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+ servings
Freshly fried bread with a fluffy interior, arranged on a decorative cloth.

Native American Fry Bread Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Additional Time 15 minutes
Total Time 44 minutes
This Native American Fry Bread recipe creates soft, golden rounds of bread that are crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. Perfect for tacos, drizzled with honey, or enjoyed plain. Simple ingredients make this a family favorite!
12 Servings

Ingredients

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour additional as needed
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 .25 ounce package quick-rise yeast
  • 2 cups warm water
  • Oil for frying vegetable or canola recommended

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients. Create a well in the center of the mixture.

Activate the Yeast:

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.

Combine the Mixtures:

  1. Pour the yeast mixture into the well of the dry ingredients. Mix gently and quickly until a soft, moist dough forms. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the bread dense. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for 15–20 minutes.

Heat the Oil:

  1. In a deep fryer or large saucepan, heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the dough rounds.

Shape the Dough:

  1. With well-floured hands, pinch off a 2-inch piece of dough. Stretch it into a round approximately 5–6 inches in diameter. Add more flour to your hands if the dough feels sticky.

Fry the Bread:

  1. Carefully place the dough round into the hot oil. Fry for about 2 minutes per side, or until the bread turns a deep golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bread and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Serve warm with your choice of toppings, such as honey, powdered sugar, or taco-style fillings.

Notes

To adapt this recipe for gluten-free preparation, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Check the packaging to ensure it contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the elasticity of gluten. You may need to adjust the water slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb liquids differently. The texture will vary slightly, but the flavor and crispiness will remain delightful.
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