How to Make the Perfect New Orleans Beignets
American · Medium · 90 min · 6 servings
New Orleans beignets are pillowy deep-fried dough squares generously buried under a snowstorm of powdered sugar, made famous by Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter. They are crispy on the outside with a light and airy interior that makes them completely irresistible with a cup of chicory coffee.
Why this recipe works
This New Orleans Beignets recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 90 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 7g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 0.25 cup white sugar
- 0.75 cup warm whole milk
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix and Rise the Dough
Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Add the warm milk and beaten egg and mix until a soft sticky dough forms. Knead for 8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 60 minutes until doubled.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about half a centimeter thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares of approximately 6 by 6 centimeters. You should get around 18 to 20 pieces.
Step 3: Deep Fry the Beignets
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 175 degrees Celsius. Fry the beignets in batches of 4 to 5 for about 2 minutes per side until they are puffed up and deep golden brown on both sides. Do not overcrowd the pot.
Step 4: Dust and Serve Immediately
Remove the beignets with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels. Transfer immediately to a plate and bury them completely under a very generous amount of sifted powdered sugar. Serve right away as they are best eaten hot.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- whole milk → evaporated milk which adds extra richness and is traditionally used in some classic recipes
- instant yeast → active dry yeast proofed first in warm milk with a pinch of sugar for 10 minutes
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Rolling the dough too thick which results in dense beignets that do not puff up properly when fried
- Being stingy with the powdered sugar which is a signature element and cannot be reduced for authentic results
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 7g protein, 56g carbs, 11g fat, 1g fiber.
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