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Beignets

Photo Credit
f11photo/Shutterstock
Written By: The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors The Almanac Editors and Staff
Yield
Makes 2 to 3 dozen.
Category
Bread
Course
Side Dishes
Sources
Weekly Wisdom

Get ready to revel in the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025! Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of New Orleans by savoring the beloved beignets—golden-fried dough pillows that steal the show during Carnival season. For an authentic celebration, plan ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and fry it up in the morning, ensuring your beignets are served piping hot and heavenly.

Experience the joy of Mardi Gras by bringing a taste of New Orleans to your home. Allow the dough to rest overnight, letting the flavors develop and intensify. As the morning Sun rises, immerse yourself in the culinary magic of frying these delectable treats, creating an atmosphere that echoes the lively spirit of Carnival. Embrace the tradition, share the joy, and make this Mardi Gras a flavorful and memorable occasion! 

(Although, truth be told, these Beignets taste incredible any day of the year!)

Ingredients
1 package dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon oil
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
3 cups all-purpose flour
oil for deep frying
powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast in the warm water. 
  2. Add the next five ingredients plus optional salt, if desired, then beat in the flour. Dough will be sticky.
  3. On a floured board, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch. Cut into 2-inch squares.
  4. Heat oil to 370 degrees F. Drop beignets in oil a few at a time. As they puff, turn them to brown the other side. 
  5. Remove, drain, and dust with powdered sugar.

About The Author
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Almanac Editors and Staff

Under the guiding hand of its first editor, Robert B. Thomas, the premiere issue of The Old Farmer’s Almanac was published in 1792 during George Washington’s first term as president.Today, the Almanac...
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Comments

<span>Sarah Pogue</span> Mon, 02/20/2023 - 11:48
I’m not sure if I missed this but I don’t see instructions on how to make these. I see to mix the dough, but then it doesn’t say if we knead it and how to store it overnight. Do we put it in the refrigerator or leave it on the counter. I’m just confused on what to do after I have mixed the ingredients together.
<span>Nancy Pendley</span> Sat, 02/25/2023 - 01:28
From what I can tell, you don't let it rise and then knead it again..i think you just deep fry what you want and im going to look for other recipes to see if the rest of it can be saved but it seems to be just the right amount for one time cooking
<span>Jean</span> Sun, 02/19/2023 - 20:52
Is all-purpose aka plain flour used? Since it 'said' salt was optional, I am thinking so.
<span>Monica Swift-H…</span> Sat, 02/26/2022 - 09:52
The first time I made beignets, I used canola oil. We had just come from New Orleans and my husband and I both said, good, but not exactly right. If you want the taste of NOLA, cottonseed oil is what they use to fry them up. Sadly, I can't find it on the west coast and now can't find it online, at least not affordable. :(
<span>Jay</span> Mon, 02/20/2023 - 11:29
You can find cottonseed oil in grocery stores in Jewish neighborhoods about a week before Passover. The main kosher for Passover oil used is rape seed / cottonseed. It will be seasonal, so if you want a large supply, buy a few bottles.
<span>Susan Las</span> Wed, 03/03/2021 - 11:43
To Elle,maybe is was a simple misprint,maybe they meant Make Beignets ..thanks for your clever hubbys comment,it made me laugh. This is a traditional recipe and if it could be baked it certainly would alter the taste and texture.
<span>Elle Jaye</span> Tue, 02/16/2021 - 13:34
I was directed to this recipe with the email stating "How to Bake Beignets". I do not see any information in this recipe regarding baking. Disappointing. My husband said it's a "bake and switch" email. (wry smile)
<span>Eric Aschendorf</span> Tue, 02/16/2021 - 09:06
I have only had Beignets a few times. Every time the center was gooey. What are the people doing wrong that leaves them apparently uncooked in the center?
<span>Ramona Brown</span> Mon, 02/28/2022 - 10:44
It could be you are not rolling it thin enough these are much like Mexican Sopapillas it has to be thin
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Wed, 02/17/2021 - 13:50

Hi, Eric. The problem may be that the cooking oil was too hot. In this case, the outside browns fast and does not allow for the inside to cook thoroughly.