Published: / Updated: by Amy / 16 Comments
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The best beignets recipe tastes just like the ones from Cafe du Monde in New Orleans. Warm and fluffy donuts are covered with powdered sugar and served with coffee for a delicious treat.
Some of my fondest childhood memories are set firm in the French Quarters of New Orleans. When I was about 10 years old, I had the rare experience to watch Fats Domino play the piano on a second floor veranda while he sang "Blueberry Hill". I was in awe.
Taking a stroll through Jackson Square to watch street performers was always a treat. To earn money, the local boys would createtap shoes by attaching co*ke bottle tops to the bottom of their sneakers with a piece of string. I was mesmerized by their ability to stay completely in tune with each other as they danced to the music that was playing near by.
Artists painting and sculpting, beautiful jazz music in the air and of course a visit to the famous Cafe du Monde.
Anytime we made a trip to the Big Easy, I knew at some point in the day, my little fingers would be covered in sweet white powdered sugar from the beignets.
If you ever go to New Orleans, Cafe du Monde is a must see. When I say, must see, I mean you must go and enjoy their one of a kind beignets and coffee.
In simple terms, beignets are rectangular shaped donuts that are covered with powdered sugar. Enjoythem with a cup of cafe au lait or hot chocolate and you'll understand what all the fuss is about.
Cafe du Monde is always packed with tourists and locals, but don't worry, the lineis quick. If you can't get a table, get a brown bag of beignets "to go". Walk over to the levee on the Mississippi River, lay back and watch the barges go by.
You'll be amazed at how beautiful it is.Visiting southern Louisiana is like going to another country. The French Quarter boasts original wrought iron horse stands and brick paved roads.
There's always music in the air and of course a party going on at all hours of the day and night.
If you can't get down to New Orleans to try a plate of beignets, why not make your own?
You'll be surprised how easy they are to make. Laissez le bon temps rouler!
Louisiana inspired recipes
You'll love these easy and delicious southern style recipes. All inspired from growing up in Louisiana.
- Turkey Gumbo
- Louisiana Bread Pudding
- Crab Meat au Gratin
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New Orleans Style Beignets Recipe
Amy Duska
The best beignets recipe tastes just like the ones from Cafe du Monde in New Orleans. Warm and fluffy donuts are covered with powdered sugar and served with coffee for a delicious treat.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 minutes mins
Rise Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 17 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 36 beignets
Calories 196 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 teapsoon 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
Place the water, salt, eggs and evaporated milk in a stand mixer and mix together using a dough hook.
In a separate bowl stir together the flour and yeast.
Add 3 cups of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat until blended. Add the shortening and beat until blended well. Add the remaining flour, a cup at a time, until the dough is coming together and starting to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit on the counter for 2 hours.
Heat the oil to 350° using a candy thermometer to measure temperature.
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough on a floured surface, into a large rectangular shape. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into 2" x 3" rectangles.
Drop the rectangles into the oil, 2-3 at a time, and let them fry on each side until they turn light brown, this only takes about a minute. Keep an eye on them or they will over cook.
Take them out of the fryer and place them into a brown paper bag. Shake the bag to coat the beignets. Add more powdered sugar to the bag as needed. (If you don't have a paper bag, dust with powdered sugar.) Serve them warm.
Notes
Store cooked beignets at room temperature in an air tight container for up to 2 days.
Keyword beignets
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Stacey says
Nola can I make the dough in advance and keep it in fridge for about 8 hours after it rises?
Reply
Amy says
See Also30+ Chocolate RecipesHi Stacey, I have never stored mine in the fridge but ... I've read that it can be kept in the fridge for a couple of days before frying them!
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Julianna Westgor says
You can make the dough ball in bulk and keep in fridge after making. When you want to use then take and roll/ cut/ proof to room temp before baking should work just fine! I’m a pastry chef and always have to find a way to make doughs for multiple days this is how I tend to do my yeast doughs!
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Didi says
LOVE NOLA! Though I must say, I prefer morning call over Cafe du Monde. We bought a box of Cafe du Monde beignet mix and I am waiting for the perfect moment to try it. LOL
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Amy says
There's another restaurant that gives Cafe du Monde a run for their money too(being from Louisiana I'm really not supposed to say that....shhhh). If you are ever in Savannah, GA, stop by a restaurant named Huey's. They have delicious beignets that they serve with praline sauce. Amazing! I'm pretty sure the owner is originally from Louisiana too....
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Carrie Golliher says
Absolutely! We had Huey’s beignets and they were to die for ❣️
Kathie says
I was just at Morning Call and I agree with you.
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Elizabeth @ Bowl of Delicious says
This certainly took me back! I lived in NOLA for 2 years and constantly miss it- especially moseying around the French Quarter, smelling the smells of beignets and listening to the clip clop of horses on the cobblestones... it's a multi-sensory experience that is unlike any other. I can't wait to try these!! Pinned 🙂
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Amy says
It's good to hear from someone who can really appreciate the beauty of all things New Orleans! I miss it so much. Thanks for stopping by Elizabeth!
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Chrissy says
I lived in NOLA for 4 years for grad/law school and Cafe du Monde is the reason I now drink coffee. The beignets are of course amazing, but the coffee...I still dream about whatever crack they put into it and to this day, cafe au laits are my go-to morning pick me up.
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Amy says
It brings back such good memories!
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nancie says
Grew up in New Orleans. My favorite city in the world! Still have beignet dreams LOL. Sadly, I have discovered I am allergic to gluten, so dreams they must remain. The coffee traditionally has chicory added. Maybe that is the flavor you miss.
Reply
Amy says
Hi Nancie! I definitely miss the chicory! It's certainly not for everyone but it does bring back memories 🙂 Might have to try to make them gluten free.
Mary says
Aren't you missing the sugar in this recipe?
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Elizabeth says
Just reading your description of New Orleans put me right back at little cast iron table at Cafe Du Monde with a cup of thick, sweet coffee and a plate of beignets. Your photographs are stunning - all that texture, and I love the white on white!Reply
Amy says
Thank you Elizabeth. I wish I could go back more often!
Reply
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!
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