How to Make the Perfect Beignets
American · Easy · 35 min · 24 servings
Beignets are a magical kid friendly fried pastry from New Orleans that are pillowy soft inside and dusted with clouds of powdered sugar. Kids absolutely love the sweet fluffy bites and the fun of the powdered sugar flying everywhere.
Why this recipe works
This Beignets recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 145 calories with 3g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 0.75 cup warm water
- 3.5 cups all purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 whole large egg
- 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
Dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Mix together flour and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Add the egg and yeast mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly for 2 minutes then cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a floured surface to about half an inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 2 inch squares. Place squares on a floured tray and cover loosely with a towel for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil to 370 degrees F in a deep pot. Fry the beignets in small batches for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until deep golden and puffed. They will puff up dramatically when dropped into the hot oil. Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Dust and Serve
While the beignets are still hot, transfer them to a plate and dust extremely generously with powdered sugar using a sifter. These are best served immediately while still warm and puffed. Warn kids about the sugar dust storm that follows.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- active dry yeast → instant yeast which skips the proofing step and saves 5 minutes
- vegetable oil → peanut oil which gives a cleaner fry flavor preferred in New Orleans
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Letting the oil temperature drop too low by adding too many beignets at once
- Not dusting enough powdered sugar which is the defining feature of authentic beignets
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 145 calories, 3g protein, 18g carbs, 7g fat, 0g fiber.
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