beignet, French-style fried square doughnut. Introduced in Louisiana by the French Acadians in the 18th century, this light pastry is a delicacy in New Orleans. The beignet was named the official state doughnut of Louisiana in 1986.
Beignets are commonly served hot with powdered sugar for breakfast or as a dessert. They are made by deep-frying choux pastry dough, which puffs up when cooked. The word beignet loosely translates to “fritter” in English.