Beignet Questions, Answered

A beignet is a New Orleans-style fried dough pastry, similar to a donut but lighter and airier, cut into squares with no hole and served warm under a heavy dusting of powdered sugar. It is a Louisiana icon, tied to the French Quarter, Mardi Gras, and slow mornings with chicory coffee, and it can be enjoyed as a dessert or a snack.

Beignet is pronounced ben-YAY. The name comes from the French word for a fried fritter, which is exactly where these New Orleans treats get their name and their light, airy texture.

They are cousins. Both are fried dough, but a beignet is cut into a square with no hole, fries up lighter and puffier than most donuts, and is always finished with powdered sugar rather than glaze or icing. People often call beignets French donuts, which captures the idea, though the texture is airier and the shape is different.

Our beignet mix is simple to use and truly just add water. Stir water into the mix to form a soft dough, roll it out and cut it into squares, then fry until golden brown. Finish with a generous dusting of powdered sugar for the classic beignet experience. No yeast to proof and no dough to build from scratch.

Our beignet mix is crafted using a traditional New Orleans recipe, so you get the authentic taste and texture of classic New Orleans beignets. We use high-quality ingredients to bring the charm of the French Quarter, and those French donuts New Orleans is famous for, right to your home.

About twenty to thirty minutes start to finish. Mixing and rolling the dough takes roughly ten minutes, the dough rests briefly, the oil needs a few minutes to reach temperature, and each batch fries in just two to three minutes until golden.

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil, and keep it around 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the dough rest about 15 minutes before frying, work in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady, and dust with powdered sugar immediately after frying for the perfect finish.

Frying is the method this mix is designed for and gives beignets their signature lift, crisp edge, and airy center. Baking produces a different result, so for the classic New Orleans texture we recommend following the frying directions on the bag.

Some people do experiment with an air fryer for a lighter version, brushing the dough lightly with oil, but the result will not have the same puff and crisp edge as a true fried beignet. For the classic New Orleans texture, frying is the way to go.

One bag of Bayou Beignet mix makes about 12 beignets, give or take depending on how large you cut the squares. That is plenty to share, which is really the whole point of a plate of beignets.

Traditional beignets are simply topped with powdered sugar, but you can get creative. Try a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg, a drizzle of honey, or serve them with fruit preserves, chocolate or caramel sauce, or even a scoop of ice cream. Dust the powdered sugar on while they are still warm so it clings.

Beignets trace back to French fried dough, brought to Louisiana by French colonists and Acadian settlers, and they became a New Orleans institution. Today they are the official state doughnut of Louisiana and a beloved part of Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, and Creole and Cajun food culture.

Beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a 350 degree oven for a few minutes to bring back their crispness, then dust with fresh powdered sugar.

Our beignet mix is available on our website and at select retailers, and we ship it so you can make New Orleans-style beignets wherever you are. Shipping is free on orders over 35 dollars within the United States. Whether you are in Louisiana or far from the bayou, the Big Easy can show up at your kitchen table.

Our beignet mix is not vegan because the bag lists dairy ingredients, including whey and non-fat dry milk. If you follow a vegetarian diet or have food allergies, always check the current bag for the full ingredient and allergen information before serving.

Not at this time. Our current beignet mix is not gluten-free. Always check the bag for the full, current ingredient and allergen statement before serving anyone with a food allergy or dietary restriction.