New Orleans-Style Beignets
These easy New Orleans-Style Beignets will transport you right to the French Quarter. These pillowy, powdered sugar-dusted delights are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Their light texture and sweet flavor make them a crowd favorite for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations. The unique blend of ingredients creates a taste that’s both nostalgic and utterly delightful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these delicious treats.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a festive gathering, these beignets fit right in.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of fluffy dough and sweet powdered sugar creates an irresistible treat.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist with flavors like cinnamon or chocolate!
- Family-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved in rolling and dusting the beignets for a fun kitchen activity.
Tools and Preparation
To make these tasty New Orleans-style beignets, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline the process and ensure perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep-fryer or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Heatproof spoon
- Fine-mesh strainer
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Ideal for frying, it maintains consistent heat for perfect cooking.
- Whisk: Perfect for ensuring your yeast mixture is well combined and foamy.
- Rolling pin: Makes it easy to roll out dough to the desired thickness quickly.
Ingredients
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, very soft
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided, plus more for kneading and cutting
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 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 Warm 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). Alternatively, warm over medium heat in a saucepan.
Step 2: Activate Yeast
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 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the following to the milk mixture:
– 1 large beaten egg
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
Beat with a wooden spoon until thick but smooth. Add remaining flour (1 1/2 cups) and mix until just combined. The consistency should resemble thick batter.
Step 4: Shape Dough
Dust your work surface with about 1/4 cup flour. Transfer the sticky dough onto this surface. Gently fold it over itself 3 to 4 times without overworking it. Shape into a round and place in an oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 5: Let Dough Rise
Set the bowl in a warm area to rise until doubled (about 1 1/2 to 2 hours). Alternatively, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (8 to 10 hours).
Step 6: Heat Oil
In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 quart peanut or vegetable oil. Use a deep-fry thermometer; aim for 370ºF. Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
Step 7: Roll Out Dough
Dust another work surface with about 1/4 cup flour. Roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 17×11 inches and about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into pieces (20 to 22 squares) using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
Step 8: Fry Beignets
Fry 3 to 4 squares at once:
– Gently add them to hot oil using hands or tongs.
– Ladle hot oil over them using a heatproof spoon.
– Fry until golden brown on each side (about 1–2 minutes per side).
Step 9: Drain Beignets
Transfer fried beignets to the prepared baking sheet lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining dough.
Step 10: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Just before serving while still warm, dust generously with 1 cup powdered sugar, using a fine-mesh strainer for an even coating.
How to Serve New Orleans-Style Beignets
New Orleans-style beignets are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve them for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, these fluffy pastries are sure to impress. Here are some creative serving suggestions.
With Coffee
- Café au Lait: Pair your beignets with a warm cup of café au lait, blending strong coffee with steamed milk for a classic New Orleans experience.
- Espresso: Enjoy the rich flavors of espresso alongside your sweet beignets. The bitterness of the espresso complements the sugary pastry perfectly.
Dusted with Extra Sugar
- Powdered Sugar: For an indulgent touch, dust your beignets with additional powdered sugar right before serving. It adds sweetness and enhances their visual appeal.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Mix cinnamon with sugar and sprinkle it over warm beignets for a delightful twist on the classic flavor.
With Dipping Sauces
- Chocolate Sauce: Serve your beignets with warm chocolate sauce for dipping. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pastries.
- Fruit Compote: A homemade berry compote offers a tart contrast to the sweet beignets, making for an exciting flavor combination.
How to Perfect New Orleans-Style Beignets
To achieve the best New Orleans-style beignets, follow these helpful tips. Each step ensures that your pastries come out light, fluffy, and delicious.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast. Fresh yeast ensures proper rising and fluffiness in your dough.
- Warm Environment for Rising: Place your dough in a warm area to help it rise faster. A slightly heated oven or near a sunny window works well.
- Avoid Overworking Dough: When folding or shaping the dough, handle it gently. Overworking can lead to denser beignets.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 370ºF. If it’s too cool, the beignets will absorb excess oil; too hot, they may burn.
- Serve Immediately: Beignets are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve them right after frying for optimal taste and texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add spices like nutmeg or vanilla extract to your dough for unique flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for New Orleans-Style Beignets
Beignets make an excellent addition to any meal or gathering. Consider pairing them with these side dishes that complement their sweet taste wonderfully.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the beignets.
- Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche provides protein and savory flavors, creating a satisfying meal.
- Bacon or Sausage Links: Crispy bacon or sausage links pair well with sweet pastries for a hearty breakfast option.
- Grits: Creamy grits offer a Southern touch that complements the sweetness of beignets while adding creamy texture.
- Oven-Baked Hash Browns: Golden crispy hash browns provide crunch and heartiness next to fluffy pastries.
- Spiced Tea or Hot Chocolate: Warm spiced tea or decadent hot chocolate can enhance the overall dessert experience when served alongside beignets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making New Orleans-style beignets, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use precise measurements for your flour and liquids. Too much or too little can affect the dough’s texture.
- Skipping the yeast proofing step: Allow the yeast mixture to foam before proceeding. This ensures your beignets will rise properly.
- Overworking the dough: Be gentle when folding and shaping the dough. Over-kneading can lead to tough beignets instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Frying at incorrect temperatures: Make sure your oil is at 370ºF before frying. If it’s too hot, the outside will brown too quickly, leaving the inside raw.
- Rushing the rising time: Give the dough enough time to rise until doubled in size. Skipping this step can lead to dense beignets.
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
- Freeze individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF. Place beignets on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat for about 10-15 seconds per beignet. Be cautious not to overheat, which makes them chewy.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make New Orleans-Style Beignets fluffy?
The key is allowing the dough enough time to rise and using proper frying temperatures. This creates that desired fluffy texture.
Can I use different types of flour?
While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can experiment with gluten-free blends. Just keep in mind it may change the texture slightly.
What should I serve with New Orleans-Style Beignets?
These sweet treats pair perfectly with coffee or hot chocolate, enhancing their delightful flavors.
How do I know when my beignets are done frying?
They should be golden brown on both sides. Use a thermometer or visual cues to ensure they are cooked through without burning.
Can I customize my New Orleans-Style Beignets?
Absolutely! Consider adding fillings like chocolate or fruit preserves before frying for a twist on the classic recipe.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans-style beignets are not just delicious; they are also versatile and fun to make! You can enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or even filled with your favorite jams. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and customize it according to your taste!
New Orleans-Style Beignets
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of New Orleans-style beignets, where each bite transports you to the vibrant streets of the French Quarter. These pillowy pastries are cloud-like in texture and generously dusted with powdered sugar, making them an irresistible treat any time of day—whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With a simple recipe that even novice bakers can master, these fluffy delights bring a touch of celebration to family gatherings or casual get-togethers. Customize them with your favorite flavors like cinnamon or chocolate for an even more delightful experience.
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, very soft
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 quart peanut or vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Warm water and milk until just below boiling.
- Whisk in granulated sugar and sprinkle yeast; let sit until foamy (15 minutes).
- Combine the yeast mixture with beaten egg, salt, softened butter, and 2 cups flour; mix until smooth.
- Gradually add remaining flour until thick batter forms.
- Dust work surface with flour; fold dough gently and shape into a round. Place in an oiled bowl and cover.
- Let rise in a warm area until doubled (about 1.5 to 2 hours).
- Heat oil to 370°F in a Dutch oven.
- Roll dough out to a rectangle, cut into squares.
- Fry beignets until golden brown on both sides (1–2 minutes per side).
- Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: New Orleans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet (35g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
