Deep-Fried Beignets with Powdered Sugar Dusting
Light, fluffy pillows of fried dough dusted generously with powdered sugar, perfect for a classic Mardi Gras sweet treat. This Latin American-inspired Mardi Gras recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs active dry yeast, warm water, granulated sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup, 110°F warm water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup, warm evaporated milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup for dusting powdered sugar
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in 3/4 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: Stir in 1/2 cup warm evaporated milk, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 large egg, and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter until combined.
- Step 3: Gradually add 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep heavy pot to 360°F.
- Step 6: Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into 3-inch squares.
- Step 7: Fry the dough squares in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown.
- Step 8: Drain on paper towels and immediately dust generously with 1 cup powdered sugar before serving warm.








