The best beignets recipe yields warm, fluffy New Orleans–style beignets just like the ones at Café du Monde. Light, pillowy fried dough dusted generously with powdered sugar pairs perfectly with coffee for an irresistible treat.
Some of my clearest childhood memories come from the French Quarter in New Orleans. At about ten years old I was lucky enough to hear Fats Domino play piano from a second-floor veranda while singing “Blueberry Hill”—an unforgettable moment.
Walking through Jackson Square to watch street performers was always a delight. Local kids would earn a few dollars by fashioning tap shoes from bottle caps tied to their sneakers, and I loved watching them keep perfect rhythm as they danced to the music nearby.
Artists painting and sculpting, jazz drifting through the air and, of course, a visit to the famous Café du Monde were part of every trip.
Whenever we visited the Big Easy, I knew my fingers would end up dusted with sweet white powdered sugar from the beignets.
If you visit New Orleans, Café du Monde is a must. Their beignets and coffee are a one-of-a-kind experience and worth the trip.
Beignets are essentially rectangular fried dough pieces coated in powdered sugar. Enjoy them with café au lait or hot chocolate and you’ll quickly see why they’re so beloved.
Café du Monde is often busy with locals and tourists, but the line moves quickly. If you can’t find a seat, grab a brown bag of beignets to go and walk to the Mississippi River levee—sit back and watch the barges float by.
Southern Louisiana feels like its own world. The French Quarter’s wrought iron balconies and brick streets, the constant music, and the lively atmosphere make it a singular place to visit.
If you can’t make it to New Orleans, you can easily make beignets at home. They’re surprisingly simple to prepare—Laissez le bon temps rouler!
Louisiana inspired recipes
Try these easy, flavorful southern recipes inspired by life in Louisiana.
- Turkey Gumbo
- Louisiana Bread Pudding
- Crab Meat au Gratin
- Pink Shrimp Dip
- New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
New Orleans Style Beignets Recipe
Amy Duska
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 7 cups flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons fast-acting instant yeast 1 packet
- ¼ cup shortening
- 4 cups canola oil for frying, may need more
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
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Place the warm water, salt, eggs, and evaporated milk in a stand mixer and combine using a dough hook.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and yeast.
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Add 3 cups of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat until blended. Add the shortening and beat until well incorporated. Add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until the dough comes together and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 2 hours to rise.
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Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a candy or frying thermometer to monitor the temperature.
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On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into roughly 2″ x 3″ rectangles.
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Fry the rectangles in batches, 2–3 at a time, until lightly golden—about 1 minute per side. Watch them closely so they don’t overcook.
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Remove beignets from the oil and place them in a brown paper bag. Add powdered sugar to the bag and shake to coat the beignets evenly; add more sugar as needed. If you don’t have a paper bag, dust the beignets with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Notes