Name: New Orleans Beignets Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; ¾ tsp kosher salt; 3 tbsp sugar; 1 cup warm whole milk; 2 tsp active dry yeast; 1 egg; 3 tbsp butter; 8 cups Vegetable Oil; 3 cups powdered sugar

The mention of Beignets generally stirs up images of the French Quarter and the iconic Café Du Monde. This New Orleans Beignets recipe brings the taste of Bourbon Street right into your kitchen. These square-shaped doughnuts, devoid of a hole, boast of a light and airy inside, and a crisp outside. They're finished with a heavy dusting of powdered sugar for that quintessential café-style look at home.

Photos of New Orleans Beignets Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are pantry staples. However, active dry yeast might not be readily available in your home. It is an essential ingredient for the dough to rise and create the classic fluffy interior of the beignets. You can easily find it in the baking aisle of any supermarket. Another ingredient to note is powdered sugar. A generous amount is used to coat the warm beignets, so make sure you have enough on hand.

Ingredients for New Orleans Beignets

All-purpose flour: This is the base of the beignet dough, providing structure and body.

Kosher salt: Added to enhance the flavor of the beignets.

Sugar: A small amount is used in the dough for a hint of sweetness.

Whole milk: Warm milk is used to activate the yeast.

Active dry yeast: This is the leavening agent that causes the dough to rise and become fluffy.

Egg: It binds the ingredients together.

Butter: Adds richness to the dough.

Vegetable oil: Used for frying the beignets.

Powdered sugar: A generous dusting gives the beignets their trademark sweet finish.

One reader, Costa Tyree says:

I recently tried the New Orleans beignets recipe and it was a delightful experience! The beignets turned out fluffy and delicious, with the perfect amount of sweetness. The recipe was easy to follow and the end result was absolutely scrumptious. I highly recommend giving it a try!

Costa Tyree

Techniques Required for Making Beignets

How to prepare the dough: Combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a stand mixer, then add the foamy milk-yeast mixture and knead until a tacky dough forms.

How to shape the dough: Roll out the risen dough into an oblong shape, cut it into rectangles, and allow it to rest before frying.

How to fry the beignets: Heat the oil to 325°F, fry the beignets in batches until golden, then drain and coat them with powdered sugar.

How To Make New Orleans Beignets

New Orleans beignets are soft, pillowy squares of fried dough popular in Creole cooking. These are perfect for a sweet indulgent breakfast.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Rise Time: 2 hours

Total: 2 hours 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3cupsall-purpose flour,(415g), plus more for dusting
¾tspkosher salt
3tbspsugar,divided
1cupwarm whole milk
2tspactive dry yeast
1egg,large
3tbspbutter,melted
8cupsvegetable oil
3cupspowdered sugar,for topping

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine 3 cups of flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
In a 4-cup measuring glass or medium bowl, combine the warm milk (it should be about 100°F), remaining tablespoon of sugar, and yeast, and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Beat the egg into the foamy milk mixture and add the mixture to the mixing bowl of flour. Mix by hand or using the paddle attachment with a stand mixer set to low or medium low, until there is a wet dough with shaggy dry bits throughout. Swap out the paddle attachment for the dough hook. Add the melted butter. Set the mixer to medium-low until the butter is incorporated, about 1 minute.
Turn the mixer up to medium or medium-high (depending on the size and weight of the mixer) and knead on the hook for about 6 minutes. The dough should be tacky to the touch but not so wet.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic and allow it to rise for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
Fill a large 4-quart pot with a few inches of vegetable oil (about 2 quarts). Set a cooling rack over a baking sheet and place it next to the pot of oil along with tongs.
Sift 3 cups of powdered sugar into a medium-sized mixing bowl and set next to the rack and a sheet pan.
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out into an oblong shape (about 10 inches by 14 inches and ¼ inch thick). Cut the dough into 12 rough rectangles and cover with a flour-dusted tea towel to rest while heating the oil.
Heat the frying oil to 325 degrees F. Fry the beignets in batches for about 1½ to 2 minutes per side, until golden.
Use tongs or a frying spider to lift the beignets out of the frying oil and place them on the baking rack. Let some of the fat drain off for about a minute before covering in powdered sugar.
Drop the drained beignets into the bowl with the powdered sugar. Turn to coat. Repeat with the remaining beignets.
Serve warm with another generous dusting of powdered sugar and hot coffee on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 1607.80kcal
Fat: 153.57g
Saturated Fat: 12.09g
Trans Fat: 1.26g
Monounsaturated Fat: 108.60g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 25.88g
Carbohydrates: 58.18g
Fiber: 1.02g
Sugar: 33.59g
Protein: 4.62g
Cholesterol: 23.00mg
Sodium: 133.40mg
Calcium: 31.13mg
Potassium: 73.13mg
Iron: 1.55mg
Vitamin A: 39.37µg
Vitamin C: 0.00mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Beignets

When frying your beignets, it's important to maintain the oil temperature at 325 degrees F. If the oil is too hot, the beignets will brown too quickly on the outside and remain doughy on the inside. Conversely, if the oil is not hot enough, the beignets will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Using a deep-fry thermometer can help you keep a consistent temperature. Additionally, don't overcrowd the pot; fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Beignets

Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to make the beignets to streamline the cooking process.

Use a stand mixer: Utilize a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough, saving time and effort compared to kneading by hand.

Preheat the oil: Begin heating the oil while the dough is rising to minimize waiting time before frying the beignets.

Work in batches: Fry the beignets in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding in the pot, which can lead to uneven frying.

Set up a production line: Arrange a station for coating the beignets with powdered sugar to efficiently coat them as soon as they come out of the oil.

Multi-task: While the beignets are frying, prepare the powdered sugar for coating and set up a space for draining and coating the hot beignets.

Substitute Ingredients For New Orleans Beignets Recipe

all-purpose flour - Substitute with cake flour: Cake flour has a lower protein content, resulting in a lighter and more tender texture, which is ideal for beignets.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of salinity and enhances the overall flavor without being overly processed.
whole milk - Substitute with 2% milk: 2% milk provides a slightly lower fat content while still maintaining the creamy texture necessary for the beignet dough.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be added directly to the dry ingredients without needing to be activated in warm liquid, making it a convenient substitute.
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying the beignets.
powdered sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can be used as a substitute for dusting the beignets, although the texture will be slightly different.

Presenting New Orleans Beignets

Elevate the beignets: Place the beignets on a pristine white plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded. This will showcase their golden-brown color and delicate powdered sugar coating.
Incorporate visual contrast: Pair the beignets with a drizzle of rich, dark chocolate sauce to create a striking contrast against the powdered sugar. This will add depth and visual appeal to the plate.
Artful powdered sugar dusting: Instead of a traditional dusting, use a fine-mesh sieve to create an ethereal, cloud-like layer of powdered sugar over the beignets. This delicate touch will add an artistic element to the presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Introduce a touch of freshness and color by garnishing the plate with a few sprigs of mint or microgreens. This subtle addition will elevate the visual appeal and provide a hint of herbal aroma.
Elevate the plating with edible flowers: Introduce a pop of color and elegance by delicately placing a few edible flowers, such as violets or pansies, around the plate. This will add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Use elegant serving ware: Opt for refined, minimalist porcelain plates or slate platters to showcase the beignets. The simplicity of the serving ware will allow the beignets to take center stage.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the beignets in a symmetrical pattern on the plate, creating a visually pleasing and balanced presentation that reflects precision and attention to detail.
Introduce a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, delicately place a few edible gold leaf accents on the plate. The shimmering gold will add opulence and sophistication to the overall presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Beignets

Stand mixer: A stand mixer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for mixing the beignet dough. It comes with various attachments such as a paddle and a dough hook, making it suitable for different stages of the recipe.
Measuring glass: A measuring glass is essential for accurately measuring and combining the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in the initial steps of the recipe.
Cooling rack: A cooling rack is used to drain the fried beignets and allows excess oil to drip off, ensuring a crispy texture.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is placed under the cooling rack to catch any drips or excess powdered sugar during the beignet preparation process.
Large pot: A large pot is required for heating the vegetable oil to fry the beignets. It should be able to accommodate a few inches of oil and provide ample space for frying.
Tongs: Tongs are used for safely flipping and removing the beignets from the hot oil during the frying process.
Sifter: A sifter is used to evenly coat the fried beignets with powdered sugar, ensuring a uniform and delightful sweetness.
Tea towel: A tea towel is used to cover the cut beignet dough while it rests, preventing it from drying out and maintaining its texture.

How To Reheat Leftover Beignets

The best way to reheat leftover beignets is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the beignets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method helps to restore their original texture and flavor.
Another option is to use an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the beignets in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. This method is quicker than the oven and can help to maintain the beignets' light and airy texture.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat beignets in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they are warm. However, keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer, less crispy texture compared to the oven or air fryer methods.
For a fresh-out-of-the-fryer taste, you can also reheat the beignets in a pot of hot vegetable oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the beignets for 30-60 seconds, or until they are heated through and crispy. Be sure to drain them on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, always dust the warm beignets with a generous amount of powdered sugar before serving to recreate that classic New Orleans flavor and presentation.

Interesting Fact About Beignets

The beignet is a popular pastry in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

Is Making Beignets at Home Cost-Effective?

This New Orleans beignets recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and commonly found in most kitchens, making it budget-friendly. The use of basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and yeast keeps the cost low. Additionally, the recipe yields a generous amount of beignets, making it suitable for a family. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, depending on the prices of ingredients in your area. Overall Verdict: 9/10.

Are Beignets Healthy or Unhealthy?

The New Orleans beignets recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - all-purpose flour, whole milk, butter, and vegetable oil - are high in refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and calories. The generous amount of powdered sugar used for coating further adds to the calorie and sugar content. Consuming such treats regularly can contribute to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, and other health issues.

To make the recipe healthier:

Replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
Use low-fat milk or plant-based milk alternatives to reduce the saturated fat content
Opt for a healthier oil with a higher smoke point, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, for frying
Reduce the amount of powdered sugar used for coating, or consider using a sugar substitute or cinnamon for added flavor with fewer calories
Serve the beignets with fresh fruit compote or a drizzle of honey instead of excessive powdered sugar
Limit the portion size and frequency of consumption, treating the beignets as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular snack

Editor's Opinion on This Beignet Recipe

The New Orleans beignets recipe provided is a classic and authentic rendition of the beloved French pastry. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve delicious results. The use of whole milk and butter adds richness to the dough, while the frying process creates a crispy exterior. The final touch of powdered sugar provides the perfect sweetness. Overall, this recipe captures the essence of New Orleans beignets and is sure to delight anyone who tries it.

Enhance Your New Orleans Beignets Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garden Salad: Create a refreshing mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing and a variety of colorful vegetables for a light and crisp side dish.

Grilled Asparagus: Prepare tender asparagus spears seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grilled to perfection for a flavorful and healthy accompaniment to the beignets.

Fruit Kabobs: Skewer a selection of fresh, juicy fruits such as strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi for a vibrant and sweet side dish that complements the rich and indulgent beignets.

Creamy Tomato Soup: Whip up a creamy and velvety tomato soup with a hint of basil and garlic, providing a comforting and savory option to enjoy alongside the warm and sugary beignets.

Similar Recipes to New Orleans Beignets

Cajun Jambalaya: This flavorful dish combines rice, vegetables, and a variety of meats such as sausage, chicken, and shrimp, all cooked together in a delicious blend of spices.

Southern Fried Chicken: Enjoy crispy, juicy fried chicken made with a seasoned flour coating and fried to golden perfection. Pair it with some mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic Southern meal.

Key Lime Pie: Indulge in a tangy and sweet dessert made with a graham cracker crust and a creamy, zesty filling made from fresh key limes. It's the perfect treat for citrus lovers.

Suggested Appetizers and Entrées to Accompany Beignets

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. Filled with a rich and creamy mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, these bite-sized appetizers are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: This classic appetizer is always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy blend of spinach, artichokes, and cheese is perfect for dipping with crispy bread or crunchy tortilla chips. It's a comforting and satisfying starter for any meal.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish by combining tender pieces of chicken with a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce. Serve it over a bed of al dente fettuccine for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a flavorful and colorful beef stir fry by quickly cooking thinly sliced beef with an assortment of crisp vegetables in a savory sauce. The result is a delicious and nutritious dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Why trust this New Orleans Beignets Recipe:

This recipe for New Orleans beignets is a tried and true classic, capturing the essence of the iconic French Quarter treat. The combination of warm whole milk, active dry yeast, and butter creates a light and airy dough that fries up beautifully. The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice bakers can achieve perfect beignets every time. With its authentic flavors and foolproof method, this recipe is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans. Trust in this recipe to bring a taste of the Big Easy into your home.

Want to share your experience making New Orleans Beignets or have any tips to perfect this classic recipe? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

How long does it take for the dough to rise?

The dough typically takes 1 to 2 hours to double in size during the rising process.

Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use other types of oil suitable for frying, such as canola or peanut oil.

Can I make the beignet dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beignet dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before frying.

How should I store any leftover beignets?

Store any leftover beignets in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.

Can I bake the beignets instead of frying them?

While traditional beignets are fried, you can bake them as an alternative. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown.