If you’re seeking a warm, comforting treat that feels like a hug on a plate, this Fry Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. With its golden, crispy exterior and pillowy-soft inside, fry bread delivers a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist. Whether you enjoy it drizzled with honey and powdered sugar or piled high with savory fillings, this versatile classic brings simple ingredients to life in the most delicious way. I’m excited to share this beloved recipe that’s as easy as it is satisfying—you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Fry Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of staple pantry ingredients, each element plays a crucial role in creating that perfect fry bread texture and flavor.
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: Choose a high-quality flour to ensure a soft, tender bread with just enough chewiness.
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder: Acts as the leavening agent, giving your fry bread a light and airy interior.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness if you decide to top with honey.
- 3/4 cup Water: Added gradually to develop a smooth, soft dough that’s easy to work with.
- Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying to get that perfectly crispy, golden crust without burning.
- Honey: Optional but highly recommended for a sweet finish that pairs beautifully with the warm bread.
- Powdered Sugar: Sprinkled on top for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
- Savory Fillings: Think seasoned meat, beans, or sautéed vegetables to make it a hearty meal.
How to Make Fry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining your flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk these together thoroughly to ensure the leavening is evenly distributed, which is key for consistent rise and texture throughout every piece of bread.
Step 2: Add Water Gradually
Slowly pour in the water while stirring to form a soft dough. Adding water bit by bit allows you to find the perfect consistency—it should be smooth and pliable but not sticky. This balance will make shaping the dough much easier and help it fry up beautifully.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rest
Cover your dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period helps the gluten relax, making the dough more elastic and easier to roll or press out evenly for frying.
Step 4: Divide and Flatten
Turn the rested dough out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 8 equal portions, then gently flatten each piece into a round disc. Don’t worry if the shapes aren’t perfect; rustic charm is part of fry bread’s personality!
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into a frying pan to cover about 1/2 inch depth and heat over medium-high heat. Test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of dough into the pan—if it bubbles and rises to the surface quickly, you’re good to go.
Step 6: Fry Until Golden
Carefully place each flattened dough piece into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed up. Make sure the oil stays at a steady temperature to prevent greasy or undercooked bread.
Step 7: Drain and Repeat
Once fried, transfer your fry bread to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the process with all dough pieces, keeping the fried bread warm by loosely covering it with foil.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Your fry bread is ready to be enjoyed immediately. Whether sweet or savory, warm fry bread offers the best texture and flavor right out of the pan—so dive in with your favorite toppings or fillings.
How to Serve Fry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fry bread shines both sweet and savory, so the choice of garnishes is yours to play with! Dust it with powdered sugar and drizzle honey for a simple dessert-like treat. For a savory option, try adding seasoned ground beef, beans, or fresh chopped veggies and herbs to turn it into a satisfying meal.
Side Dishes
Pair your fry bread with fresh salads or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the fried dough. A side of salsa, guacamole, or even a tangy coleslaw complements both sweet and savory versions beautifully, enhancing the overall experience without overpowering the bread itself.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by using fry bread as a base for tacos or sliders, layering with your favorite proteins and colorful toppings. You can also cut it into strips and serve with dips like queso, bean dip, or honey butter, turning this classic recipe into a fun party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover fry bread, store it in an airtight container once cooled completely. It remains fresh for a day or two at room temperature, perfect for quick snacks or a base for next-day meals.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each piece of fry bread individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this treat anytime without sacrificing texture or taste.
Reheating
Reheat fry bread in a warm oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or quickly warm in a hot skillet. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy. Reheated properly, your fry bread will regain its crispy exterior and soft inside like freshly made.
FAQs
What makes fry bread different from regular fried dough?
Fry bread uses a simple dough with baking powder instead of yeast, resulting in a quicker rising time and a lighter, airier texture with a crispy outside that’s perfect for frying.
Can I use whole wheat flour in this Fry Bread Recipe?
You can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may produce a denser bread and slightly different flavor. Mixing whole wheat with all-purpose flour often yields a good balance of taste and texture.
Is it necessary to rest the dough before frying?
Yes, resting the dough relaxes the gluten, making it easier to shape and helping the bread puff up nicely while frying instead of becoming tough.
What oil is best for frying fry bread?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. They won’t impart extra flavor and withstand the frying heat without burning.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Adapting to gluten-free flour blends is possible, but the texture will change significantly. Look for blends designed for frying or baking and experiment with small batches until you achieve your desired result.
Final Thoughts
This Fry Bread Recipe is a wonderful reminder that simple ingredients can produce extraordinary dishes that warm both belly and heart. Whether you’re serving it as a nostalgic family favorite or introducing someone new to its joys, I hope you find the same delight and comfort in every bite that I do. So get your apron on and treat yourself to this classic, delicious experience—you won’t regret it!
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
Fry Bread is a traditional Native American dish known for its crispy golden exterior and soft, fluffy interior. This recipe uses simple ingredients and a frying technique to create delicious bread that can be enjoyed sweet with honey and powdered sugar or savory with various fillings like seasoned meat, beans, or vegetables. Perfect for a quick and satisfying treat or meal accompaniment.
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 together until well mixed to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
- Form Dough: Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to add too much water to keep the dough workable and not sticky.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape and improving texture.
- Shape Dough: Turn the rested dough onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and flatten each piece into a disc shape, ready for frying.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should bubble and rise immediately without burning.
- Fry Bread: Carefully place each dough disc into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for the same duration, ensuring both sides are crispy and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried bread from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with remaining dough pieces.
- Serve Warm: Serve the fry bread warm with your choice of toppings. Enjoy it sweet with honey and powdered sugar or savory with various fillings like seasoned meat or beans.
Notes
- Ensure oil is at the right temperature; too hot will burn the bread, too cool will make it greasy.
- Resting the dough is key to achieving a tender texture inside.
- Can be stored in an airtight container and reheated before serving.
- DIY variations include adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil to prevent off-flavors.
