Beignets
How to make soft, sweet, and delicious New Orleans style Beignets. These delightful treats are perfect for brunch, dessert, or any festive gathering. With their airy texture and sweet flavor, beignets are a crowd-pleaser that can transport you straight to the streets of New Orleans. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe walks you through each step with clear instructions.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and butter creates a rich taste that pairs wonderfully with powdered sugar.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a holiday celebration, these beignets will impress your guests.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative! You can stuff these beignets with chocolate, fruit preserves, or even cream for an extra special treat.
- Fun to Fry: The frying process is enjoyable and rewarding as you watch your dough transform into golden puffs.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making beignets, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!
- Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
- Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
- Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle
Customer Reviews ★★★★★
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer (or large mixing bowl)
- Dough hook (if using a stand mixer)
- Large pot or deep fryer
- Candy thermometer
- Wire cooling rack
- Pizza cutter
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool makes mixing the dough easier and ensures it’s well combined without too much effort on your part.
- Candy thermometer: It helps you accurately monitor oil temperature for perfect frying results.
- Wire cooling rack: Allows excess oil to drain off the beignets while keeping them crisp.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these delicious beignets:
- 3/4 cup warm water (between 110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 envelope)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup milk (or evaporated milk) (120ml room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10ml)
- 3 3/4 cups All Purpose flour (450g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature) (42g)
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying or peanut oil)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g)
How to Make Beignets
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
Add the warm water to the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl if making this by hand or using an electric mixer. Add the yeast and half the sugar then set aside for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes bubbly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Measure out 3 ¾ cups of flour and mix it with the teaspoon of salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, pour in the milk, vanilla extract, remaining sugar, and add the egg. Whisk together until smooth before adding half of the flour mixture. Continue whisking until everything is combined smoothly.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Attach a dough hook to your stand mixer. Add the remaining flour gradually while mixing on medium speed. Once combined into a dough, add the butter and continue mixing until smooth—about four minutes. If it seems too wet, mix in an extra ¼ cup of flour as needed.
Step 5: Let It Rise
Transfer your dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for at least two hours. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
Step 6: Heat Oil for Frying
In a large pot fitted with a candy thermometer, pour about three inches of oil and heat over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, line a wire cooling rack with several layers of paper towels.
Step 7: Shape the Beignets
Once risen, roll out your dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Cut into squares measuring approximately 2–2½ inches using a pizza cutter.
Step 8: Fry Beignets
When oil reaches about 360°F, add the beignets in batches of three or four at a time; fry until puffed and golden on one side before flipping them over until both sides are golden brown.
Step 9: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Remove beignets from oil using a spider or slotted spoon and place them onto paper towels to absorb excess oil. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving!
Enjoy your homemade beignets, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
How to Serve Beignets
Beignets are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you are serving them for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, there are various creative presentations to consider.
Classic Presentation
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: The traditional way to serve beignets is by generously dusting them with powdered sugar just before serving. This creates a sweet and visually appealing treat.
Dipping Sauces
- Chocolate Sauce: Serve warm beignets with a side of rich chocolate sauce for an indulgent twist.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the beignets or offer it as a dip for a sweet contrast.
Coffee Pairing
- Café au Lait: Enjoy your beignets with a hot cup of café au lait. The creamy coffee balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Cold Brew Coffee: For a refreshing option, pair beignets with cold brew coffee on warm days.
Fresh Fruit
- Berries: Add fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries on the side for a burst of flavor and color.
- Banana Slices: Serve with sliced bananas for added sweetness and texture.
How to Perfect Beignets
Making perfect beignets requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.
- Use Warm Water: Ensure your water is warm but not hot when activating the yeast; this helps achieve the ideal rise.
- Allow Enough Rising Time: Don’t rush the rising process; giving your dough sufficient time will result in light and fluffy beignets.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to keep oil at 360°F (182°C) for optimal frying. This ensures that they cook evenly without burning.
- Handle Dough Gently: When cutting and shaping, handle the dough gently to maintain its airy texture.
- Dust Generously: After frying, dust your beignets generously with powdered sugar for that classic finish. It adds sweetness and enhances presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Beignets
Pairing sides with your beignets can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the beignets.
- Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide protein and complement the sweetness of the dessert.
- Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon offers a savory contrast to sweet beignets, creating a satisfying brunch plate.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side that pairs well with sweet flavors.
- Syrup-Drizzled Pancakes: Serve alongside pancakes drizzled with maple syrup for an indulgent breakfast spread.
- Hot Chocolate: A rich cup of hot chocolate makes for a cozy pairing, especially during colder months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making beignets can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Incorrect yeast activation: Not allowing the yeast to become bubbly can lead to dense beignets. Ensure your water is warm enough (about 110°F) and wait for about 5 minutes.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding the flour can make your dough tough. Mix just until it pulls away from the bowl.
- Inadequate rising time: Skipping or shortening the rising time will result in flat beignets. Allow at least two hours for proper expansion.
- Wrong oil temperature: Frying in oil that is too hot or too cold affects texture and flavor. Use a thermometer to maintain a steady 360°F while frying.
- Cutting uneven squares: Cutting your dough into uneven sizes can lead to inconsistent cooking. Use a pizza cutter for uniform squares.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover beignets in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 2 days in the fridge.
Freezing Beignets
- For freezing, place cooled beignets in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheating Beignets
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on high for about 10-15 seconds, but this may make them chewy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making beignets, here are some common questions answered.
What are Beignets?
Beignets are French-style fried pastries that are light, fluffy, and often dusted with powdered sugar. They are a popular treat in New Orleans cuisine.
Can I use different types of flour for Beignets?
Yes! While all-purpose flour is standard, you can experiment with cake flour for an even lighter texture or whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
How do I know when my oil is ready for frying Beignets?
Use a thermometer to check that the oil reaches 360°F. A small piece of dough should bubble vigorously when dropped in if the temperature is right.
Can I fill my Beignets?
Absolutely! You can fill beignets with jam, cream, or custard. Simply inject the filling using a piping bag after frying.
Final Thoughts
These delicious New Orleans style beignets are perfect for any occasion. Their soft texture and sweet flavor make them irresistible! Feel free to customize them with different fillings or toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
Beignets
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of homemade beignets, a New Orleans classic that’s bound to impress your family and friends. These fluffy, sweet treats are lightly fried to golden perfection and generously dusted with powdered sugar, making them perfect for brunch or dessert. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll master the art of creating these irresistible pastries right in your kitchen. Whether enjoyed plain or filled with your favorite jam or cream, beignets offer a delightful taste of the French Quarter that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of New Orleans.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk (or evaporated milk)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast by combining warm water, yeast, and half the sugar; let it sit until bubbly.
- Mix flour and salt in a bowl separately.
- Combine bubbly yeast mixture with milk, vanilla, remaining sugar, and egg; whisk until smooth. Gradually mix in half of the flour.
- Add remaining flour while kneading on medium speed until smooth; incorporate butter well.
- Allow dough to rise in an oiled bowl for at least two hours.
- Heat oil to 360°F in a deep pot.
- Roll out dough into a rectangle and cut into squares.
- Fry beignets until puffed and golden on both sides; drain on paper towels.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: New Orleans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet (30g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
