The Navajo Taco Fry Bread Recipe is a classic Native American dish that is soft, fluffy and crispy at the same time. Many people enjoy this recipe because it is easy to make at home and can be served as a main dish or snack.
Fry bread can be topped with beans, meat, cheese, vegetables or salsa to make a full Navajo taco.
If you want to know How to make Navajo Taco Fry Bread, this recipe will guide you step by step. The Ingredients for Navajo Taco Fry Bread are simple and easy to find, making it perfect for family meals, parties, or casual dinners.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this fry bread for a family dinner and it was a big hit. The dough puffed up perfectly while frying and turned golden brown.
The bread was soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. I topped it with refried beans, shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and salsa and it became a delicious meal everyone enjoyed.
My family could not stop eating it. Since then, I make this Navajo Taco Fry Bread Recipe often because it is fun, easy, and always delicious. It is also a great recipe to make with kids.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Navajo Taco Fry Bread Recipe
- Servings: 8 pieces
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Course: Snack
- Cuisine: Native American
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Equipment List
You will need a large mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, a rolling pin, a frying pan or deep skillet, tongs or a slotted spoon, paper towels and measuring cups and spoons. These basic tools are enough to make perfect fry bread at home.
Ingredients You Need for Navajo Taco Fry Bread Recipe
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for dough)
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional toppings:
- Refried beans
- Ground beef or shredded chicken
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
- Sour cream
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Add warm water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth. Cover with a towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
2. Heat the Oil
Pour 2 cups of vegetable oil into a skillet or deep pan. Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. Test the oil with a small dough piece. It should sizzle immediately and puff slightly. This ensures the oil is hot enough for frying.
3. Shape the Fry Bread
Divide the dough into 6 to 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin. Shape into circles about ½ inch thick. Do not make them too thin or they may burn during frying.
4. Fry the Bread
Carefully place one piece of dough into hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and fry the other side until golden and puffed. Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining dough pieces.
5. Serve Warm
Serve the fry bread warm for the best texture. Top with beans, meat, cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa or sour cream. Enjoy your homemade Navajo Taco Fry Bread fresh and crispy.
Recipe Tips
- Do not overcrowd the pan; fry each piece individually for even cooking.
- Keep the oil at medium heat to prevent burning.
- Use warm water for the dough for better texture.
- Cover the dough while resting to prevent it from drying out.
- Serve immediately for soft and crispy fry bread.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Navajo Taco Fry Bread Recipe warm with your favorite toppings. You can use refried beans, seasoned meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa or sour cream.
It makes a complete meal that is both filling and delicious. Fry bread is perfect for family dinners, potlucks or even casual snacks. Children and adults alike enjoy customizing their own fry bread toppings.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Mexican rice
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Corn salad or coleslaw
- Refried or black beans
- Fresh fruit
These sides complement the flavors of Navajo Taco Fry Bread and make a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for one day. Avoid refrigerating, as it may harden. Reheat in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Add fresh toppings after reheating to maintain the best flavor and texture. Fry bread tastes best when served immediately.
Navajo Taco Fry Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for dough
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Optional toppings:
- Refried beans
- Ground beef or shredded chicken
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
- Sour cream
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Add warm water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth. Cover with a towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
Heat the Oil
- Pour 2 cups of vegetable oil into a skillet or deep pan. Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. Test the oil with a small dough piece. It should sizzle immediately and puff slightly. This ensures the oil is hot enough for frying.
Shape the Fry Bread
- Divide the dough into 6 to 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin. Shape into circles about ½ inch thick. Do not make them too thin or they may burn during frying.
Fry the Bread
- Carefully place one piece of dough into hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and fry the other side until golden and puffed. Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining dough pieces.
Serve Warm
- Serve the fry bread warm for the best texture. Top with beans, meat, cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa or sour cream. Enjoy your homemade Navajo Taco Fry Bread fresh and crispy.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan; fry each piece individually for even cooking.
- Keep the oil at medium heat to prevent burning.
- Use warm water for the dough for better texture.
- Cover the dough while resting to prevent it from drying out.
- Serve immediately for soft and crispy fry bread.
FAQs about Navajo Taco Fry Bread Recipe
1. Can I make fry bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Shape and fry when ready to serve.
2. Can I bake fry bread instead of frying?
Baking is possible but will not be as crispy. Frying gives the traditional soft inside and crunchy outside.
3. Why is my fry bread not puffing?
The oil may not be hot enough, or the dough thickness is uneven. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the bread will be denser. A half-and-half mixture of all-purpose and whole wheat works best.
5. Can fry bread be made sweet?
Yes, you can top it with powdered sugar, honey or cinnamon sugar for a sweet version of fry bread.
Conclusion
The Navajo Taco Fry Bread Recipe is soft, crispy and very easy to make at home. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with many toppings.
Now you know How to make Navajo Taco Fry Bread Recipe step by step. The Ingredients for Navajo Taco Fry Bread are simple and the preparation is quick.
Try this recipe for your next family meal or gathering. You will enjoy a classic Native American dish that is both delicious and satisfying.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
