Scrumptious Pioneer Woman Navajo Fry Bread Recipe to Try

Navajo fry bread emerges as a golden, crispy canvas of cultural storytelling that dances between tradition and flavor.

Indigenous communities have woven this delectable creation into their culinary narrative with remarkable skill and passion.

Each pillowy bite whispers tales of resilience and ancestral strength, transforming humble ingredients into a mouthwatering experience.

The bread’s crackling exterior gives way to a tender, cloud-like center that melts on your tongue.

Generations have gathered around steaming platters, sharing laughter and love through this iconic dish.

More than mere sustenance, fry bread represents a powerful connection to heritage and survival.

Check out this recipe and let the rich flavors of indigenous cuisine transport you to a world of delicious history.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 4

Navajo Fry Bread Recipe Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for a more natural flavor and better texture.
• Baking Powder: Look for fresh baking powder to ensure maximum rising potential.
• Salt: Opt for fine-grain table salt for even distribution throughout the dough.

• Milk: Select whole milk for richer, more tender bread with a luxurious mouthfeel.

• Vegetable Oil, Shortening: Pick a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point for clean, crisp frying and perfect golden results.

Tools You’ll Need for Navajo Fry Bread

• Cast-iron skillet: Perfect for maintaining steady, even heat for deep-frying.
• Deep-fry thermometer: Essential for checking precise oil temperature to ensure crispy, golden bread.
• Mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining dry ingredients and creating smooth dough.
• Rolling pin: Helps flatten dough into perfect, even circles.
• Tongs: Allows safe, precise handling of bread while frying in hot oil.
• Paper towels: Absorbs excess oil after frying, keeping bread crisp and not greasy.
• Clean surface: Floured countertop or cutting board for kneading and rolling dough.

How to Fry Pioneer Woman Navajo Bread

• Warm Up the Cooking Oil

Get a skillet ready by pouring vegetable oil about an inch deep. Heat it up until a test kernel of popcorn pops, which signals the perfect temperature around 350°F.

• Create the Dough Base

In a mixing bowl, blend flour with baking powder and salt. Pour in milk and mix until the ingredients transform into a smooth, unified dough that holds together nicely.

• Shape and Prepare Bread Rounds

Sprinkle some flour on your work surface. Gently work the dough a few times, then divide it into portions. Roll each section into a ball and flatten into circular shapes about a quarter-inch thick. Press a small indent in the center of each round to help them fry evenly without puffing up too much.

• Fry until Golden and Crispy

Carefully lower the dough rounds into the sizzling oil, cooking each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. The bread should develop a delightful crispy exterior. Use tongs to transfer the finished rounds onto paper towels, letting excess oil drip away.

Adjustments and Flavor Tips for Fry Bread

Experiment with different oils like coconut or avocado for unique flavor profiles and slightly different crispy textures.

If you don’t own a deep-fry thermometer, use wooden chopsticks or the handle of a wooden spoon – bubbles should form gently around it when the oil hits the right temperature.

Mix herbs like dried rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder directly into the dough for an extra burst of savory goodness. Sprinkle sea salt or everything bagel seasoning on top right after frying for added zest.

Store cooled bread in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Freeze for up to one month by placing parchment paper between each piece to prevent sticking.

Ways to Serve Navajo Fry Bread at Home

• Serve Alongside Savory Dishes: Pair these golden, crispy bread rounds with hearty stews, chili, or roasted meats for a delightful comfort food experience.
• Create a Dipping Station: Prepare a variety of dips like garlic aioli, marinara sauce, or herb-infused olive oil to complement the bread's rich flavor and crunchy texture.
• Transform into Appetizer Bites: Cut the bread into smaller pieces and top with fresh herbs, crumbled cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for an irresistible party snack.
• Breakfast Bread Upgrade: Serve warm with scrambled eggs, bacon, or as a base for eggs Benedict to elevate your morning meal.

Keeping Fry Bread Warm or Reheating Tips

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Serve Fresh and Hot: Enjoy these fried bread rounds immediately after cooking for the ultimate crispy texture and warm, delightful flavor. They're best when served straight from the skillet, topped with honey, jam, or your favorite savory spread.
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to restore some of the original crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Freezing for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual bread rounds in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and warm in a skillet with a touch of oil to revive their golden crunch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. This technique allows the flavors to develop and makes last-minute cooking a breeze.

Authentic Pioneer Woman Navajo Fry Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting Pioneer Woman Navajo fry bread emerges as a delightful Native American culinary tradition passed through generations. Cultural connections blend with simple ingredients, creating golden crispy bread perfect for sharing with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2–3 cups vegetable oil or shortening (for frying)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• ½ cup milk (any type)
• 1 ½ tsps baking powder
• ¼ tsp fine salt

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Instructions

1. Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil or shortening in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet to 350°F, ensuring precise temperature for optimal frying using a deep-fry thermometer.
2. Dough Creation: Blend flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, gradually incorporating milk and mixing until a cohesive dough forms, kneading gently 3-4 times to develop slight elasticity.
3. Dough Shaping: Divide the dough into four equal portions, rolling each into a smooth ball and flattening to circular shapes approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, creating a small center indentation to prevent excessive puffing.
4. Frying Process: Carefully introduce 1-2 dough circles into the hot oil, frying each side for 1-2 minutes until achieving a golden-brown and crispy texture, monitoring color and doneness closely.
5. Finishing: Extract the fry bread using a slotted spoon, transferring to paper towels to absorb excess oil, allowing them to drain and cool briefly before serving hot and fresh.

Notes

• Maintain Precise Oil Temperature: Keep oil consistently at 350°F to prevent burning or undercooking, ensuring perfectly crispy and golden fry bread.
• Handle Dough Gently: Minimal kneading prevents tough texture, creating light and tender bread with delicate crumb structure.
• Control Frying Technique: Work in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to greasy, soggy results.
• Drain Thoroughly: Let fried bread rest on paper towels to remove excess oil, preserving crisp exterior and preventing soggy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Breakfast
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg