Cheese Beignets

Cheese Beignets Recipe - A Vegetarian Dish from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cheese Beignets are a delicious and savory twist on the classic beignet, a popular French pastry. These crispy and cheesy treats are perfect for a snack or appetizer, and are sure to impress your guests with their unique flavor.

History

The origins of the beignet can be traced back to France, where it is a popular pastry often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The addition of cheese to the traditional beignet recipe adds a savory element that takes this dish to a whole new level.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 cup finely minced fresh sage
1.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
0.5 to 1 tsp hot sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
0.75 cup water, or as needed
0.5 cup grated hard cheese such as parmesan or romano
vegetable oil for frying
coarse salt
cayenne or smoked paprika

How to prepare

1. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, sage, baking powder, and salt.
2. Whisk together eggs, hot sauce, and olive oil. Gradually stir in the flour mixture. Add water a little at a time, combining well until the dough is thick. Fold in the cheese.
3. On a well-floured work surface, press the dough into a 0.5 inch thick rectangle. Cut into 1.5 inch squares.
4. In a large skillet, pour 0.5 inch of vegetable oil and heat over medium heat until a small piece of dough sizzles gently in the oil. The dough should not brown immediately.
5. Place the beignet squares in the oil, taking care not to overcrowd. Fry for 3 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked throughout. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels. Sprinkle immediately with coarse salt. Just before serving, dust with cayenne.

Variations

Add chopped cooked bacon or ham to the dough for a meaty twist.
Substitute the sage with other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Use different types of hard cheese like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a unique taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fry the beignets in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy beignets.

- Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets from the oil and transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.

- Dust the beignets with cayenne just before serving for an extra kick of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheese Beignets hot and fresh, sprinkled with coarse salt and a dusting of cayenne for an extra kick of flavor. These savory treats are perfect for a snack or appetizer.

Cooking Techniques

Frying is the key cooking technique for making Cheese Beignets. Make sure to fry the beignets in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sage, you can use other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

- You can substitute the hard romano cheese with Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Cheese Beignets ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to fry. Just make sure to bring the dough to room temperature before frying.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cheese Beignets on a platter with a side of marinara sauce or aioli for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Cheese Beignets pair well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer. They also go well with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cheese Beignets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheese Beignets contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheese Beignets contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheese Beignets contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheese Beignets contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cheese Beignets are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Cheese Beignets contain dairy (cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Cheese Beignets are a delicious and indulgent treat that are relatively high in fats and carbohydrates, but also provide a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cheese Beignets are a delicious and savory twist on the classic French pastry, perfect for a snack or appetizer. With a crispy exterior and a cheesy interior, these treats are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Cheese Beignets. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Marie in her cozy little kitchen. The aroma of fresh bread and herbs filled the air as Marie bustled about, preparing a delicious meal for us to enjoy.

As we chatted and caught up on each other's lives, Marie suddenly paused and reached into a worn recipe box on her shelf. She pulled out a yellowed, dog-eared recipe card and handed it to me with a smile.

"This is a family recipe for Cheese Beignets," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's been passed down through the generations, and I thought you might like to give it a try."

I eagerly scanned the ingredients and instructions on the card, my mouth watering at the thought of crispy, cheesy beignets. I had always loved trying new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen, and this one seemed like a delightful challenge.

Marie guided me through the process, showing me how to mix the dough, shape the beignets, and fry them to golden perfection. As we worked side by side, I listened intently to her tips and tricks, soaking in every detail of the recipe.

The final result was nothing short of spectacular. The Cheese Beignets were light and fluffy, with a gooey, melted cheese center that oozed out with every bite. I was hooked from the first taste, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the Cheese Beignets recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my taste. I shared it with friends and family, who raved about its deliciousness and begged me to make it for every gathering.

As I made the Cheese Beignets time and time again, I thought back to that fateful day in Marie's kitchen and how she had introduced me to this wonderful recipe. I realized that cooking is more than just following instructions – it's about sharing a piece of yourself with others, passing on traditions and memories through food.

I soon discovered that each person I shared the Cheese Beignets recipe with had their own unique spin on it. Some added extra herbs and spices, while others experimented with different types of cheese. It was fascinating to see how one simple recipe could be interpreted in so many creative ways.

One day, while visiting my dear friend Marie, I decided to surprise her with a batch of Cheese Beignets. I had added a secret ingredient – a pinch of nutmeg – that I knew she would adore. As we sat down to enjoy the warm, cheesy beignets together, Marie's eyes widened in delight.

"You've truly made this recipe your own," she said, her voice filled with warmth and appreciation. "I'm so proud of the cook you've become, my dear friend."

I felt a swell of pride in my chest, knowing that I had honored Marie's gift by putting my own twist on the Cheese Beignets recipe. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about the bond we shared and the joy we found in cooking together.

As I look back on that moment now, I realize that the Cheese Beignets recipe holds a special place in my heart. It's not just a dish I make for special occasions or gatherings – it's a reminder of the friendships and memories that have enriched my life over the years.

So, the next time you bite into a warm, cheesy Cheese Beignet, remember that behind every great recipe lies a story. And perhaps, if you're lucky, you'll find a friend like Marie who will share their culinary treasures with you, inspiring you to create your own delicious memories in the kitchen.