New Orleans-Style Beignets
These easy New Orleans-Style Beignets will transport you right to the French Quarter. These delightful pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any festive occasion. With their fluffy texture and sweet powdered sugar topping, you’ll find them irresistible. Making beignets at home is a fun experience that brings a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Flavorful Treat: The combination of warm dough and powdered sugar creates a delicious contrast that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve these beignets at breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert—everyone will love them!
- Crowd-Pleaser: With about 22 servings, these beignets are ideal for sharing with family and friends.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Pair them with coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful café-style experience.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your New Orleans-Style Beignets, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and enhance your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
- Baking sheet
- Dutch oven
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Fine-mesh strainer
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep-fry thermometer: Ensures your oil is at the perfect temperature for frying, resulting in golden-brown beignets without excess grease.
- Fine-mesh strainer: Helps dust the powdered sugar evenly over the beignets without clumps.
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 and Topping
- 1 quart peanut or vegetable oil, plus more for the bowl
- 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 or warm in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 1 minute.
- The mixture should be warm but cooler than 100°F.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
- Whisk in 1/3 cup granulated sugar into the warm liquid mixture.
- Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast and set aside for 15 minutes until foamy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add 1 beaten egg, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture.
- Beat with a wooden spoon until thick but smooth.
- Add remaining flour (1 1/2 cups) and mix until just combined; aim for a thick batter-like consistency.
Step 4: Prepare to Rise
- Dust a work surface with about 1/4 cup flour; dump the dough onto it.
- Gently fold the dough over itself 3 to 4 times; shape into a round ball.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 ½ to 2 hours).
Step 5: Roll Out Dough
- After rising, prepare your workspace with another dusting of flour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle (17×11 inches) about 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut into approximately 20–22 square pieces using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
Step 6: Heat Oil
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until reaching 370ºF.
- Line a baking sheet with two layers of paper towels.
Step 7: Fry Beignets
- Fry squares in batches of three to four; gently add them to hot oil.
- Use a heatproof spoon to ladle hot oil over each piece while frying.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides (about 1–2 minutes per side).
Step 8: Dust with Sugar
Transfer fried beignets to the lined baking sheet and dust generously with powdered sugar just before serving while they’re still warm.
Enjoy these delightful New Orleans-Style Beignets fresh from your kitchen!
How to Serve New Orleans-Style Beignets
New Orleans-style beignets are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a breakfast option or a sweet snack, these fluffy pastries can be paired with different accompaniments to enhance their flavor.
With Coffee
- Café au Lait – Pair your beignets with a rich café au lait for a classic New Orleans breakfast experience.
- Espresso – Enjoy the contrast of sweet beignets with a bold shot of espresso for an energizing treat.
With Fruit
- Fresh Berries – Serve alongside a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing twist.
- Sliced Bananas – The sweetness of sliced bananas complements the sugary coating of beignets beautifully.
As Dessert
- Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the beignets for an indulgent dessert option.
- Caramel Sauce – A rich caramel sauce adds a deliciously sweet layer to your beignet experience.
Topped with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Top warm beignets with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert that melts in your mouth.
- Gelato – Try pairing with gelato for an Italian twist on this New Orleans classic.
How to Perfect New Orleans-Style Beignets
Making perfect New Orleans-style beignets requires attention to detail and a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions to achieve the best results.
- Use Fresh Yeast – Ensure that your yeast is fresh and active for light, fluffy beignets. Old yeast can lead to dense dough.
- Knead Gently – Avoid over-kneading the dough; just fold it gently to maintain the airy texture that’s characteristic of beignets.
- Monitor Oil Temperature – Keep the oil at 370ºF while frying. Too hot will burn them; too cool will make them greasy.
- Dust Generously with Powdered Sugar – After frying, dust your beignets generously while they are still warm for that signature sweet finish.
Best Side Dishes for New Orleans-Style Beignets
Beignets are versatile enough to pair well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider when serving these delightful pastries.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the beignets and adds a healthy touch.
- Savory Grits – Creamy grits provide a savory contrast that enhances the overall meal experience.
- Eggs Benedict – This classic dish brings elegance and richness, perfect for brunch alongside sweet treats.
- Bacon or Sausage Links – Crispy bacon or savory sausage links add hearty flavors that complement sugary pastries.
- Mimosas – A light mimosa pairs well with sweet flavors and adds celebration vibes to any gathering.
- Green Salad – A simple green salad serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the rich taste of fried dough.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making New Orleans-style beignets can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Incorrect Yeast Activation: Ensure your yeast is fresh and activated properly. If the mixture doesn’t foam after 15 minutes, the yeast may be dead.
- Overworking the Dough: Avoid over-kneading the dough. Gentle folding is key to keeping your beignets light and fluffy.
- Ignoring Temperature: Frying at the wrong temperature can ruin your beignets. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 370ºF for perfect frying.
- Not Dusting with Powdered Sugar: Don’t skip the powdered sugar! Generously dusting right before serving enhances sweetness and presentation.
- Skipping the Rise Time: Allowing the dough to rise adequately is crucial for lightness. Patience is key—don’t rush this step!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Tips: Keep them at room temperature if you plan to eat them soon.
Freezing New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Duration: Freeze beignets for up to 1 month.
- Tips: Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to an airtight container.
Reheating New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making New Orleans-style beignets:
How do I know when my New Orleans-style beignets are done?
The beignets should be golden brown on both sides, typically taking 1-2 minutes per side when fried at the correct temperature.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator for a more developed flavor.
What oil is best for frying New Orleans-style beignets?
Peanut oil or vegetable oil works best as they have high smoke points, ensuring even frying without burning.
Can I customize my New Orleans-style beignets?
Absolutely! You can add flavors like vanilla or cinnamon to the dough or use different toppings like chocolate or fruit preserves.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans-style beignets are not just a treat; they are an experience that brings warmth and joy. Their fluffy texture paired with sweet powdered sugar makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize with different flavors or toppings, making it your own unique creation. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!
New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 22 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible warmth of New Orleans-Style Beignets, a delightful treat that transports you straight to the vibrant French Quarter. These fluffy pastries, dusted generously with powdered sugar, are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any festive occasion. Their airy texture and sweet flavor make them an ideal comfort food that’s fun to make and even more enjoyable to share. Whether paired with coffee or served as a dessert, these beignets are sure to impress family and friends alike. Experience the joy of creating these classic Cajun delights in your own kitchen!
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
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 quart peanut or vegetable oil
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Warm the water and milk until just warm (not boiling).
- Whisk in sugar and sprinkle yeast; let foam for 15 minutes.
- Add beaten egg, salt, butter, and flour; mix until smooth.
- Knead gently on a floured surface; let rise until doubled (about 1.5 to 2 hours).
- Roll out dough, cut into squares, and heat oil to 370ºF.
- Fry beignets until golden brown (about 1-2 minutes per side), then dust with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
