Mardi Gras Fried Dough (Printable)

Pillowy fried dough, golden and dusted with sugar, perfect for a Mardi Gras celebration.

# What You Need:

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

02 - 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)

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 dusting

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

02 - Whisk together 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 about 1 hour until doubled.

06 - Punch down dough. Roll out to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch squares or strips.

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

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

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

10 - Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

01 -

These come together with pantry staples you probably already have, no special equipment required
The dough is incredibly forgiving and rises beautifully even if you are new to frying
Nothing beats the smell of fresh fried dough wafting through your house

02 -

Oil temperature drops every time you add dough, so let it come back up between batches or your later pieces will be soggy
Sugar adheres best when the dough is still warm, so do not wait until they have completely cooled down

03 -

Line your cooling surface with paper towels before you start frying to avoid scrambling when hot dough is ready
A small pinch of cinnamon mixed into the sugar transforms these into something entirely different and wonderful