simple fry bread recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple fry bread recipe

I have been making this simple fry bread recipe for years and it never fails to bring a smile to my family’s faces. The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to put together with just a few basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It is a versatile bread that can be served with savory dishes or topped with sweet ingredients for a delicious treat.

My kids love helping me knead the dough and watching it puff up in the hot oil. This fry bread has its roots in Native American cuisine and has become a beloved comfort food across the United States. When you bite into it you get a perfect contrast of a crispy golden exterior and a soft fluffy interior.

The texture is light and airy with a slight chewiness that makes it so satisfying. It has a mild savory flavor that pairs well with everything from honey and powdered sugar to chili and cheese. The key to making great fry bread at home is getting the oil temperature right.

You want it hot enough so the bread cooks quickly and doesn’t absorb too much oil but not so hot that it burns on the outside before the inside is cooked through. I use a deep skillet with about an inch of oil and let it heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not wet and you want to handle it gently to keep it light.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick side dish or for weekend gatherings when you want something special. It is also a great way to use up leftover pantry staples. The health benefits are modest but the bread is free from preservatives and artificial ingredients when you make it from scratch.

You can also use whole wheat flour for added fiber. I love that this simple fry bread brings everyone together around the table and it always sparks conversations about favorite toppings and memories.

Simple Fry Bread

4.8 from 570 votes

This easy fry bread recipe creates golden, fluffy bread with a crispy exterior. It is perfect for serving with savory dishes or as a sweet treat with honey and powdered sugar.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For Frying

2 cups vegetable oil for frying

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
3Pour the warm water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into the well.
4Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then use your hands to bring it together into a ball.
5Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 2 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6Do not over knead or the bread will be tough.
7Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
8While the dough rests pour the frying oil into a deep skillet to a depth of about 1 inch.
9Heat the oil over medium high heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer.
10Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
11On a lightly floured surface flatten each ball into a disk about 1/4 inch thick.
12Use your fingers to make a small hole in the center of each disk to help it cook evenly.
13Carefully place one or two dough disks into the hot oil using tongs.
14Fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed up.
15The bread should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
16Adjust the heat as needed to maintain the oil temperature.
17Remove the fry bread from the oil with tongs and drain on paper towels.
18Repeat with the remaining dough disks.
19Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Wooden spoon
Deep skillet or heavy pot
Candy or deep fry thermometer
Tongs
Paper towels

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 400mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 0g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

Tips: For a sweeter version add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the dry ingredients. You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all purpose flour for a heartier texture. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to avoid greasy bread.

Watch Video Of How Simple Fry Bread Works

This simple fry bread recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is quick easy and uses ingredients you likely have on hand. It works wonderfully for family gatherings as everyone can customize their own bread with their favorite toppings.

I love serving it at potlucks and casual dinners where it always gets compliments. For storage keep any leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

To reheat place the bread in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes until warm and crispy. You can also reheat it in a toaster oven or even in a dry skillet over medium heat for a minute per side.

For serving ideas try it with honey butter for breakfast or use it as a base for savory tacos with seasoned meat and fresh toppings. It also makes a great base for dessert with ice cream and chocolate sauce.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Fry Bread

1. Can I make this fry bread gluten free?

Yes you can substitute a gluten free all purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum to help with texture. The dough may be slightly more delicate so handle it gently.

2. How do I store leftover fry bread?

Store leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat place it in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes or until warm and crispy. You can also reheat it in a toaster oven.

3. Can I bake this fry bread instead of frying it?

Yes you can bake the dough disks on a greased baking sheet at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 12 minutes flipping halfway through. The texture will be more like a flatbread than traditional fry bread but it is still delicious.

4. Why is my fry bread dense and heavy?

Dense fry bread is usually caused by over kneading the dough or not letting it rest. Knead only until the dough comes together and let it rest for the full 10 minutes. Also make sure your baking powder is fresh for proper rising.

5. What are some popular toppings for fry bread?

Fry bread is incredibly versatile. For savory options try it with chili cheese and lettuce or use it as a base for Navajo tacos. For sweet toppings drizzle with honey sprinkle with powdered sugar or spread with jam and butter.

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