Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, yeast, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pepper. In a separate small bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk and melted butter; stir into flour mixture just until dough starts to form. Stir in shredded cheese.
2. Transfer dough to lightly floured work surface. Knead until smooth. Place in lightly greased bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Let stand for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. On lightly floured work surface, roll dough into 8-inch(20 cm) square. Cut in to 2-inch (5cm) squares.
4. Pour enough oil into high-sided skillet or saucepan to come 2 inches (5 cm) up side; heat until instant-read thermometer reaches 375°F (190°C). Working in batches, carefully drop squares of dough into hot oil; fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel–lined tray. Sprinkle with grated cheese while beignets are still hot before serving.

Tips:

• These can also be air-fried! Place beignets in batches in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with 1 tbsp (15 mL) canola oil. Air-fry at 375°F (190°C), turning beignets halfway through, for 8 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
• For a sweet-and-savoury combination, dust beignets with cinnamon sugar, drizzle with maple syrup or serve with caramel sauce for dipping.