Navajo Fry Bread Recipe

Introduction

Navajo Fry Bread is a beloved traditional dish known for its crispy exterior and soft, chewy inside. This versatile bread can be enjoyed plain with honey or powdered sugar, or topped with savory ingredients like ground beef and cheese. Perfect for a comforting snack or meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups oil for frying
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm water
• Honey and powdered sugar (optional)
• Ground beef, beans, and cheese (optional)
• Cinnamon sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly pour in the warm water while stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Add a splash more water if the dough feels dry; it should be soft but not sticky.
2. Step 2: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 2–3 minutes until smooth and elastic. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
3. Step 3: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax and soften.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a round disc about ¼ inch thick, using your hands or a rolling pin. Irregular edges add character.
5. Step 5: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering, around 350°F (175°C).
6. Step 6: Carefully place a dough round into the hot oil. It should puff up immediately. Fry each side for about 1 minute until golden brown and crisp.
7. Step 7: Remove fry bread and transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your choice of toppings or dips.

Tips & Variations

• For a sweeter treat, sprinkle fry bread with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar and drizzle with honey.
• Try savory toppings such as seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and fresh vegetables for a classic Navajo taco.
• Maintain oil temperature to avoid greasy bread; too low makes it absorb oil, too high burns the exterior.

Storage

Store leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore crispness. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the bread.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and frying.

What oil is best for frying Navajo fry bread?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil to ensure even frying and good flavor.

Navajo Fry Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 123 reviews

This traditional Navajo Fry Bread recipe delivers a golden, crispy fried bread that’s soft and airy on the inside. Perfectly simple with flour, baking powder, and salt, this fry bread can be enjoyed with sweet toppings like honey and powdered sugar or savory options such as ground beef, beans, and cheese. A beloved dish with a tender chew and an irresistible fried crust.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 52 minutes
• Yield: 6 pieces 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Native American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups oil for frying
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm water

Optional Toppings

• Honey and powdered sugar
• Ground beef, beans, and cheese
• Cinnamon sugar

Instructions

1. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly pour in the warm water while stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Add a splash more water if the dough feels dry. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
2. Knead Gently: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for 2 to 3 minutes just until smooth and elastic. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
3. Rest and Relax: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting step helps the dough soften and become easier to shape.
4. Shape the Bread: Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a round disc about ¼ inch thick using your hands or a rolling pin. Uneven edges are fine and add a rustic charm.
5. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat until shimmering and reaching approximately 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry Until Golden: Carefully place one dough disc into the hot oil. It should puff up immediately. Fry for about 1 minute on each side or until golden brown and crisp.
7. Serving: Transfer the fry bread to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm, plain or with your choice of toppings such as honey and powdered sugar or savory fillings.

Notes

• Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to ensure the bread puffs properly and cooks evenly.
• Do not over-knead the dough to keep it tender and avoid toughness.
• Fry bread is best served fresh and warm but can be reheated briefly in a skillet.
• Optional toppings can transform the fry bread into a sweet treat or a hearty meal.

Keywords: Navajo fry bread, traditional fry bread, Native American bread, fried dough recipe, simple fry bread