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, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these delightful pastries capture the spirit of New Orleans in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm dough and sweet powdered sugar creates an irresistible treat that everyone loves.
- Versatile Occasions: Perfect for breakfast, brunch gatherings, or as a special dessert, these beignets fit any occasion.
- Authentic Taste: Enjoy the classic flavors of New Orleans right at home without needing to travel to the French Quarter.
- Fun to Share: These beignets are great for sharing with friends and family, making them a perfect crowd-pleaser.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your own New Orleans-style beignets, gather the necessary tools for an effortless baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Large Dutch oven
- Fine-mesh strainer
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep-fry thermometer: Ensures that your oil reaches the right temperature for perfectly fried beignets without excess grease.
- Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly to achieve the perfect thickness for frying.
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 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: 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 or heat in a small saucepan until warm but cooler than 100°F.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
- Whisk in 1/3 cup granulated sugar into the warmed milk mixture.
- Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast.
- Set aside for about 15 minutes until foamy.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
- Add in the large beaten egg, kosher salt, softened unsalted butter, and 2 cups of flour.
- Beat with a wooden spoon until thick but smooth.
- Gradually add the remaining flour until just combined; aim for a thick batter-like consistency.
Step 4: Knead Dough
- Dust a work surface with about 1/4 cup flour and dump the dough onto it.
- Gently fold over itself 3 to 4 times; shape into a round ball.
- Place in a well-oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 5: Let Dough Rise
Allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1.5 to 2 hours) or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (8 to 10 hours).
Step 6: Heat Oil
Heat 1 quart peanut or vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 370ºF. Line a baking sheet with two layers of paper towels.
Step 7: Roll Out Dough
Dust your work surface again with flour; 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 or sharp knife.
Step 8: Fry Beignets
Fry squares in batches of three or four:
1. Gently add them to hot oil; use a heatproof spoon to ladle hot oil over them.
2. Fry until golden brown on each side (1–2 minutes per side).
Step 9: Drain Excess Oil
Transfer cooked beignets onto paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
Step 10: Dust with Sugar
While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh strainer before serving.
Enjoy your homemade New Orleans-style beignets!
How to Serve New Orleans-Style Beignets
New Orleans-style beignets are delightful treats that are perfect for breakfast or dessert. These fluffy pastries can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.
Classic Serving Suggestions
- Powdered Sugar: Generously dust the warm beignets with powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some rich chocolate sauce over the beignets for a decadent twist.
- Fruit Compote: Serve with a side of fresh fruit compote to add a fruity, tangy element.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can provide a creamy contrast to the soft beignets.
Beverage Pairings
- Coffee: Pair your beignets with a cup of strong coffee for a classic New Orleans experience.
- Café au Lait: This combination of coffee and steamed milk complements the sweetness of the beignets perfectly.
- Hot Chocolate: For a comforting option, serve with hot chocolate, especially on chilly days.
Creative Twists
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Place two beignets around a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Bourbon Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm bourbon caramel sauce over the beignets for an adult treat.
How to Perfect New Orleans-Style Beignets
Perfecting your New Orleans-style beignets requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out light and fluffy every time.
- yeast activation: Make sure the yeast is fresh and bubbly before mixing it in; this ensures proper rising.
- dough consistency: Aim for a batter-like consistency that is thick but smooth; this will yield lighter beignets.
- frying temperature: Maintain the oil at 370ºF during frying; too low will make them greasy, and too high can burn them quickly.
- resting time: Allow the dough to rise adequately until doubled in size; this is crucial for texture.
- cooling method: Let them cool briefly on paper towels after frying; this helps remove excess oil without making them soggy.
Best Side Dishes for New Orleans-Style Beignets
Beignets pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweet flavor. Here are some excellent options to consider serving alongside your delicious pastries.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that balances the sweetness of the beignets.
- Savory Breakfast Casserole: A hearty casserole offers a satisfying contrast, perfect for brunch gatherings.
- Bacon or Sausage Links: The saltiness of meat contrasts nicely with the sweetness of beignets for a well-rounded meal.
- Eggs Benedict: This classic egg dish enhances your breakfast table with its rich flavors, making it more indulgent.
- Hash Browns or Home Fries: Crispy potatoes add texture and heartiness, creating a complete breakfast experience.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries provides a healthy option that balances richness with tartness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making New Orleans-style beignets can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Incorrect Yeast Activation: Not allowing the yeast mixture to become foamy means it might not rise properly. Always wait for about 15 minutes after adding yeast to ensure it’s active.
- Too Much Flour: Adding too much flour can make the beignets dense instead of fluffy. Use just enough flour to handle the sticky dough and avoid adding extra while mixing.
- Improper Oil Temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the beignets will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to maintain an oil temperature of 370ºF for perfect frying.
- Overcrowding the Fryer: Frying too many beignets at once can lower the oil temperature drastically. Always fry in small batches for an even golden brown.
- Skipping Powdered Sugar: Without a generous dusting of powdered sugar, your beignets may lack that signature sweetness. Don’t forget this essential finishing touch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover New Orleans-style beignets in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Place cooled beignets in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month.
Reheating New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the beignets for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat beignets on a plate for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up, but note they won’t be as crispy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making New Orleans-style beignets that can help you get it just right.
What are New Orleans-Style Beignets?
New Orleans-style beignets are deep-fried pastries made from a sweet dough, typically served warm and dusted with powdered sugar.
Can I make New Orleans-Style Beignets without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce if you need an egg-free version, though the texture might differ slightly.
How long does it take to prepare New Orleans-Style Beignets?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, but allow additional time for rising (1.5 to 2 hours) and frying (around 20 minutes).
What is the best way to serve New Orleans-Style Beignets?
Serve warm, generously dusted with powdered sugar alongside coffee or hot chocolate for a classic experience.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans-style beignets are not only delicious but also versatile. Their fluffy texture and sweet flavor make them perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat. Feel free to customize them with flavored sugars or dips, making this recipe your own!
New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 10 servings 1x
Description
Experience the irresistible charm of New Orleans with these delightful New Orleans-Style Beignets. Fluffy and sweet, these deep-fried pastries are dusted with powdered sugar and evoke the spirit of the French Quarter in every bite. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, they’re easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
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
Instructions
- Warm water and milk in a bowl, then whisk in sugar and sprinkle with yeast. Let it sit until foamy.
- Mix in the egg, butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour until smooth; gradually add remaining flour to form a thick dough.
- Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface, place it in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1.5 to 2 hours).
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven to 370°F. Roll out dough into a rectangle and cut into squares.
- Fry squares in batches until golden brown (1-2 minutes per side) and drain on paper towels.
- Dust warm beignets generously with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: New Orleans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 beignets (70g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
