New Orleans-Style Beignets
These easy New Orleans-Style Beignets will transport you right to the French Quarter. Fluffy, sweet, and dusted with powdered sugar, these delightful pastries are perfect for breakfast or a special occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or treating yourself, these beignets bring joy and flavor to any gathering. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find making beignets an enjoyable experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the traditional process, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm dough and powdered sugar creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve these beignets for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat anytime.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair with coffee or chocolate sauce for dipping to elevate your experience.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything in place makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
- Large Dutch oven
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Baking sheet
- Fine-mesh strainer
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep-Fry Thermometer: Ensures the oil is at the correct temperature for perfectly cooked beignets.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: Helps evenly dust the powdered sugar over the hot beignets without clumping.
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 Milk Mixture
Place 3/4 cup water and 1/2 cup whole milk in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 1/2 minutes on full power. Alternatively, you can warm them in a small saucepan over medium heat until just warm but cooler than 100°F.
Step 2: Activate Yeast
Whisk in 1/3 cup granulated sugar into the milk mixture. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast and set aside for 15 minutes until foamy.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
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. Add remaining flour (1 1/2 cups) until just combined; aim for a thick batter-like consistency.
Step 4: Prepare Dough
Dust a work surface with about 1/4 cup more flour and turn out the dough onto it. Gently fold over itself a few times before shaping into a round. Place in an oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 5: Let It Rise
Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Alternatively, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for better flavor development.
Step 6: Heat Oil
Heat 1 quart of peanut or vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven fitted with a deep-fry thermometer until it reaches about 370ºF. Line a baking sheet with two layers of paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 7: Shape Beignets
Dust your work surface again with flour and roll out the dough to a rectangle measuring about 17×11 inches and roughly 1/4 inch thick. Cut into approximately 20 to 22 squares (about 2 inches each).
Step 8: Fry Beignets
Fry in batches of three or four by gently adding them to the hot oil using tongs or your hands. Use a heatproof spoon to ladle hot oil over them while frying until both sides are golden brown (about 1–2 minutes each side).
Step 9: Drain Excess Oil
Transfer cooked beignets onto the lined baking sheet using tongs or a slotted spoon.
Step 10: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Just before serving while still warm, generously dust each beignet with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh strainer.
With these steps completed successfully, you can now enjoy homemade New Orleans-Style Beignets, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring alone!
How to Serve New Orleans-Style Beignets
New Orleans-style beignets are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast or as a dessert, these fluffy pastries pair perfectly with different accompaniments.
With Coffee
- Classic Café au Lait: Serve your beignets with a cup of rich café au lait for a true New Orleans experience.
- Espresso: The boldness of espresso balances the sweetness of the beignets nicely.
With Syrups
- Chocolate Syrup: Drizzle warm chocolate syrup over your beignets for an indulgent dessert.
- Maple Syrup: A touch of maple syrup adds a sweet and earthy flavor that complements the dough.
Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a tart contrast to the sweet pastry.
- Banana Slices: Sweet banana slices can enhance the flavor profile of your beignets.
Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side creates a deliciously creamy pairing.
- Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: For an extra treat, serve with caramel swirl ice cream that adds richness.
How to Perfect New Orleans-Style Beignets
Making perfect New Orleans-style beignets requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions for an even better result.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your active dry yeast is not expired for optimal rise and fluffiness.
- Temperature Matters: Keep your oil temperature around 370ºF. This ensures crispy exteriors while remaining soft inside.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough ample time to rise; patience leads to airy beignets.
- Cut Uniformly: Cut your dough into uniform squares for even cooking and presentation.
- Dust Generously: Don’t hold back on the powdered sugar dusting; it adds sweetness and is part of the classic presentation.
Best Side Dishes for New Orleans-Style Beignets
Pairing side dishes with your New Orleans-style beignets can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options.
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of beignets.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides freshness and balances out the rich flavors of the pastry.
- Eggs Benedict: This classic dish adds a savory touch that pairs well with sweet beignets.
- Grits: Creamy grits complement the texture of beignets, making for a hearty breakfast option.
- Fresh Orange Juice: A refreshing glass of orange juice brightens up the meal with its citrus zing.
- Savory Sausages: Adding spicy or herbed sausages creates a robust flavor contrast to sugary beignets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making New Orleans-style beignets can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Incorrect Yeast Activation: Ensure that the yeast is activated properly by waiting until it becomes foamy. If not, your dough won’t rise.
- Skipping the Rising Time: Do not rush the rising process. Allow the dough to double in size for a light and fluffy texture.
- Overloading the Oil: Frying too many beignets at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in smaller batches for even cooking.
- Not Using Enough Flour: Be generous with flour when rolling out the dough. A sticky surface makes cutting difficult and can ruin your shape.
- Serving Without Sugar: Don’t forget the powdered sugar! Dusting just before serving adds that signature sweetness and makes them irresistible.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover beignets in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Place cooled beignets in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individually for 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating as they may become tough.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making New Orleans-style beignets.
What are New Orleans-Style Beignets?
New Orleans-style beignets are fluffy pastries made from choux dough and fried until golden brown, typically dusted with powdered sugar.
Can I use different types of flour?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour; however, results may vary. Experiment with blends designed for baking.
How do I know if my oil is hot enough?
Using a deep-fry thermometer is best. The ideal temperature is around 370°F for frying perfect beignets.
Can I make New Orleans-Style Beignets ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator before frying in the morning.
Is there a way to customize New Orleans-Style Beignets?
Yes! You can add chocolate chips or fruit fillings before frying for delicious variations on this classic treat.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans-style beignets are not only delightful but also versatile, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to customize them with your favorite flavors or serve alongside coffee for an authentic experience. Try this recipe today and enjoy these heavenly treats!
New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of New Orleans with these easy-to-make New Orleans-Style Beignets. Fluffy and sweet, these delightful pastries are dusted with powdered sugar and are sure to transport you straight to the vibrant French Quarter. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat, these beignets are not only delicious but also fun to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find that creating these warm pastries in your kitchen is a rewarding experience. Whether enjoyed with coffee or paired with chocolate sauce, each bite is a celebration of comfort and joy.
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
- Peanut or vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Warm water and milk in a microwave-safe bowl until just warm (not exceeding 100°F).
- Mix in sugar and sprinkle yeast over the top; let it sit for 15 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in beaten egg, salt, butter, and half of the flour until a thick batter forms; then incorporate remaining flour.
- Turn dough onto floured surface and fold gently; place in an oiled bowl covered with a towel.
- Let dough rise in a warm area until doubled in size (about 1.5 to 2 hours).
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven to about 370°F.
- Roll out the dough and cut into squares.
- Fry beignets in batches until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain on paper towels and dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: New Orleans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
