Celebrate National Beignet Day with the Perfect Beignet Recipe...
Welcome back to Good Thyme Gal, friends!
Today we’re celebrating one of the sweetest (and fluffiest) holidays around—National Beignet Day! This Year it Lands on September 17th. We get to honor these delicious, powdered-sugar-dusted pillows of joy that have become synonymous with New Orleans' vibrant culture.
Whether you're a seasoned beignet connoisseur or you've only heard of them in passing (perhaps through the famous Café du Monde), there’s no better day to indulge in these decadent treats. And don't worry if you're not in New Orleans, I’ve got you covered with a simple, foolproof beignet recipe you can whip up at home.
A Little History: The Origin of Beignets
Beignets, pronounced “ben-yays,” have a long and storied history. The word itself comes from the French term for “fritter,” and these deep-fried dough squares were brought to Louisiana by French colonists in the 18th century. While France has its own variations of fried dough treats, like "bugnes" and "choux," the beignets we know and love today are firmly rooted in the traditions of New Orleans, where they’re typically served with a mountain of powdered sugar and a strong cup of chicory coffee.
In New Orleans, beignets have transcended being just a snack—they are a symbol of warmth, hospitality, and celebration. Whether it’s Mardi Gras or just a weekend brunch, beignets are always the star of the show.
Why Celebrate National Beignet Day?
National Beignet Day is the perfect excuse to bring a little of that New Orleans magic into your kitchen. With their golden, crispy exteriors and airy, soft interiors, beignets offer the perfect combination of crunch and fluff. And let’s not forget that signature dusting of powdered sugar that makes every bite feel like a sweet dream.
But why stop there? Beignets are also incredibly versatile. You can fill them with cream, dip them in chocolate, or even add a drizzle of honey for a creative twist. Whether you're enjoying them with your morning coffee or serving them up as a dessert, beignets are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Beignets at Home: The Perfect Recipe
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Aren’t beignets hard to make?” Not at all! While these deep-fried delights may look fancy, they’re actually quite simple to prepare with a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Let’s dive into the recipe!
Classic Beignet Recipe
Servings: About 2 dozen beignets
Ingredients
3/4 cup warm water (110°F)
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk, room temperature
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Cooking Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Once combined, stir in the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour. Shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
4.After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 2-inch squares.
5. In a large pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (you can use a deep-fry thermometer to check). Carefully drop a few dough squares into the hot oil at a time, frying them for 1-2 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and puffed up.
6. Remove the beignets with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. While still warm, generously dust with powdered sugar.
7. Serve your beignets hot with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar (because why not?) and a cup of coffee or tea.
Chef Tips for Beignet Perfection:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) to avoid greasy beignets.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying—this keeps the oil temperature stable.
- Beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispness.
Time to Indulge
Now that you’ve got your beignet recipe in hand, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get frying! Whether you're making these for a special brunch or just treating yourself, I guarantee they’ll be a hit.
On this National Beignet Day, bring a little bit of New Orleans into your kitchen and enjoy these golden bites of heaven. And as always, don’t forget to share your beignet creations with me on Instagram using #GoodThymeGal—I’d love to see how you celebrate!
Happy frying!
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