New Orleans-Style Beignets

These easy New Orleans-style beignets will transport you right to the French Quarter. With their fluffy texture and sweet powdered sugar coating, these delightful pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any festive occasion. The unique blend of ingredients creates a light and airy dough that fries to golden perfection. Enjoy them fresh out of the fryer with family and friends for a truly indulgent experience.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dough:
• For Frying:
• For Dusting:
• How to Make New Orleans-Style Beignets
• Step 1: Warm the Liquid Ingredients
• Step 2: Activate the Yeast
• Step 3: Combine Ingredients
• Step 4: Knead the Dough
• Step 5: Let It Rise
• Step 6: Heat Oil
• Step 7: Roll Out Dough
• Step 8: Fry Beignets
• Step 9: Transfer Beignets
• Step 10: Dust with Sugar
• How to Serve New Orleans-Style Beignets
• Classic Café au Lait
• Fresh Fruit
• Ice Cream
• Chocolate Sauce
• Whipped Cream
• Spiced Sugar
• How to Perfect New Orleans-Style Beignets
• Best Side Dishes for New Orleans-Style Beignets
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing New Orleans-Style Beignets
• Reheating New Orleans-Style Beignets
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes New Orleans-Style Beignets different from regular donuts?
• Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
• How do I know when my beignets are done frying?
• Can I make New Orleans-Style Beignets ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the beignet-making process, making it accessible for even novice bakers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday breakfast or a weekend treat, these beignets fit right in.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of warm milk and sugar brings out a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the powdered sugar topping.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them plain, with coffee, or alongside fruit preserves for added flavor.
• Fun to Share: Making beignets is a fun activity for family gatherings or brunch parties.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will help make your beignet-making experience smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large microwave-safe bowl
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
• Rolling pin
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife
• Large Dutch oven
• Deep-fry thermometer
• Baking sheet
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Ideal for frying, it helps maintain even heat for perfectly cooked beignets.
• Deep-fry thermometer: Ensures your oil is at the right temperature, preventing soggy pastries.

Ingredients

These easy New Orleans-style beignets will transport you right to the French Quarter.

For the Dough:

• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided, plus more for kneading and cutting
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For Frying:

• 1 quart peanut or vegetable oil, plus more for the bowl

For Dusting:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

How to Make New Orleans-Style Beignets

Step 1: Warm the Liquid Ingredients

Place 3/4 cup water and 1/2 cup whole milk in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes on full power. Alternatively, warm in a small saucepan over medium heat until just warm but cooler than 100°F.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Whisk in 1/3 cup granulated sugar into the milk mixture. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast. Set aside for about 15 minutes until foamy.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add in 1 large beaten egg, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, and 2 cups of flour to the milk mixture. Beat with a wooden spoon until thick but smooth. Add the remaining flour (1 1/2 cups) and mix until just combined.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Dust a work surface with about 1/4 cup of flour and dump the dough onto it. Gently fold over itself three to four times; shape into a round and place in an oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 5: Let It Rise

Set the bowl in a warm place to rise until doubled in size (about 1 ½ to 2 hours). Optionally, cover with plastic wrap and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 6: Heat Oil

Heat up one quart of peanut or vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches about 370ºF. Prepare your baking sheet lined with paper towels.

Step 7: Roll Out Dough

Dust your work surface again with flour. Roll out the dough into a rectangle (17×11 inches) that is about 1/4-inch thick. Cut into about 20 to 22 square pieces (around two inches).

Step 8: Fry Beignets

Fry three to four squares at a time by gently adding them to hot oil using hands or tongs. Ladle hot oil over them while frying until golden brown on both sides (about 2 minutes each side).

Step 9: Transfer Beignets

Once fried, transfer them to the prepared baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 10: Dust with Sugar

Just before serving while they are still warm, use a fine-mesh strainer to generously dust your freshly made beignets with powdered sugar.

Enjoy your delicious New Orleans-style beignets!

How to Serve New Orleans-Style Beignets

New Orleans-style beignets are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these fluffy pastries can elevate any occasion.

Classic Café au Lait

• Pair your beignets with a warm cup of café au lait for a traditional New Orleans experience. The rich coffee complements the sweetness of the beignets perfectly.

Fresh Fruit

• Serve with a side of fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas. The natural sweetness and acidity balance the richness of the fried dough.

Ice Cream

• Top your warm beignets with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between hot and cold is simply irresistible.

Chocolate Sauce

• Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over your beignets for an indulgent twist. This combination will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.

Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of your beignets. This light topping enhances their softness and adds a creamy texture.

Spiced Sugar

• For an extra kick, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over your beignets instead of powdered sugar. This adds warmth and spice to each bite.

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How to Perfect New Orleans-Style Beignets

Making perfect New Orleans-style beignets requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your beignets turn out light and fluffy every time.

• Use fresh yeast: Ensure your active dry yeast is fresh for optimal rising. Expired yeast may lead to dense beignets.
• Knead lightly: Be gentle when folding the dough to keep air bubbles intact. This results in a lighter texture.
• Correct oil temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 370ºF. If it’s too cool, the beignets will absorb excess oil; too hot, and they will burn.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry only a few pieces at a time to maintain even cooking and prevent temperature drop.
• Let them cool slightly: Allow the beignets to cool for just a moment before dusting with powdered sugar for better adherence.
• Serve warm: Beignets are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Consider frying them just before serving for maximum delight.

Best Side Dishes for New Orleans-Style Beignets

Beignets pair well with several sides that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some delicious options to consider when serving these treats:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the beignets.
2. Creole Sausage: Spicy sausage links provide a savory contrast that complements the sugary dough.
3. Eggs Benedict: This classic breakfast dish offers rich flavors that work well alongside sweet pastries.
4. Grits: Creamy grits provide a hearty side that pairs beautifully with beignets, especially if seasoned well.
5. Mimosa: This bubbly drink made from champagne and orange juice enhances any brunch spread featuring beignets.
6. Cinnamon Roll Casserole: A warm, sweet casserole complements the flavors of your beignet experience.
7. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: The crunch and saltiness from this dish add another layer of flavor alongside sweet treats.
8. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns can offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with soft, pillowy beignets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making New Orleans-style beignets can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the yeast proofing: Not allowing the yeast to foam can lead to dense beignets. Always let the yeast activate for about 15 minutes before mixing it in.

• Neglecting flour measurements: Using too much or too little flour can alter dough consistency. Measure accurately and avoid packing down the flour.

• Incorrect frying temperature: Frying at the wrong temperature can result in burnt exteriors and raw interiors. Use a thermometer to maintain oil at 370ºF.

• Overworking the dough: Kneading too much can make the beignets tough. Handle the dough gently and only fold it a few times.

• Not dusting with powdered sugar: Skipping this final step means missing out on the classic beignet experience. Generously dust them just before serving for that perfect sweet touch.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover beignets in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.

Freezing New Orleans-Style Beignets

• Place cooled beignets in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container for up to 1 month.

Reheating New Orleans-Style Beignets

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm and slightly crispy.
• Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for about 10-15 seconds. This method may make them soft.
• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about New Orleans-style beignets that might help you as you prepare this tasty treat.

What makes New Orleans-Style Beignets different from regular donuts?

New Orleans-style beignets are square-shaped, light, and airy, while traditional donuts often have holes and are denser. The texture is fluffy due to how they’re prepared.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

While you can substitute whole wheat flour, it may change the texture and taste. Stick with all-purpose flour for the best results with New Orleans-style beignets.

How do I know when my beignets are done frying?

Beignets are ready when they turn golden brown on both sides, typically taking about 1-2 minutes per side at 370ºF oil temperature.

Can I make New Orleans-Style Beignets ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight or freeze them after cooking for later enjoyment. Just remember to dust with powdered sugar right before serving.

Final Thoughts

New Orleans-style beignets are not just delicious; they also bring a taste of tradition and joy into your kitchen. Their fluffy texture and sweet powdered sugar make them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to customize by adding flavors like cinnamon or chocolate chips for an exciting twist!