Savoury Potato & Cheese Beignets Recipe

The beignets have a crispy outer, soft middle, and are delicious all the way through. Photo / Babiche Martens

A good use for leftover mash, these fabulous French fritters justify making a batch just for this recipe too.

Beignets are French doughnuts, usually made with sweet dough and dusted in icing sugar. These cheesy versions are savoury, using leftover mashed potato, served with chilli oil on the side. It’s best not to use olive oil in a deep-fryer. The flavour is too intense, and it has a low smoking point. Try canola oil or sunflower oil. These beignets can be piped on to baking paper and frozen – ready to cook.

More deep fried recipes

While you’ve got the deep fryer out, make these as well.

Al Brown’s Tempura Scallop Butties. Near texturally perfect, crispy scallops served on pillowy, basic white bread.

Japanese Fried Karaage Chicken. Serving with Japanese mayo is a must.

How to Make Your Own Doughnuts. These vanilla-glazed brioche doughnuts have a crumb that offers the gentlest chew and are coated with a glaze that is flecked with vanilla bean.

Curried Pumpkin Risotto Balls With Garlic Aioli. This recipe is perfect for entertaining as the balls can be rolled and breadcrumbed earlier in the day ready for cooking.