Biscuit Beignets

Standing in line for piping hot beignets is a rite of passage for any first-time New Orleans visitor. And once you have a taste of the traditional version, you'll want homemade beignets all the time. Good thing these biscuit beignets are much faster and easier than the classic kind.

This recipe for biscuit beignets makes the quest for the fried pastry faster, easier, and way less messy. Instead of making a dough, start with pre-made biscuit dough (the kind you sometimes use for breakfast), and you'll be just a few minutes from a taste of the Crescent City.

What Are Classic Beignets?

Eating beignets in New Orleans is an experience you won't soon forget. These tender, pillowy fritters were brought to New Orleans by French Acadians in the 18th century. Café du Monde, which opened in the New Orleans French Market back in 1862, regularly serves these warm treats in orders of three to lines of eager tourists and locals alike.

In early iterations, these fritters were sometimes filled with fruit, but today the plain dough is cut into squares or rectangles, fried, and generously dusted with powdered sugar before serving. They're addictive, irresistible, and a delicious bite to enjoy from breakfast until late night. Serve with a cup of chicory coffee for an authentic New Orleans experience.

What Do Beignets Taste Like?

These sweet pillows of fried dough are similar to doughnuts in that they're fried up and served hot. But this comfort food is unique in its tenderness. Dense but light, they're soft and tender with a heavy coating of powdered sugar that increases the sweetness, just enough.

As opposed to more decorative doughnuts, beignets are typically cut in squares or rectangles, fried, and dusted simply with powdered sugar. While they may sometimes be filled, you won't usually find them frosted or decorated with sprinkles (unless we're talking about a Mardi Gras version).

Ingredients for Biscuit Beignets

Making beignets was never easier. Store-bought biscuit dough makes this labor-intensive treat into a totally fuss-free dessert. To make biscuit beignets, you'll need:

• Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits: A quick shortcut for making delicious beignets.
• Vegetable oil: For frying the beignets. Can substitute with other preferred frying oils, including canola or cottonseed oil (a la Café du Monde).
• Powdered sugar: For dusting over the warm beignets.

How To Make Biscuit Beignets

Cut store-bought biscuit dough into quarters, and you're ready to fry. Yes, these beignets are that easy:

• Step 1. Cut biscuits: Separate biscuits and cut into quarters.
• Step 2. Warm up oil: Heat 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 350°F.
• Step 3. Fry biscuit quarters: Fry biscuits, in batches, until golden on both sides.
• Step 4. Drain biscuit pieces: Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar.

Variations for Biscuit Beignets

These beignets are so easy to make, there's plenty of room to get creative with the presentation:

• Change up the coating: Dredge in cinnamon sugar, or dust with powdered sugar mixed with cocoa or a dehydrated fruit powder for a colorful and unique twist.
• Fill them up: Use a piping bag and tip to fill the fried beignets with jam, Nutella, praline cream, or any desired fillings.
• Serve with a dipping sauce: A great way to put beignets over the top is by serving with a dipping sauce. Chocolate ganache, caramel, raspberry coulis, or other sweet sauces are the perfect complement to warm beignets.
• Celebrating Mardi Gras? Use our King Cake Beignets recipe as inspiration for a festive touch.

How To Store Leftover Biscuit Beignets

Beignets are best served fresh, hot out of the fryer, but if you do happen to have leftovers (which would certainly be unusual), store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze for up to two months. Bring to room temperature and warm lightly in the microwave or oven before serving. Dust with additional powdered sugar as needed.

More Mardi Gras-Inspired Dessert Recipes You'll Love

From beignets and monkey bread, to bread pudding and cupcakes, these recipes are a festive, delicious way to celebrate Mardi Gras:

• New Orleans Beignets
  
• Brennan's Bananas Foster
• King Cake Monkey Bread
• Praline-Cream Cheese King Cake
• Praline Cream-Beignet Tower
• King Cake Beignets
• Homemade Moon Pies
• Creole Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
• King Cake Bread Pudding with Chicory Ice Cream
• Mini King Cake Cupcakes
• Pecan Pralines

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.