Mardi Gras Fried Dough (Printable)

Golden fried dough dusted with sugar, perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras with a sweet treat.

# What You Need:

01 - 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

02 - 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)

03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

04 - 3 cups all-purpose flour

05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

07 - 1 large egg

08 - 1 quart vegetable oil

09 - 1 cup granulated sugar (or powdered sugar for classic beignet style)

01 - Dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in warm milk. Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.

02 - Whisk flour, remaining 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt in a large bowl.

03 - Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture to flour. Mix until dough forms.

04 - Turn dough onto floured surface and knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

05 - Place dough in lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place for about 1 hour until doubled.

06 - Punch down dough, roll out to 1/4-inch thickness on floured surface, cut into 2-inch squares or strips.

07 - Heat oil to 350°F in deep pot or fryer.

08 - Fry dough pieces in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed.

09 - Remove with slotted spoon, drain briefly on paper towels, then toss generously in granulated sugar while warm.

10 - Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

01 -

These fried squares taste like a celebration in every bite, crispy outside and tender inside
The dough comes together with ingredients you already have in your pantry
Nothing beats the aroma of frying dough to draw everyone into the kitchen

02 -

I once rushed the rising time and ended up with dense, doughy squares that tasted like regret
Let your oil come back to temperature between batches or you'll get soggy, greasy results

03 -

Use a kitchen thermometer for your oil, guessing temperature is how you end up with burned outsides and raw insides
Let the fried dough rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the bottom from getting soggy