Bringing a Taste of New Orleans Home: How to Make Classic Beignets

Bringing a Taste of New Orleans Home: How to Make Classic Beignets

Few treats are as iconic and indulgent as the beignet, a classic New Orleans pastry that’s deep-fried to golden perfection and generously dusted with powdered sugar. Whether you’ve strolled through the French Quarter or simply enjoy the idea of a warm, pillowy treat, beignets are a must-try for any home baker. Light, airy, and slightly crispy on the outside, these doughy delights are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee.

Here’s how to make classic beignets at home, bringing a little taste of Louisiana right to your kitchen.

Recipe: Classic Beignets

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For Dusting:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is activated.

2. Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined.
  2. Add the yeast mixture to the egg and milk, stirring until incorporated.
  3. Gradually add 2 cups of the flour and the salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Add the melted butter and continue mixing.
  5. Slowly add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook attachment and knead for about 4-5 minutes. If kneading by hand, knead on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth.

3. Let the Dough Rise:

  1. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Beignets:

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and turn it out onto a floured surface.
  2. Roll the dough into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
  3. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 2 ½ to 3-inch squares.

5. Fry the Beignets:

  1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need about 2-3 inches of oil for frying.
  2. Carefully drop a few dough squares into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until the beignets puff up and turn golden brown.
  3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beignets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

6. Dust with Powdered Sugar:

  1. While the beignets are still warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar. Beignets are known for their signature thick coating of sugar, so don’t be shy with it!
  2. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Beignet:

  • Warm the Water and Milk: Make sure your water and milk are warm, but not too hot, to help the yeast activate and rise properly. The ideal temperature is about 110°F.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry the beignets in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy beignets.
  • Serve Fresh: Beignets are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer, while they’re still warm and crisp. If needed, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to crisp them up.

Optional Variations:

While classic beignets are perfect as they are, you can customize them with these fun variations:

  • Filled Beignets: After frying, fill the beignets with pastry cream, fruit jam, or Nutella by piping the filling into the center of each beignet.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Beignets: Instead of dusting with powdered sugar, toss the beignets in a cinnamon-sugar mixture while they’re still warm.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Add a touch of decadence by drizzling the warm beignets with melted chocolate or caramel sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

Beignets are perfect for any time of day! Here’s how you can serve them:

  • With Coffee: Enjoy your beignets alongside a hot cup of coffee, a nod to New Orleans’ famous beignet and café au lait pairing.
  • Brunch Treat: Serve a platter of beignets with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and bacon for a crowd-pleasing brunch.
  • Dessert Delight: Top your beignets with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel for an indulgent dessert.

Conclusion:

These beignets are just like the ones Leah sells at Dough Me Know in "Sweet on You." Her bakery is famous for its light, fluffy, and golden-brown beignets, dusted generously with powdered sugar, making them an irresistible treat at Clearmont's Fall Festival. Leah’s beignets, much like this recipe, have the perfect balance of crisp exterior and soft, pillowy inside, delivering a delicious bite every time. Whether enjoyed fresh from the fryer or paired with a cup of hot coffee, these beignets bring that same sense of warmth and indulgence that makes Leah's bakery a community favorite.

Bringing the flavors of New Orleans into your home is easier than you think with this simple and authentic beignet recipe. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these light and fluffy pastries are sure to be a hit. Dust them with powdered sugar and enjoy them while they’re warm for the full, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Happy frying!

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