New Orleans-Style Beignets Recipe - The Best Beignet Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between French beignets and New Orleans beignets? ›

New Orleans beignets are different from the classic French beignet in that they are made with yeast to help the dough rise. French beignets, meanwhile, are a choux pastry, a pastry that relies on moisture content instead of yeast to facilitate rising. Today, beignets are considered the official donut of Louisiana.

We use cottonseed oil at the Cafe Du Monde, and we recommend you use cottonseed oil. However you may use any vegetable oil you wish. Remember that the temperature of the oil will drop when you add the beignet dough to the oil.

Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter is the oldest and most iconic beignet shop, but several other cafes have become local favorites such as Cafe Beignet and Loretta's Authentic Pralines for their praline-filled beignets. See a full list of place to grab New Orleans beignets below.

At that time, beignets were generally called “French Market doughnuts,” something Fernandez rectified in 1958 when he rebranded them “beignets.” Asked why beignets are always served in threes, Roman had a very simple explanation: “My grandfather always sold them in threes, so that is what we still do today.”

Cafe Beignet on Royal Street – the one that started it all! Located in a converted 1800s carriage house, Royal St. offers a European cafe setting with a lush, tropical courtyard. Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, it is a perfect break for shoppers amidst antique shops and art galleries.

“Don't add too many pieces at once to the oil or else the oil temperature will drop, and your beignets will fry up flat. They will not puff up.”

Beignets are different than doughnuts in a few ways. First, the dough is made with a single rise. This creates a chewy texture rather than a fluffy one.

Why are my beignets raw in the middle? Oil that's too hot will quickly brown the beignets before the centers have a chance to cook. Make sure to check your oil temperature, and reduce the heat if your beignets are browning too quickly.

“You know I wouldn't come to New Orleans without getting beignets from Café Du Monde — or six bags of beignets,” Kardashian wrote via her Instagram Story in November 2017. Commander's Place is equally as popular among A-listers. The landmark restaurant is known for its must-try turtle soup.

Serve warm with another generous dusting of powdered sugar and hot coffee on the side. Did you enjoy this recipe?

What is the most expensive dessert in New Orleans? ›

Arnaud's Restaurant

Most Expensive Dessert: For $3.95 million a true whale can purchase the Strawberries Arnaud (in a marinade of port, red wine, spices and citrus w/ vanilla ice cream) with a 7.09 carat pink diamond included from MS Rau antiques.

A yeast dough will produce a lighter and sweeter beignet than a basic white flour dough, which many recipes recommend. Cafe du Monde uses multiple flours in their mix, including rye flour, and they aren't willing to share the exact mix and proportions in their recipe.

Adjusting for Taste

This means for every 15 parts of water, you use one part of coffee.

As noted above, Beignets are a classic French breakfast staple that is growing in popularity all over! But as many people have found out, these irresistible square pastries are more than just a breakfast pairing — they are also perfect for dessert and a late-night snack!

Beignet (/ˈbɛnjeɪ/ BEN-yay, also US: /beɪnˈjeɪ, bɛnˈjeɪ/ bayn-YAY, ben-YAY, French: [bɛɲɛ]; lit. 'bump') is a type of deep-fried pastry of French origin.

A Well Travelled Pastry

The origin of the word beignet can be traced to the Celtic language, tied to the word “bigne,” meaning “to raise.” Although now considered a French pastry, the beignet is thought to have connections as far back as ancient Rome.

In 1958, the French Market doughnuts were rebranded as beignets, and later in 1986, beignets became the official Louisiana State Doughnut.