Craving warm fluffy Beignets? These easy bacon Beignets with maple syrup are the answer!
This version is quick to put together because, unlike traditional beignets, they do not require yeast. The added bacon is optional but highly recommended!
A trip to New Orleans requires a stop at the famous Cafe du Monde for original beignets. It is a must! Beignets are basically a bite-sized piece of dough, fried, covered with a hearty dose of powdered sugar, and served warm. Scrumptious!
Cafe du Monde makes their famous, fluffy beignets with yeast which is always a bit of a project! Traditionally, you’ll need to wait for the yeast to rise, roll out the dough, cut it, and fry it. Our easy recipe is my go-to with no rise time ~ because when we want beignets I know they’ll be ready quickly!
Ingredients needed for no-yeast Beignets
(See the recipe card below for the exact measurements)
- Flour – We use all-purpose flour
- Baking Powder – This gives the beignets their fluffy texture
- Sugar – Contrasts well with the bacon and helps activate the baking powder
- Salt – We use fine sea salt but any salt will work
- Milk – We use 2% milk
- Egg – This is what binds the mixture together. Room-temperature eggs always work best
- Bacon – Optional, but it really adds flavor! See substitution ideas below for other options
- Powdered Sugar – A must! Because you can’t have beignets without them!
- Pure Maple Syrup – For dipping the beignets, but again, it’s optional
- Canola Oil – For frying the beignets to golden goodness
How to make Beignets with Bacon
- Prepare the dough and prep for frying
- Saute 3 pieces of bacon, let cool, and crumble or chop into small pieces. Set aside.
- Prepare a deep fat fryer with 3-4 inches of canola oil and heat to 375˚F while preparing the dough. If you don’t have a fryer use a heavy-bottomed, deep pot or Dutch oven instead.
- Line a baking sheet or platter with paper towels.
- In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- In a small bowl whisk the milk, water, and eggs together. NOTE: It’s important to combine this part separately so that you don’t overwork the dough once it’s added to the flour.
- Add to the flour mixture, along with cooled, chopped bacon, and gently combine until completely mixed.
2. Frying the beignets
- Drop dough by heaping Tablespoons carefully into the deep fryer and cook for 3 minutes. Turn the beignets over and finish cooking on the other side.
- Don’t crowd the beignets. It’s best to cook 4-6 pieces at a time. This helps the oil maintain the proper temperature.
- The beignets should be light golden brown and they will float toward the top when ready.
- Carefully remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared paper towels to cool.
- Repeat with all the batter.
- Roll the beignets in a bowl of powdered sugar to coat and remove with a slotted spoon to a plate or platter. Again you will likely want to work in batches and you can do this as they cool and others are frying.
- Serve with warm maple syrup for dipping and plenty of napkins!
Tips for making beignets:
- Because these beignets do not include yeast this will be a soft dough, and the best way to drop the dough into the fryer is with a cookie scoop or two spoons.
- I use a small fryer but it’s just as easy to use a heavy dutch oven or tall pot. You will need to fill either about 3 inches deep with vegetable or canola oil.
- It’s crucial that the oil is hot enough. Start at 375˚F because the oil will drop in temperature as you add beignet dough.
- The beignets will rise to the surface of the oil as soon as they begin to puff up and if they do not your oil is not hot enough. I like to cook one test beignet first to make sure my oil temperature is just right.
Finish beignets with powdered sugar
Once the beignets have cooled a bit add to a bowl of powdered sugar and gently coat.
Easy substitutions:
One of my favorite ways to prepare beignets is by adding an unexpected ingredient, such as smoky bacon. This recipe is a basic, easy, no-yeast beignet recipe, and can be prepared without any additions, but bacon really elevates this treat.
Other delicious additions and combinations to try:
- Shredded crab
- Finely chopped shrimp and scallions
- Finely shredded Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese
- Finely chopped jalapenos or red peppers
- Mini Chocolate chips for a sweeter treat
Here’s what’s left after we devoured a batch!
More sweet treats to try
- Baked Churro Donuts
- One Bowl Espresso Brownies
- Orange Olive Oil Cake
- Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie (also called a Piezookie)
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Easy Beignets with Bacon
Equipment
- Deep Fryer, optional
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp baking powder
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 3 pieces bacon, chopped
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup pure maple syrup, optional
- 4-6 cups canola oil
Instructions
- Saute 3 pieces of bacon, cool and chop into small pieces
- Prepare a deep fryer with 3-inches of canola oil and heat to 375°F, or heat oil in a deep pot.
- Line a baking sheet or large platter with paper towels.
- In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In a small bowl whisk together milk, water, and the egg. Add to the flour mixture and mix well. Fold in the chopped bacon and combine.
- Drop about 1 heaping tablespoon of mixture carefully into the deep fryer. Add about 4-5 more but do not crowd the fryer or pot. Turn after about 3 minutes and finish cooking on the other side. Cook until lightly golden.
- Remove beignets with tongs or a large slotted spoon and place on prepared paper towels to cool. Repeat with all batter.
- Place powdered sugar in a medium bowl and add beignets a few at a time and roll to coat.
- Serve with warm maple syrup.
Jamie
I’m in love with the idea of adding bacon to these beignets! This is such a wonderful flavor combination!
Katie
Made this for the family and it was a hit!
Anita
Oh my goodness! Bacon + Beignets! Sign me up for these yummy little treats! These are so good. Make sure you have companies of you will end up eating the whole batch yourself. 🙂
Pamela
I have never made beignets but it’s been on my list to do! Now you gave me the confidence to try it!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
Oh wow!! I love the idea of adding bacon to beignets!! If I wasn’t so scared of deep frying, I would make this ASAP!