Southern BBQ: Stir in 1/4 cup of pulled pork for a smoky barbecue flavor.
3. Garlic Herb: Mix in fresh minced garlic and chopped parsley for a fragrant, savory taste.
4. Sweet Corn Delight: Add 1/4 cup of sweet corn kernels for a touch of natural sweetness.
5. Seafood Style: Fold in 1/4 cup of lump crab meat for an indulgent coastal variation.

Conclusion

These Alabama Grilled Hushpuppies bring a new spin to a classic Southern favorite. By using the Arteflame grill, you achieve the perfect golden-brown crust while cooking these delights directly on the flat cooktop. Whether paired with a main course or enjoyed as a delightful snack, you’ll love their crispy texture and bold flavors. Fire up your grill, try these hushpuppies, and impress everyone at your next backyard gathering!

Best pairings

• Smoked brisket or pulled pork
• Grilled catfish or shrimp
• Coleslaw with a tangy dressing
• Spicy remoulade or honey butter dipping sauce
• Southern-style lemonade or iced tea