Mardi Gras Fried Dough (Printable version)
Golden fried dough pieces, light and fluffy, dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
02 - 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
04 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ For Frying
09 - 4 cups vegetable oil for deep frying
→ Topping
10 - 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
# How to Make It:
01 - Dissolve yeast in warm water in a small bowl. Let stand until foamy, approximately 5 minutes.
02 - Combine milk, sugar, egg, and melted butter in a large bowl. Stir in the activated yeast mixture.
03 - Add flour and salt, mixing until soft dough forms. Transfer to floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
05 - Punch down dough and turn onto floured surface. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares or rectangles.
06 - Heat oil to 350°F in deep fryer or heavy pot. Fry dough pieces in batches, turning once, until puffed and golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
07 - Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Generously dust with powdered sugar while still warm.
08 - Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
# Expert tips:
01 -
- The dough comes together faster than you think, and watching those pieces puff up in hot oil feels like pure kitchen magic
- That moment when warm dough meets cloud like powdered sugar is worth every bit of the frying effort
02 -
- Do not rush the rise time, because giving the yeast a full hour creates those air pockets that make the dough puff beautifully
- Keep your oil temperature steady at 350°F, otherwise you will end up with either raw dough inside or burnt outside
03 -
- Cut your dough pieces uniformly so they all fry at the same rate
- Have your powdered sugar ready in a shallow dish for quick and even coating