New Orleans-Style Beignets
These easy New Orleans-style beignets will transport you right to the French Quarter. Fluffy, sweet, and coated in powdered sugar, these delightful pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a special dessert. Their pillowy texture and rich flavor make them a standout treat that everyone will love. Enjoy them with coffee or on their own for a taste of New Orleans magic at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delicious beignets.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive brunch or a cozy family breakfast, these beignets fit right in.
- Deliciously Sweet Flavor: The combination of sugar and warm dough creates an irresistible sweetness in every bite.
- Versatile Treat: Serve them as a breakfast item or a dessert; they’re delightful at any time of day.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These delightful pastries are sure to impress family and friends with their authentic New Orleans flair.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your New Orleans-style beignets, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Large Dutch oven
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Fine-mesh strainer
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch Oven: A heavy pot like this is ideal for frying because it holds heat well and allows for consistent cooking.
- Deep-Fry Thermometer: This ensures the oil is at the perfect temperature for frying, resulting in golden brown beignets every time.
Ingredients
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 Milk Mixture
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 for about 1 minute until warm but cooler than 100°F.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
Whisk 1/3 cup granulated sugar into the warm milk mixture. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast and set aside for 15 minutes until foamy.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
Add 1 beaten egg, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, and 2 cups of flour to the mixture. Beat with a wooden spoon until thick but smooth. Add the remaining flour gradually until just combined. The dough should resemble a thick batter.
Step 4: Prepare to Rise
Dust a work surface with about 1/4 cup more flour. Dump the dough onto it and gently fold it over itself several times. Shape it into a round and place it 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 1.5 to 2 hours) or refrigerate overnight (8-10 hours).
Step 6: Heat the Oil
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 370°F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
Dust your work surface again with flour and roll out the dough into a rectangle (17×11 inches) about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into approximately 20-22 squares using a pizza cutter.
Step 8: Fry the Beignets
Fry squares in batches of three to four at a time. Gently add them to hot oil and ladle hot oil over them while frying. Cook each side for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 9: Transfer & Repeat
Transfer cooked beignets to the baking sheet lined with paper towels. Repeat frying with remaining dough.
Step 10: Dust & Serve
While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh strainer just before serving. Enjoy your homemade 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. Their fluffy texture and sweet flavor make them perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your beignet experience.
With Coffee or Chicory
- Pair your beignets with a hot cup of café au lait made with equal parts coffee and steamed milk. The rich flavor complements the sweetness of the beignets beautifully.
Dusting Variations
- While powdered sugar is traditional, try adding cocoa powder or cinnamon sugar for a unique twist. This adds a new layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Fresh Fruits
- Serve with fresh berries or sliced bananas on the side. The natural sweetness of fruits balances the richness of the fried dough.
Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the crispy exterior of the beignets.
Ice Cream
- For an indulgent dessert, serve warm beignets with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream creates an irresistible combination.
Dipping Sauces
- Consider providing dipping sauces such as chocolate or caramel sauce. This allows guests to customize their experience and enjoy different flavors.
How to Perfect New Orleans-Style Beignets
To achieve the perfect New Orleans-style beignets, follow these helpful tips that will ensure they are light, fluffy, and delicious.
- Use fresh yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast. Fresh yeast ensures your dough will rise properly for fluffy beignets.
- Temperature matters: Make sure your liquids are warm (not hot) when activating yeast. This promotes a healthy rise without killing the yeast.
- Don’t skip resting time: Allowing the dough to rise until doubled in size is crucial. It develops flavor and creates that airy texture.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keeping oil at 370ºF is key for cooking beignets evenly. Too cool, and they absorb too much oil; too hot, and they burn outside while remaining raw inside.
- Avoid overcrowding when frying: Frying only a few at a time allows for even cooking and prevents temperature drops in the oil.
- Serve immediately: Beignets are best served warm. Enjoy them fresh out of the fryer for maximum fluffiness and taste.
Best Side Dishes for New Orleans-Style Beignets
Serving side dishes alongside New Orleans-style beignets can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Café au Lait – A classic pairing made with equal parts coffee and steamed milk, enhancing the sweet flavor of beignets.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that adds brightness and freshness to balance the richness of fried dough.
- Grits – Creamy Southern-style grits provide a savory contrast to sweet beignets while rounding out breakfast offerings.
- Eggs Benedict – The rich hollandaise sauce over poached eggs complements sweet flavors, making it an elegant brunch dish.
- Bacon – Crispy bacon brings a salty crunch that pairs well with sweet treats like beignets for a balanced breakfast plate.
- Mimosas – Sparkling wine mixed with orange juice offers a refreshing beverage option that pairs perfectly with breakfast pastries.
- Sausage Links – Savory sausage links add heartiness to your meal, creating a satisfying combination with sweet beignets.
- Hash Browns – Crispy hash browns provide texture contrast and a savory option that rounds out any breakfast spread nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making New Orleans-style beignets can be a fun experience, but some common mistakes can ruin your batch. Here are some pitfalls to look out for.
- Skipping the yeast proofing: Always let your yeast activate by mixing it with warm liquid and sugar. This step ensures that your dough will rise properly.
- Using too much flour: Adding excess flour can lead to dense beignets. Start with less and only add more if necessary for kneading.
- Not letting the dough rise enough: Give the dough ample time to double in size. Rushing this process results in flat beignets.
- Frying at the wrong temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 370ºF. Too hot or too cold oil will affect cooking times and texture.
- Cutting uneven pieces: Try to cut uniform squares for even frying. Irregular sizes can lead to some being undercooked while others are overcooked.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover beignets in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Freeze unglazed beignets in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Ensure they are completely cooled before freezing.
Reheating New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds per piece, but this may make them soft.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making New Orleans-style beignets that can help you perfect your recipe.
How do I get my New Orleans-style beignets extra fluffy?
To achieve fluffiness, ensure your yeast is active when you mix it into the dough, and allow enough time for rising.
Can I make New Orleans-style beignets ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight before frying.
What oil is best for frying New Orleans-style beignets?
Peanut oil is ideal due to its high smoke point, but vegetable oil works well too.
How should I serve New Orleans-style beignets?
Serve them warm, generously dusted with powdered sugar. They’re delightful with coffee or hot chocolate.
Can I customize my New Orleans-style beignets?
Absolutely! You can add flavors like vanilla or almond extract, or fill them with chocolate or fruit preserves before frying.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans-style beignets are not just a treat; they’re an experience that brings joy and warmth to any breakfast table. With their light and fluffy texture, these pastries can easily adapt to different flavors and fillings based on your preferences. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a drink, they are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the taste of New Orleans with these delightful New Orleans-style beignets. These fluffy, sweet pastries are an irresistible treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special dessert. Coated in powdered sugar, each bite melts in your mouth and transports you straight to the vibrant French Quarter. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, these beignets capture the essence of Southern comfort food and are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy them fresh out of the fryer alongside coffee for a cozy morning experience or serve them at your next gathering for a festive touch.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 quart peanut or vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Warm the water and milk until slightly hot (not boiling).
- Combine warm liquid with sugar and sprinkle yeast; let it activate for about 15 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in beaten egg, salt, softened butter, and flour until a thick dough forms.
- Knead gently on a floured surface; place in an oiled bowl and cover to rise until doubled (about 1.5 to 2 hours).
- Heat oil to 370°F in a Dutch oven.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle and cut into squares.
- Fry squares in batches until golden brown (about 1-2 minutes per side).
- Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun/Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet (30g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: <10mg
