Bite Size Beignets

4 servings Prep: 5 m Cook: 15 m Total: 20 m Beginner
5.0/5 (1)
Bite Size Beignets
This is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to make bite-sized beignets using canned biscuit dough and confectioners sugar. My family has made these little beignets for as long as I can remember. Enjoy!!

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 can homestyle biscuits
  • 1 box confectioners sugar
  • 2 cups cooking oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Line a serving plate with several absorbent napkins and set aside.
  2. Cut each uncooked biscuit into quarters and set aside.
  3. Pour cooking oil into a large pot over medium-high heat. Allow cooking oil to get hot, 350°F to 375°F, do not allow it to reach the point of boiling.
  4. Carefully place about 4 or 5 biscuit quarters into cooking oil. Allow them to turn golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes total. They will cook quickly but sometimes you must flip them over in the cooking oil to completely brown both sides.
  5. Remove them from the cooking oil and place on the napkin-covered serving plate to drain.
  6. Repeat this until all biscuit quarters are golden brown and draining.
  7. Lightly sprinkle confectioner's sugar over your batch of bite size beignets and remember to share. Caution: The cooking oil will be extremely hot. Always use caution when lowering uncooked biscuit quarters into pot as the oil will pop and splatter.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why are my beignets greasy?

A: The oil temperature is too low. Make sure it stays between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil isn't hot enough, the dough will absorb oil instead of quickly forming a crispy exterior. Use a thermometer for best results.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Beignets are best served fresh and hot. They'll get soggy if made too far ahead. You can cut the biscuits in advance and keep them refrigerated, then fry just before serving.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t overcrowd the pot - frying too many at once will drop the oil temperature and make them greasy. Work in small batches of 4-5 pieces. For extra flavor, add a dash of cinnamon to the confectioners sugar before dusting.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • homestyle biscuits: any refrigerated biscuit dough or crescent roll dough
  • confectioners sugar: cinnamon sugar or granulated sugar

Equipment Needed

  • large heavy pot or Dutch oven
  • candy/frying thermometer
  • slotted spoon or spider strainer
  • paper towels or absorbent napkins

Historical Context

Traditional beignets are yeast-raised dough fried and dusted with powdered sugar, made famous by New Orleans’ Café du Monde. This shortcut version became popular in Louisiana home kitchens as a way to enjoy the essence of beignets without the time investment of making dough from scratch.