Homemade Fry Bread Recipe

Introduction

Homemade fry bread is a traditional, crispy delight that’s perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat. Light and fluffy on the inside with a golden, crisp exterior, it pairs wonderfully with butter, honey, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4-1/2 teaspoons shortening
• 2/3 to 3/4 cup water
• Oil for deep-fat frying
• Optional: Butter, honey, and fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, nonfat dry milk powder, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture is crumbly.
2. Step 2: Gradually add water, mixing until a firm dough forms. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Roll each dough ball into a 6-inch circle. Use a sharp knife to cut a 1/2-inch hole in the center of each circle.
4. Step 4: Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each dough circle one at a time until puffed and golden, about 1 minute per side.
5. Step 5: Remove fry bread and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, topped with butter, honey, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer taste, substitute shortening with an equal amount of butter or lard.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or sugar to the dough for a sweet variation.
• Serve with savory toppings like taco meat or beans for a different twist.

Storage

Store leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, warm briefly in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use margarine or vegetable oil instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute shortening with margarine or vegetable oil, but the texture may be slightly different. Shortening helps achieve a tender, flaky texture.

How can I make the fry bread puff up better?

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. Rolling the dough fairly thin and including the hole in the center also helps with puffing.

Homemade Fry Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 86 reviews

This Homemade Fry Bread recipe offers a delightful, crispy treat made from simple pantry ingredients. Perfectly golden and soft on the inside, these traditional fry breads can be served warm with butter, honey, and a splash of fresh lemon juice for a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal as a snack or side, this dish highlights classic deep-frying techniques for an authentic texture and taste.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 fry breads 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Native American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 4–1/2 teaspoons shortening
• 2/3 to 3/4 cup water

For Frying and Serving

• Oil for deep-fat frying (enough to fill skillet about 2 inches deep)
• Optional: Butter, honey, and fresh lemon juice for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, nonfat dry milk powder, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture is crumbly. Gradually add the water while mixing until a firm dough ball forms.
2. Shape Dough Balls: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Cover them lightly and let rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten, which makes rolling easier.
3. Roll Out Circles: On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a 6-inch diameter circle. Using a sharp knife, cut a 1/2-inch diameter hole in the center of each dough circle to allow even frying and puffing.
4. Heat Oil: Pour enough oil into a large cast-iron skillet to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, approximately 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Bread: Carefully place one dough circle in the hot oil. Fry until puffed and golden brown on one side, about 1 minute, then flip and fry the other side for another minute. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn and remove the bread.
6. Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried bread to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm, optionally topped with butter, honey, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.

Notes

• For best results, use a cast-iron skillet as it retains heat evenly for frying.
• You can adjust the amount of water slightly if the dough feels too dry or sticky.
• Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent to avoid greasy or undercooked bread.
• Fry breads are best eaten fresh and warm for optimal texture and taste.
• This recipe can be doubled easily to serve a larger crowd.

Keywords: Fry Bread, Homemade Fry Bread, Deep Fried Bread, Native American Cuisine, Snack Recipe