If you have ever craved something that’s crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside, and totally addictive, then this Fry Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Fry bread has a way of captivating your senses with its golden crust and tender bite, making it a beloved treat across tables and cultures. Whether you enjoy it sweet with honey and powdered sugar or loaded up with savory fillings, this recipe will have you making fry bread like a pro in no time. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and a complete crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fry Bread Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that come together to deliver that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each one has a purpose—from the flour providing structure, to the baking powder creating lift, and the salt enhancing every bite. They are all easy to find and essential to achieving that classic fry bread magic.
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: Opt for high-quality flour for best results and a smooth dough texture.
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps create a soft, airy interior.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, bringing out the subtle notes in the bread.
- 3/4 cup Water: Add gradually to reach the perfect dough consistency—not too wet and not too dry.
- Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to fry the bread into a crispy golden treat.
- Honey: Perfect for drizzling over the warm bread for a touch of sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds a classic finish to sweet fry bread.
- Savory Fillings: Think seasoned meat, beans, or sautéed vegetables to turn your fry bread into a satisfying meal.
How to Make Fry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl until everything is evenly combined. This step ensures an even distribution of leavening and seasoning before adding any liquid.
Step 2: Add Water to Form the Dough
Slowly pour the water into the dry mixture while stirring. Keep mixing until the mixture comes together as a soft dough. Don’t rush this part — you want a consistency that is pliable but not sticky.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rest
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period hydrates the flour and relaxes the dough, making it easier to work with and yielding a tender fry bread.
Step 4: Portion and Flatten the Dough
Once rested, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 8 equal portions and flatten each piece into a roughly 6-inch round. Don’t worry about making them perfectly uniform—this will give your fry bread a charming handmade look.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan to a depth of about 1 inch and heat it over medium-high heat. To test whether the oil is ready, drop a tiny piece of dough into the oil—it should sizzle and rise to the surface almost immediately.
Step 6: Fry Until Golden Brown
Carefully place each piece of dough into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on one side until a gorgeous golden brown forms, then flip and cook the second side. This frying process creates the signature crispiness outside while keeping the inside soft and delightfully chewy.
Step 7: Drain and Repeat
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fry bread from the oil, letting it drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Continue frying the remaining pieces, keeping an eye on oil temperature and adjusting heat as needed.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve your fry bread fresh and warm, ready to be topped with your favorite sweet or savory accompaniments. There’s something so comforting about enjoying fry bread straight from the pan—it’s pure joy in every bite.
How to Serve Fry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
One of the best parts about this Fry Bread Recipe is how versatile it is when it comes to garnishing. For a classic sweet touch, drizzle with honey and sprinkle powdered sugar right before serving. If you’re craving something savory, try piling on seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and fresh vegetables for a heartier option that’s perfect for lunches or dinners.
Side Dishes
Fry bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider a fresh salad to balance the richness, or tangy salsa to add a zesty kick. A bowl of bean soup or warming chili also complements fry bread beautifully, soaking up the delicious fried bread and creating a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by using fry bread as a base for mini pizzas or as a vessel for taco-style fillings. You can also cut fry bread into bite-sized triangles and serve as dippers for savory dips like guacamole or queso. The possibilities are endless, and every option is bound to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep the fry bread from getting soggy, layer pieces with parchment paper to absorb moisture. When stored properly, the bread stays soft and ready to be enjoyed again.
Freezing
You can freeze fry bread for longer storage by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them inside a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy them later, thaw at room temperature before reheating to bring back the fresh-cooked texture.
Reheating
To revive your fry bread’s original charm, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the bread rubbery. This method keeps it tasting fresh and irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour for this Fry Bread Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture will be denser and the flavor nuttier. Adjust water as needed since whole wheat absorbs more liquid.
What oil is best for frying fry bread?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works best. These oils won’t overpower the flavor and can withstand the frying temperature without burning.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! After mixing the dough, cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, bring it to room temperature before shaping and frying. The resting time can even enhance the flavor.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough to fry?
The simplest way is to drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it bubbles and rises quickly to the surface, your oil is ready. Using a thermometer, aim for about 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
Is fry bread healthy to eat regularly?
While fry bread is a delicious treat, it is fried and should be enjoyed in moderation. Balancing it with healthy sides and toppings can make it part of a well-rounded diet while still satisfying your craving for comfort food.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Fry Bread Recipe. It’s a dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and simple joy to any table. Whether you’re making it for a casual snack or a festive occasion, the crispy, golden bread paired with your favorite toppings is sure to become a beloved favorite. So why wait? Grab your ingredients, make a batch, and dive into the comforting flavors that only homemade fry bread can provide.
Print
Fry Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American
Description
Delicious and crispy Fry Bread, a versatile traditional dish perfect for both sweet and savory toppings. Made with simple pantry staples, this recipe yields soft, golden fried bread that can be enjoyed fresh out of the pan with honey and powdered sugar or filled with your favorite savory ingredients.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Opt for high-quality flour for best results.)
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (Leavening agent for soft interior.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor.)
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Water (Add gradually for desired dough consistency.)
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable Oil (For frying, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.)
- Honey (For sweet serving.)
- Powdered Sugar (For sweet serving.)
- Savory Fillings (Such as seasoned meat, beans, or vegetables.)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
- Form the dough: Gradually add the water to the dry ingredients while mixing continuously until a soft, pliable dough forms that is not sticky.
- Rest the dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting helps the gluten relax and improves the texture.
- Divide and shape: Turn the rested dough onto a floured surface, divide it into 8 equal portions, and flatten each piece into a disc shape ready for frying.
- Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly.
- Fry the bread: Fry each piece of dough for 2-3 minutes on one side, until golden brown, then flip and fry the other side until equally golden and cooked through.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried bread from the oil and place on paper towels to drain off any excess oil. Repeat with remaining dough pieces.
- Serve: Serve the fry bread warm. Top with honey and powdered sugar for a sweet option or fill with seasoned meat, beans, or vegetables for a savory treat.
Notes
- Use neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable or canola oil for frying.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Resting the dough is essential for texture; do not skip this step.
- Fry bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated briefly in a skillet.
- Adjust water quantity as needed to achieve the right dough consistency; it should be soft but not sticky.
- Experiment with various sweet or savory toppings to customize your fry bread experience.
