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Navajo Fry Bread Recipe

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4.3 from 48 reviews

Navajo Fry Bread is a traditional Native American dish featuring soft, golden, and crispy fried dough. Perfect for serving with savory toppings like ground beef and cheese, or sweet options such as honey, powdered sugar, and cinnamon sugar. This recipe yields 18 delicious pieces and uses simple pantry staples for an authentic, irresistible treat.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 18 pieces

Ingredients

Fry Bread Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1½ to 2 cups warm water

For Frying

  • 3 to 4 cups oil (for frying, to about 1 inch depth)

Optional Toppings

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

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed, ensuring no clumps for uniform rising.
  2. Form the dough: Slowly add warm water starting with 1½ cups, stirring with a wooden spoon or hands until a soft, shaggy dough forms without dry flour at the bottom. Add more water by tablespoon if needed, the dough should be tacky but not sticky.
  3. Rest the dough: Cover with a clean cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and activate the baking powder, improving texture and ease of stretching.
  4. Divide and shape: Portion the dough into 18 golf-ball-sized pieces. Flatten each into a disc and stretch by hand or rolling pin to about ¼ inch thickness. Poke a small hole in the center of each piece to prevent puffing into a ball during frying.
  5. Heat oil and fry: Heat oil in a heavy skillet to 365°F, filling about 1 inch deep. Carefully slide in one dough disc, which should immediately puff and float. Fry each side for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels after frying.
  6. Drain and serve: Remove fry bread to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. If frying in batches, wait about 30 seconds between pieces to allow oil temperature to recover. Serve warm with desired toppings such as honey, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or savory fillings like ground beef and cheese.

Notes

  • Ensure oil temperature is maintained at 365°F for best frying results.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to prevent oil temperature from dropping.
  • Resting the dough is crucial for easy handling and better texture.
  • Poking a hole in the center helps the dough stay flat and fry evenly.
  • Store leftover fry bread in an airtight container; best enjoyed fresh and warm.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Native American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/navajo-fry-bread-recipe/