New Orleans-Style Beignets
These easy New Orleans-Style Beignets will transport you right to the French Quarter. Fluffy, warm, and dusted with powdered sugar, these delightful pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy weekend at home, these beignets are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic New Orleans Flavor: Experience the true taste of New Orleans with every bite of these light and airy beignets.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can whip up these delicious treats.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a casual get-together, beignets add a touch of elegance to any event.
- Customizable Toppings: While powdered sugar is traditional, feel free to experiment with various toppings like cinnamon sugar or chocolate drizzle.
- Great for Sharing: These beignets are best enjoyed fresh and warm, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best New Orleans-Style Beignets, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure your cooking experience is smooth and successful.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
- Clean kitchen towel
- Dutch oven
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: This tool provides even heat distribution, ensuring your beignets fry evenly without burning.
- Deep-fry thermometer: Maintaining the oil temperature is crucial for achieving that golden-brown crust on your beignets.
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 and Serving
- 1 quart peanut or vegetable oil, plus more for the bowl
- 1 cup powdered sugar
How to Make New Orleans-Style Beignets
Step 1: Prepare 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 until warm but cooler than 100°F.
- Whisk in 1/3 cup granulated sugar, then sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast. Set aside for 15 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- Add 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. Stir in the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour until just combined; aim for a batter-like consistency.
Step 3: Let It Rise
- Dust a work surface with about 1/4 cup more flour. Dump the dough onto it and gently fold over itself 3 to 4 times.
- Shape into a round and place in an oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 1/2 to 2 hours).
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- Heat 1 quart peanut or vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 370ºF. Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
- Dust work surface again with about 1/4 cup flour. Roll out dough to a rectangle measuring approximately 17×11 inches and about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut into roughly 20 to 22 square pieces using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
Step 6: Fry the Beignets
- Fry in batches of 3 to 4 squares at a time by gently adding them to the hot oil. Use a large spoon to ladle hot oil over them while frying.
- Cook each side until golden brown (about 1 to 2 minutes per side).
Step 7: Serve Warm
- Transfer cooked beignets to the prepared baking sheet. Dust generously with 1 cup powdered sugar using a fine-mesh strainer before serving while still warm.
With this guide, you’re ready to create delightful New Orleans-Style Beignets that will wow your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings! Enjoy every fluffy bite!
How to Serve New Orleans-Style Beignets
New Orleans-style beignets are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether served at breakfast or as a sweet snack, these fluffy pastries can elevate any meal. Here are some fun and delicious serving suggestions.
With Coffee
- Café au Lait: Pair your beignets with a warm cup of café au lait for a classic New Orleans experience.
- Espresso: The rich flavor of espresso complements the sweetness of the beignets perfectly.
As a Dessert
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the beignets for an indulgent dessert.
- Fresh Fruit Compote: A berry compote adds a refreshing twist and balances the sweetness.
For Breakfast
- Whipped Cream: Top your beignets with a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful morning treat.
- Maple Syrup: Serve with warm maple syrup for those who love a sweet breakfast.
How to Perfect New Orleans-Style Beignets
Perfecting your New Orleans-style beignets takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your beignets turn out light and fluffy every time.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for maximum rise and fluffiness.
- Proper Dough Consistency: Aim for a thick batter-like consistency; this helps achieve the right texture.
- Temperature Matters: Maintain the oil temperature at 370ºF while frying to get that golden brown color without burning.
- Dust Generously: Don’t skimp on powdered sugar; it adds both sweetness and charm to your beignets.
Best Side Dishes for New Orleans-Style Beignets
Pairing side dishes with New Orleans-style beignets can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness alongside sweet beignets.
- Savory Grits: Creamy grits provide a hearty contrast to the sweet pastries.
- Bacon or Sausage Links: The salty richness of bacon or sausage balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Eggs Benedict: This classic dish introduces savory flavors that work well with sweet treats.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit offers a healthy, refreshing option.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can complement the sweetness, making for an interesting contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making New Orleans-style beignets can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can ruin the fun. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Skipping the yeast proofing: Not allowing the yeast to foam can result in dense beignets. Always give the yeast time to activate before mixing it with other ingredients.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold milk and water can shock the yeast, inhibiting rising. Ensure your liquids are warm but not hot for the best results.
- Overworking the dough: Kneading too much can make the beignets tough instead of light and fluffy. Gently fold the dough just until combined for optimal texture.
- Not monitoring oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn while the inside remains raw. Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent 370ºF for frying.
- Dusting with sugar too early: Adding powdered sugar while still hot can cause it to melt and create a mess. Wait until just before serving for that perfect dusting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Freeze unglazed beignets in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and heat beignets on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for about 15-20 seconds; this may make them slightly chewy.
- Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding New Orleans-style beignets.
What makes New Orleans-Style Beignets different from regular donuts?
New Orleans-style beignets are lighter and fluffier than traditional donuts due to their unique yeast dough and frying technique, giving them their signature texture.
Can I make New Orleans-Style Beignets ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight, allowing you to fry fresh beignets when you’re ready.
What is the best way to serve New Orleans-Style Beignets?
Serve warm and generously dusted with powdered sugar. They pair well with coffee or chicory for an authentic experience!
How do I know when my oil is ready for frying?
Use a deep-fry thermometer to check that your oil reaches 370ºF. Alternatively, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
Final Thoughts
These New Orleans-style beignets offer a wonderful blend of lightness and sweetness that makes them irresistible. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat, they can easily be customized with flavored sugars or dips. Try making these delightful pastries today!
New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 beignets 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of New Orleans-Style Beignets, a beloved French Quarter treat that offers a taste of Southern charm. These fluffy pastries are deep-fried until golden brown and generously dusted with powdered sugar, creating a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth sensation. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, they’re sure to impress family and friends with their irresistible flavor and texture. Whether you enjoy them alongside a warm cup of café au lait or drizzled with chocolate sauce for dessert, these beignets are a delicious way to bring a bit of New Orleans into your home.
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
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Warm the water and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Add sugar and yeast; let foam for 15 minutes.
- Mix in the beaten egg, salt, butter, and 2 cups of flour until thick but smooth. Stir in the remaining flour until just combined.
- Knead lightly on a floured surface, shape into a ball, and let rise in an oiled bowl covered with a towel until doubled (about 1.5 to 2 hours).
- Heat oil to 370°F in a Dutch oven. Roll out dough to about 17×11 inches and cut into squares.
- Fry squares in batches for about 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to paper towels and dust with powdered sugar before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 beignets (60g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <4g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
