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Homemade Fry Bread Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

  • 41/2 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