A hushpuppy is a fried cornmeal batter side dish often made with onions and served with fried fish.
Hushpuppies are usually shaped into small balls or irregular rounds and deep-fried until golden. The batter commonly contains cornmeal, flour, egg, milk or buttermilk, and seasonings. Onion is a frequent addition, though recipes vary by region and family.
The dish is closely associated with Southern fish fries and seafood restaurants. Hushpuppies are sometimes confused with corn fritters or johnnycakes, but those foods differ in preparation and shape. The familiar name refers specifically to the small fried side dish rather than to a general category of cornmeal breads.