Navajo Fried Bread
Navajo Fried Bread is a crispy, golden treat with a soft interior, perfect for pairing with fresh vegetables and cheese for a satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt (if desired) in a bowl.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Slowly add warm water with powdered milk or whole milk, mixing from the center until a slightly sticky dough forms.
- Let the dough set and rest for 1 hour.
- Take a small portion of dough, roll or pat it out very thin.
- Heat oil or Crisco until hot in a frying pan.
- Drop the thin dough into the hot oil.
- Cook until golden brown, then turn to cook the other side.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with chopped lettuce, onion, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and taco sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying; it should sizzle when the dough is added. If you want to enhance the flavor of the bread, consider adding spices like garlic powder or paprika to the dough. If you don’t have baking powder, you can use self-rising flour instead. This bread is versatile and can be adapted for sweet or savory toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Navajo Fried Bread is best served warm and can be topped with various ingredients. Try it with chopped lettuce, onion, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and taco sauce for a delicious meal. It also pairs beautifully with Apple Butter(Crock-Pot) for a sweet treat or can be enjoyed as a side with Spareribs Or Chicken And Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fried bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place the bread in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side until crispy again, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Navajo Fried Bread contains roughly 439 calories, with 12g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 884mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Navajo Fried Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to fry, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out. This ensures the best texture and flavor.
What oil is best for frying the bread?
Vegetable oil or canola oil are great choices for frying, as they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor. If you prefer a richer taste, you can also use lard or Crisco for frying.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help mimic the elasticity of wheat flour, ensuring the dough holds together well during frying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).