New Orleans Beignets, small pillows of fried leavened dough covered in a generous dusting of powdered sugar, an icon of Creole cuisine.
Served hot, accompanied by coffee or hot chocolate, they make an irresistible breakfast or snack.
To achieve perfect beignets, soft inside and slightly crispy outside, I used Manitoba flour, which ensures excellent elasticity to the dough, and a long rising time to develop the structure best. The dry yeast allows a stable rise, while butter and milk provide a rich flavor and irresistible texture.
Frying them correctly is the secret to a perfect result: the oil must be at the right temperature (about 340-350°F) to achieve an even golden color without absorbing too much fat. After frying, the final touch is abundant powdered sugar, which makes them even more delicious.
The beignets are perfect for a special breakfast, a tasty snack, or even for an American-style brunch. Make them at home and bring a bit of New Orleans atmosphere into your kitchen!
At the end of the recipe, in the FAQ section, I answered some questions about this preparation. If you have any other doubts or curiosities, write a comment or use the contact form you find at the end of the page.
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Very economical
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 40 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Carnival, All seasons
- Energy 61.28 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 10.24 (g) of which sugars 3.10 (g)
- Proteins 1.76 (g)
- Fat 1.50 (g) of which saturated 0.62 (g)of which unsaturated 0.72 (g)
- Fibers 0.24 (g)
- Sodium 21.71 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 20 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for New Orleans Beignets
- 3 1/2 cups Manitoba flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 g dry yeast
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg (medium-sized)
- as needed powdered sugar
- peanut oil (for frying)
Tools
- Kitchen scale
- Stand mixer
- Pastry board
- Dough scraper
- Frying pan
Recipe for New Orleans Beignets
Start preparing the New Orleans beignets by putting water, milk, sugar, and dry yeast in the bowl of the stand mixer.
Let the yeast dissolve for 5 minutes, then add butter and a beaten egg.
Continue with flour and salt.
Knead in the stand mixer with a spiral hook for 10-15 minutes or until the dough comes together.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface, work it with your hands for a couple of minutes.
Shape it into a ball, place it in a floured bowl, and let it rise – covered – until it doubles in size.
Once risen, deflate the dough and transfer it to a floured surface.
Roll it out into a rectangular shape with your hands or a rolling pin.
Divide the dough into pieces about 1-2 inches, precision is not needed.
Heat the peanut oil in a pan or deep fryer.
If using a fryer, set it to 340°F.
Add the beignets (a few at a time so as not to cool the oil too much).
Turn them continuously and fry until they are well golden, it will take about a couple of minutes.
Transfer the beignets to a bowl lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve the New Orleans beignets with a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
New Orleans Beignets
Consult this section to clarify your doubts, if you don’t find the answer to your question, comment or write me using the form below.
During Carnival, don’t forget to also make Carnival Limoncini
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I prepare the beignets dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Before frying, let it sit at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes.
Can I bake the beignets in the oven or air fryer?
Traditional beignets are fried, but you can bake them at 350°F for about 15 minutes, brushing them with melted butter before baking. In an air fryer, cook them at 340°F for 8-10 minutes, also with a butter brush to keep them soft.
How can I store leftover beignets?
Beignets are best when freshly made, but you can store them in an airtight container for 1 day. Reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave or oven to make them soft again.
What can I serve with beignets?
Beignets are delicious with powdered sugar, but you can serve them with hot chocolate, honey, maple syrup, or jam for an extra touch of sweetness.
Carnival Menu, plenty of recipes and ideas from appetizers to dessert
For questions, curiosities, or if you want to collaborate with me, use the contact form below:
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