New Orleans-Style Beignets
These easy New Orleans-style beignets will transport you right to the French Quarter. Fluffy, sugary, and oh-so-delicious, these treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert. Whether you serve them at a brunch gathering or enjoy them as an afternoon snack, their light texture and sweet flavor make them irresistible. Plus, they are surprisingly simple to make at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: Enjoy the rich taste of traditional New Orleans beignets without leaving your kitchen.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these treats.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for brunches, parties, or just a cozy afternoon snack.
- Customizable: Experiment with different toppings or fillings to make them your own.
- Impressive Presentation: A dusting of powdered sugar makes these beignets look as good as they taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your New Orleans-style beignets, gather the necessary tools to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Large Dutch oven
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep-fry thermometer: Ensures the oil is at the perfect temperature for frying, giving you that golden-brown color without greasy results.
- Rolling pin: Helps achieve the ideal thickness for even cooking and perfect texture in 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 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 until warm (not hotter than 100°F).
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
- Whisk in 1/3 cup granulated sugar into the milk mixture.
- Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast and let sit for 15 minutes until foamy.
Step 3: Mix in Egg and Flour
- Add 1 large beaten egg, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter to the milk mixture.
- Stir in 2 cups of flour until thick but smooth. Add remaining flour until just combined.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
- Dust a work surface with about 1/4 cup flour and transfer dough onto it.
- Gently fold over itself 3 to 4 times until somewhat smooth; shape into a round.
- Place in a well-oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 5: Let it Rise
Set in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 ½ to 2 hours) or refrigerate overnight for an extended rise (8 to 10 hours).
Step 6: Heat Oil
Heat 1 quart of 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 7: Roll Out Dough
Roll out dough on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring about 17×11 inches and about ¼-inch thick. Cut into approximately twenty to twenty-two squares.
Step 8: Fry Beignets
Fry squares in batches of three to four:
1. Gently add to hot oil using tongs or hands.
2. Ladle hot oil over top while frying each side until golden brown (about 1-2 minutes per side).
Step 9: Drain Excess Oil
Transfer fried beignets onto prepared baking sheet lined with paper towels.
Step 10: Dust with Sugar
Just before serving while warm, use a strainer to generously dust with powdered sugar.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade New Orleans-style beignets!
How to Serve New Orleans-Style Beignets
Serving New Orleans-style beignets is not just about the treats themselves; it’s about creating an experience. These fluffy pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their delightful flavor.
With Coffee
- Café au Lait: Enjoy your beignets with a steaming cup of café au lait, made from half coffee and half steamed milk.
- Chicory Coffee: For an authentic New Orleans experience, serve them with chicory coffee, which adds a unique flavor.
Dusted with Sugar
- Powdered Sugar: Generously dust your warm beignets with powdered sugar right before serving for that classic look and sweet taste.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Mix some cinnamon with sugar for an extra twist on the traditional powdered sugar topping.
With Fruit Preserves
- Strawberry Jam: Spread some sweet strawberry jam on a warm beignet for a fruity contrast.
- Peach Preserves: Peach preserves add a delicious sweetness that complements the flaky texture of the beignet.
As Part of a Brunch Spread
- Mimosa Bar: Create a mimosa bar alongside your beignets for a festive brunch. Offer various juices like orange and cranberry to mix with bubbly champagne.
- Savory Dishes: Pair them with savory items like scrambled eggs or breakfast meats to balance flavors.
How to Perfect New Orleans-Style Beignets
Making perfect New Orleans-style beignets takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your beignets come out just right every time.
- Temperature Control: Keep the frying oil at 370ºF. This ensures that the outside crisps up nicely while the inside remains fluffy.
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be thick but smooth, similar to drop biscuit batter. Avoid overworking it.
- Rising Time: Allow enough time for the dough to rise until doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving light, airy beignets.
- Dusting Technique: Dust the beignets immediately after frying while they are still warm. This helps the powdered sugar stick better.
- Frying in Batches: Do not overcrowd the pot when frying. Frying in smaller batches ensures even cooking and prevents temperature drops in the oil.
Best Side Dishes for New Orleans-Style Beignets
Beignets can shine even brighter when served alongside complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent pairings that will elevate your meal.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad adds brightness and freshness, balancing the rich sweetness of the beignets.
- Eggs Benedict: This classic dish offers a savory option that contrasts nicely with the sweet pastries.
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage: The crunchy texture of bacon or sausage provides a satisfying contrast while adding savory flavors.
- Grits: Creamy grits seasoned with cheese make for a hearty side that pairs well with sweet treats.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries creates a light side dish that complements the richness of beignets.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and flavor variety, making them an excellent nibble alongside sugary pastries.
- Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche offers protein and heartiness, making it an ideal partner for morning gatherings.
- Coffee Cake: Serve slices of coffee cake for those who love a sweet treat during brunch without overpowering the main attraction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making New Orleans-style beignets can be a delightful experience, but several common mistakes can dampen your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Incorrect yeast activation: If the yeast isn’t foamy after 15 minutes, it may not be active. Ensure your water and milk mixture is warm but not too hot.
- Not enough flour: Adding too little flour can lead to overly sticky dough. Make sure to measure correctly and use enough flour for kneading.
- Overworking the dough: Kneading too much will make the beignets tough. Gently fold the dough instead of kneading it vigorously.
- Incorrect frying temperature: Frying at too low a temperature will result in greasy beignets, while too high will burn them. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Skipping the dusting: Beignets are traditionally served dusted with powdered sugar. Don’t skip this step for that authentic touch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Wrap each beignet individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place beignets on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Lightly pan-fry in a small amount of oil over low heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about New Orleans-style beignets that may help you in your cooking journey.
What are New Orleans-style beignets?
New Orleans-style beignets are fluffy, square-shaped pastries deep-fried until golden brown and generously dusted with powdered sugar.
How do I know when my oil is ready for frying?
You can check if the oil is ready by using a thermometer; it should reach about 370°F. Alternatively, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
Can I make New Orleans-style beignets ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator, then fry them fresh in the morning.
What variations can I try with my New Orleans-style beignets?
Feel free to add fillings like chocolate or fruit preserves before frying, or experiment with glazes instead of powdered sugar for a twist!
Are New Orleans-style beignets vegan-friendly?
Traditional recipes use eggs and dairy; however, you can substitute these ingredients with plant-based options to create vegan-friendly versions.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans-style beignets are a delightful treat that brings joy and warmth to any breakfast or dessert table. Their fluffy texture and sweet dusting make them irresistible. Feel free to customize your beignets with different fillings or toppings for an exciting twist!
New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 22 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of homemade New Orleans-style beignets, those fluffy, square pastries that are a staple of the French Quarter. With their warm, airy texture and generous dusting of powdered sugar, these treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Making them at home is easier than you might think! This simple recipe guides you through each step to create soft, sugary squares that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana.
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, beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 quart 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 hotter than 100°F).
- Stir in sugar and sprinkle yeast over the mixture; let sit for 15 minutes until foamy.
- Add beaten egg, softened butter, and salt; mix well.
- Gradually stir in flour until combined; knead gently on a floured surface until smooth.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl; cover and let rise for about 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Heat oil to 370°F in a large pot.
- Roll dough into a rectangle and cut into squares.
- Fry beignets in batches until golden brown on both sides (about 1-2 minutes per side).
- Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Louisiana
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet (30g)
- Calories: 112
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 23mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: <5mg
