Easy Cracker Barrel Biscuit Beignets: Crispy, Sweet, and Irresistible

Cracker Barrel is a beloved Southern restaurant chain known for its comforting and hearty meals.

But beyond their savory offerings, there’s one item that stands out as an irresistible treat—biscuit beignets.

These golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-and-fluffy-on-the-inside little bites are perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Imagine the familiar taste of freshly baked biscuit dough, transformed into delicate, sugary beignets that can easily compete with any dessert from a French café.

While the idea of beignets might seem fancy, this recipe is surprisingly easy and can be made at home using basic ingredients.

The best part? You don’t need a deep fryer or complicated techniques.

With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to create these delicious biscuit beignets that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a late-night treat.

So, let’s dive in and discover how you can recreate this Cracker Barrel-inspired dessert in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these mouthwatering biscuit beignets, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

These simple items come together to create a treat that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Pre-Made Biscuit Dough

• The secret to making these beignets easy is using pre-made biscuit dough. Whether you choose a classic brand like Pillsbury Grands or another favorite, the dough is the base for your beignets. This shortcut saves you time while ensuring your beignets turn out light and fluffy.

2. Vegetable Oil for Frying

• You’ll need vegetable oil (or another neutral oil like canola oil) for frying. Make sure you have enough to fill your pan about 2-3 inches deep, as this helps the beignets cook evenly. The oil temperature needs to be just right—around 375°F—so that the beignets become crispy without absorbing too much oil.

3. Powdered Sugar

• Powdered sugar is a must for that signature sweet coating on your beignets. It’s the element that transforms your biscuit dough into a delicious dessert. After frying, generously dust the beignets to give them that perfect, sugary finish.

4. Optional Flavors: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, or Vanilla

• While powdered sugar is the classic topping, you can elevate the flavor of your biscuit beignets with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg. A little vanilla extract mixed into the dough can also enhance the taste, making them even more irresistible.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to make your very own Cracker Barrel-style biscuit beignets right at home!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Cracker Barrel biscuit beignets at home is a breeze!

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of golden, fluffy beignets ready to enjoy in no time.

1. Prepare the Biscuit Dough

• Start by opening the can of pre-made biscuit dough. Gently separate the biscuits and lay them flat on a clean surface. For each biscuit, flatten it out a little with your hands or a rolling pin to about ¼ inch thick. This will help the dough cook evenly and form that classic beignet shape.

2. Cut the Dough into Beignet Shapes

• Once your dough is flattened, use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares or triangles—whatever shape you prefer. You can make them as small or large as you like, but aiming for about 2 to 3-inch pieces is a good size for bite-sized beignets.

3. Heat the Oil

• Pour the vegetable oil into a deep frying pan, ensuring there’s about 2 to 3 inches of oil for the dough to submerge in. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is at the right temperature (around 375°F), drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, it’s ready to go. Be careful not to overheat the oil, as it can burn the beignets before they’re fully cooked inside.

4. Fry the Biscuit Beignets

• Working in small batches, carefully place the cut dough pieces into the hot oil, making sure they don’t touch each other. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the beignets are golden brown and crispy. You’ll want to turn them halfway through for even cooking. Once done, remove the beignets from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

5. Dust with Powdered Sugar

• While the beignets are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar until they are generously coated. This gives them that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth finish. If you want to add a little extra flair, you can dust them with a pinch of cinnamon sugar or drizzle with a glaze.

Tips for the Perfect Biscuit Beignets

While this recipe is simple, there are a few tips and tricks that will help ensure your biscuit beignets turn out perfectly every time.

1. Ensure the Right Oil Temperature

• One of the most important factors for crispy beignets is getting the oil temperature right. If the oil is too cool, the beignets will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they might brown too quickly on the outside while staying raw inside. A thermometer is the best way to maintain the ideal temperature of 375°F.

2. Fry in Small Batches

• To avoid overcrowding the pan, fry your beignets in small batches. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven frying, leaving you with some soggy beignets. Frying a few at a time allows them to cook evenly and stay crispy.

3. Drain Excess Oil

• After frying, make sure to let the beignets drain on a paper towel-lined plate. This will remove any excess oil, preventing them from becoming greasy and keeping them light and fluffy.

4. Customize the Flavor

• For a fun twist on the classic, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough before frying. You could also infuse the oil with a little vanilla extract for added flavor. Experimenting with different toppings, such as a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a berry compote, can also take your beignets to the next level.

5. Serve Fresh and Warm

• Biscuit beignets are best enjoyed fresh out of the oil while they’re still warm. The sugar coating melts perfectly into the crispy dough, creating a heavenly bite. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore some of their crispiness.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to master the art of making perfect biscuit beignets every time! Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast, dessert, or a fun snack that will surely impress your friends and family.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few pitfalls that can affect the texture and taste of your biscuit beignets.

Here’s a quick guide to what not to do so you can avoid common mistakes and ensure your beignets are perfect every time.

1. Overcrowding the Pan

• When frying, resist the urge to throw in too many beignets at once. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature of the oil, resulting in soggy or unevenly cooked beignets. Frying in batches will give each beignet enough room to puff up and crisp properly.

2. Not Draining the Oil Properly

• It’s tempting to eat these right away, but if you don’t let them drain on paper towels, the oil will sit on the surface of the beignets, making them greasy. The key to a light, crisp texture is letting the excess oil drip off before dusting them with powdered sugar.

3. Under or Overcooking

• Beignets cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them. If they are too dark on the outside, they may be undercooked on the inside. On the other hand, if they stay too long in the oil, they’ll become too hard and dry. The goal is golden brown and crisp, with a soft, fluffy interior. Pay attention to the frying time (usually about 2-3 minutes per side) and the temperature of the oil to avoid this mistake.

4. Using the Wrong Oil Temperature

• Not heating the oil to the right temperature is a huge factor in making or breaking your beignets. Too cool and they will absorb too much oil; too hot and they will burn. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at a steady 375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough—it should sizzle and quickly rise to the top.

5. Skipping the Powdered Sugar Coating

• While it may seem optional, skipping the powdered sugar will leave your beignets lacking that signature sweetness and texture. Make sure to coat them generously while they’re still warm, as the sugar sticks best at this stage.

Conclusion

Cracker Barrel’s biscuit beignets are the perfect sweet treat to indulge in without the hassle of complicated recipes.

With just a few basic ingredients and some careful frying, you can create this Southern-inspired dessert right in your own kitchen.

Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a simple afternoon snack, these fluffy, sugary bites are sure to satisfy your cravings.

By avoiding a few common mistakes and following the tips shared in this post, you’ll be able to make beignets that are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfectly dusted with powdered sugar.

The best part? You can customize them with different flavors and toppings to suit your taste.

So go ahead, treat yourself to this easy and delicious recipe that brings the comfort of Cracker Barrel to your home!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade biscuit dough for this recipe?

• Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, you can make your own biscuit dough from scratch. Just make sure the dough is soft and easy to work with. The process will be a bit longer, but it will result in a wonderful, fresh taste.

2. Can I make these beignets ahead of time?

• While these beignets are best enjoyed fresh, you can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. To reheat, pop them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness, and then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

3. What’s the best way to store leftover beignets?

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or in a skillet with a little butter to bring back their crispy texture.

4. Can I freeze the beignet dough?

• Yes, you can freeze the uncut biscuit dough for later use. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to make the beignets, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before cutting and frying.

5. Can I use different oils for frying?

• While vegetable oil is the most common choice for frying, you can use other neutral oils like canola or sunflower oil. Just make sure the oil you choose has a high smoke point, which will allow it to handle the heat required for frying without burning.