Easy Beignet Recipe (New Orleans Style)

Looking for an easy beignet recipe? Look no further! This New Orleans-style dessert is simple to make and perfect for any occasion. Beignets are a deep-fried doughnut-like pastry that is typically served with powdered sugar and coffee.

In this recipe, we will show you how to make beignets from scratch using just a few simple ingredients. So get ready to indulge in some deliciousness!

What is a Beignet?

A beignet is a fried dough pastry that originates from France. It is often compared to a doughnut because of its shape and fried nature, but beignets are actually made with a lighter dough and do not have any holes in the center. Beignets can be made with various different types of flour, but the most common is plain white flour.

Ingredients you need to make Beignets:

1. Flour
2. Yeast
3. Warm water
4. Sugar
5. Salt
6. Vegetable Oil
7. Powdered Sugar
8. Whole milk
9. Butter
10. Vanilla

How to Make Beignets?

Making beignets is actually quite simple! 1. In a large mixing bowl add warm water, 1 pack of yeast, and half of the sugar. Mix until sugar dissolves. Let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.

2. In a separate large bowl add 3 3/4 cups of flour and a teaspoon of salt. Mix until combined

3. Once the yeast is foamy pour in milk, vanilla, rest of the sugar, and egg. Mix together.

4. Add in half of the flour mixture and mix until the batter is smooth.

5. Pour in the rest of the flour. With your dough hook mix on medium speed until the dough comes together.

6. Add in the butter and continue mixing until the dough is smooth and pulling away from the bowl.

7. Oil a large bowl and form the dough into a ball and place the dough inside. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place or at room temperature for 2 hours or until doubled. 

8. Punch down the dough to release the air and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough into even sized rectangles ( 1/4″ thick).

9. Cut the dough into squares. Place the squares on lined parchment paper and cover with plastic wrap – let the dough rest for 5 minutes. 

10. Prepare a large pot with oil. Put in a candy/deep fryer thermometer. Once the oil reaches 330-360F add the beignets without overcrowding.

11. Fry each side until puffed and light golden brown (about 2-3 minutes on each side)

12. Remove beignets and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil.

13. Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!

What’s the difference between a beignet and a donut?

Beignets are fried dough pastries that originate from France, while donuts are fried dough pastries that originated in the United States.

Beignets are made with fewer eggs than donuts and the dough is also lighter.

Beignets are typically square-shaped, while donuts are typically round with a hole in the center.

Beignets are usually coated with powdered sugar, while donuts can be coated with various toppings such as glazes, frosting, or sprinkles.

Tips for making the best beignets

1. Use a deep pot or Dutch oven for frying to ensure that the oil is deep enough to cover the beignets completely.
2. Do not overcrowd the pot when frying, otherwise, the beignets will stick together and become difficult to flip.
3. Once they are fried, drain the beignets on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
4. Use a candy thermometer for monitoring the temperature of the oil. The ideal temperature for frying beignets is between 360-375 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Don’t roll your dough too thin, otherwise, the beignets will cook too quickly on the outside and not have enough time to puff up.
6. To proof the yeast mixture, your water should be between 110 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast. If it’s not hot enough, the dough won’t rise.

What do Beignets taste like?

Beignets taste like a light fried doughnut with a subtle sweetness.

What to serve with beignets?

In New Orleans, they usually serve beignets with a cup of coffee or chicory coffee. You could also serve them with tea, hot chocolate, chocolate dipping sauce, or milk.

Toppings to put on beignets

1. Honey
2. Chocolate Sauce
3. Powdered Sugar
4. Cinnamon Sugar
5. Whipped Cream
6. Fresh Fruit
7. Maple Syrup
8. Caramel Sauce
9. Nuts

How to bake beignets instead of frying

If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can bake your beignets instead of frying them.

To do this, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Once they’re out of the oven, immediately dust them with powdered sugar.

Can you make beignets savory?

Yes, you can! If you’d like to make savory beignets, simply omit the sugar in the recipe and add your favorite savory toppings. Popular savory toppings include cheese, bacon, and chives.

How long do beignets last?

Beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but they will last for up to 24 hours if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Print