Born from resilience and cherished across generations, this golden, airy fry bread offers a delicious way to gather around the table.
Navajo fry bread carries a complex history, one rooted in resilience but born from profound hardship. The bread came about in 1864, when the Navajo were forcibly removed from their homeland in Arizona, and made to walk hundreds of miles to Fort Sumner, New Mexico, a journey remembered as the Long Walk. At Bosque Redondo, traditional crops and ingredients were out of reach, and the U.S. government issued rations of flour, lard, salt, and sugar. From these staples, Navajo fry bread was created: a flat, unleavened bread fried in oil.
While it has become an important part of many Native communities’ food traditions, it’s also a lasting reminder of colonial policies that disrupted Indigenous foodways. The knowledge of how to make fry bread and the story behind it has been passed from one generation to the next. It’s served at family meals, holidays, powwows, as well as other gatherings.
Beyond its history, I also love the simplicity of this recipe and how it pairs with everything from soups to tacos. It’s incredible to see how a handful of humble ingredients create something so delicious. Best of all, it’s so simple to make. As you go about cooking up Navajo fry bread in your own kitchen, I implore you to remember the story behind it. The story of fierce perseverance and of all the people who carry that story forward.
A non-exhaustive list of ways to enjoy this fry bread
Fresh from the pan, fry bread is completely delicious on its own. Many people drizzle it with honey or sprinkle it with powdered sugar for a sweet treat. It also makes a truly excellent savory base: pile it high with seasoned beans, veggies, or meat to create what’s often called a “Navajo taco.” For breakfast, try topping fry bread with scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa, or serve it alongside soups and stews. You’ll find delicious ideas in the serving suggestions section down below! However you choose to enjoy it, fry bread is meant to be shared. So pass it around the table, tear it with your hands, and savor it together.
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooked, allow the bread to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or wrap it in foil. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To reheat, warm the bread in a hot skillet for a few seconds on each side, or place it in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also freeze the bread. Wrap each one individually, place them in a freezer bag, and store them for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven or skillet.
Serving suggestions
My favorite ways to enjoy fry bread are all quite simple and always delicious. Piling the fry bread high with Cheesy Scrambled Eggs for breakfast is never a bad idea, and this yummy recipe for Zucchini And Eggs is a delicious way to sneak in some veggies. And for other meals? Serve this fry bread alongside comfort foods like Slow-Cooker Chili or this wonderful Chicken Black Bean Soup.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups water
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Heat the milk and water together until hot. Gradually pour the hot liquid into the dry ingredients and mix with your fingers until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the bowl.
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rest for about 20 minutes. Then, divide the dough into about 18 equal pieces.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a ball and gently flatten it into a 1/2-inch thick disk. Make a small hole in the center of each disk to help keep it flat while frying.
- Heat enough oil in a deep skillet or pan to reach about 1 inch in depth and bring it to 375°F. Fry the dough disks in batches, cooking 1-3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and develop bubbles on the surface. Remove the fry bread with tongs and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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