New Orleans Beignets
These classic New Orleans Beignets bring the iconic French Quarter experience straight to your table! Light, fluffy, square pillows of fried dough (no hole, just pure indulgence) are generously piled high with powdered sugar — just like the famous ones from Café du Monde.
Servings 8
Calories 290kcal
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ ounce package active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm water
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 5 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- Extra Canola oil for frying
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Activate the yeast — In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit until bubbly.
- Prepare the dry ingredients — In a smaller bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt for a light, even texture.
- Build the base — Add the evaporated milk, oil, sugar, egg, and half of the flour mixture to the yeast. Beat everything until smooth and creamy.
- Form the dough — Gradually stir in the remaining flour until you have a soft, sticky dough — this stickiness is what gives beignets their signature fluff.
- Chill overnight — Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the dough overnight. The long rest develops flavor and makes it easier to handle.
- Roll & cut — The next day, punch down the dough, then turn it out onto a well-floured surface (or pastry sheet). Roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Use a pastry cutter or pizza wheel to slice into 2-inch squares — no re-rolling scraps for the tenderest results!
- Heat the oil — In an electric deep fryer or Dutch oven, heat your oil to 375°F (use a thermometer for best results — this is key to perfect puff!)
- Fry to golden perfection — Fry the squares a few at a time, turning once, until they’re beautifully golden brown on both sides (about 1–2 minutes per side). Don’t overcrowd — let the oil recover between batches.
- Drain & sugar — Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels. While still hot, generously dredge or shower with powdered sugar — the more the merrier for that authentic Café du Monde mess!
- Serve immediately with chicory coffee and jazz on low.
Nutrition
Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 593mg | Potassium: 335mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 3.6mg