December 2nd, 2014 Last Updated on: January 8th, 2020
We serve frybread in place of dinner rolls at Thanksgiving Dinner.
We also enjoy it as a dessert, topped with powdered sugar.
It's not pre-contact food, but it's delicious at powwows as an NDN Taco, topped with cheese, meat, beans, lettuce and tomatoes.
We usually make healthy choices, so we can enjoy frybread as a treat!
Frybread Power!!!
My Great-Grandma Margaret's Frybread Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Plenty of Corn Oil to Fry It In
- 2 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 cups warm water
Directions
- Stir your flour, baking powder, and salt together in a glass mixing bowl.
- Then, add warm water and stir into dough.
- Knead the dough on floured wax paper.
- Flatten the dough into palm-size pieces.
- Fry the dough in hot oil (about 350 degrees) for 3 minutes, until it is golden brown.
Let's try to eat healthily most of the time, but Frybread is sure a fun way to celebrate Native Heritage Month!
We never actually used a recipe for frybread, since she cooked by the “handful” method…”a handful of this” or “a handful of that”! So, I recreated her recipe for y'all to enjoy!
Happy Native Heritage Month!
Great-Grandma Margaret's Frybread Recipe
Pass the Frybread!
We serve frybread in place of dinner rolls at Thanksgiving Dinner.
We also enjoy it as a dessert, topped with powdered sugar.
It's not pre-contact food, but it's delicious at powwows as an NDN Taco, topped with cheese, meat, beans, lettuce and tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Plenty of Corn Oil to Fry It In
- 2 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 cups warm water
Instructions
- Stir your flour, baking powder, and salt together in a glass mixing bowl.
- Then, add warm water and stir into dough.
- Knead the dough on floured wax paper.
- Flatten the dough into palm-size pieces.
- Fry the dough in hot oil (about 350 degrees) for 3 minutes, until it is golden brown.
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RONALD says:
My mother made this and I ask her where it came from and she told me her mother made it came from her family and that is all. We know that we were part Indian. LOVE THE FOOD SHE MADE.
Running Doe says:
wado for sharing these nice recipes, I love fry bread
Running Doe says:
wado for sharing recipes, I enjoy them very much,
jeanne bailey says:
Love the Indian fry bread, I am not with Indian blood in me but love the culture and live on a street that is called CAHUILLA, and my home has many imitations of Indian lore and pictures, etc, I feel warm when at a pow wow and have nothing but love for the American Indians, the Native Indians that are here around us, we can learn so much from them..Thank you for the recipe, so easy and cheap to make and so good as taco or sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. thanks again.
Anita Snow a.k.a. mini snow says:
I love fry bread.
Sueanna Tahsuda says:
Fry bread both my Kaku’s and my Mama made the best. I myself never measured like my Kaku’s and mama never measured. Ura for the recipe I’m going to give it a try. I am Comanche Nation In Oklahoma” Numunu “
gouchr says:
I’ve had this ,,,,,,,,,,,, but it’s been a loooooooooooooooong time ago.. It was always in the bread box along with those biscuits that my grandmother would make.. I chopped the kinhl’n for the stove..
Dozie says:
I’d love to have a recipe for the seasoned meat used in the taco. I love them so much!
Shannah says:
Is fry bread the same as an elephant ear
Paul G says:
Similar, but different.
Sandra Cotten says:
Thank You for wonderful recipe. Fry bread reminds me of family, grandma’s, and lots of aunts that we called moma’s! I am Kiowa from Anadarko,Ok. This bread came from suffering and heartache but in traditional native American fashion, we made it part of our culture!
Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Duncan says:
Oh my – my students used to say they were going to buy me a t-shirt – “Body by Fry Bread”
My favorite was made by a lovely older woman at Pojoaque Pueblo. I used to go there for the annual pow wow when I lived in New Mexico. Delightful family like pow wow – and the best fry bread ever – smile.
WENDELL KEAHBONE says:
Decolinazation has no effect on a Real INDIGENOUS but the Word pow wow is a slap in the face for us real INDIGENOUS simply because that is a hollywood term used to describe our Cultural Ceremonies. .and Commercialize as well.
gordon says:
So, why do they call all these events all over America, Pow Wows, what is the correct term ?
Ken says:
I am in general agreement with Mark June 14, 2015) comments. Fry bread is NOT a way for Native North Americans to celebrate their heritage. Native people are a conquered race and were forced and relocated from their original homelands and assembled on government lands known as reservations. Natives were no longer allowed to hunt or be self sufficient. They were given sparse and often poor rations of European white flour, sugar and lard to survive on. To this day, Native Americans have the highest incidences of diabetes than any other culture. This is directly related to everyday diet. The three “white” products are by no means part of the original North American Indian diet or traditional foodways. Native Americans are a corn culture. Unfortunately, modern agriculture changed the original much healthier north American maize into a corn that is now yielding higher sugar content. Yes enjoy your fry bread… in moderation.
Alice says:
I prefer lndian (Red) or American Indian. That was the way we were called back in the day. Native is Eastern folks changing things to suit themselves as they emerged from their”underground railroad.” And we can easily distinguish ourselves between red and brown Indian.
Crystal says:
Please share with everyone who read your posting why I get the feeling that you have innate hostility for people of color…no matter their history. Especially the “back in the day” phrase seems to suggest you experienced prejudice yet you demean folks who experienced the Underground Railroad travails. Please do disregard this question if you are of European blood…we red and brown folks know where you stand based on “back in the day.”
Charleene Deaver says:
I appreciate this recipe so much. My Greatgrandmother,Mary Deaver was on the Trail of Tears. I am so grateful to have inherited her strength. I am told we were Blue Corn Cherokee, but I have not found a way to prove that information. If anyone has any information I would so appreciate it. Blessings
Glenn miller says:
For200+ recipes check out Frybread: Paat, Present & Future. Includes the history, craft and culture of frybread, diabetes information, substitution charts to make any recipe healthier. A portiom of the proceeds goes to programs benefiting chipdren with diabetes. The charity for 2015 was the Native Youth Preventing Diabetes program, Oklahoma City, OK
Karonhiio says:
The Best Frybread an NDN Tacos come from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory Home of the Frybread Queen
Windy says:
Fry bread is best fried in lard, the taste is phenomenal…
Reggie Harvill says:
Hi i will try breadas soon i go and get tje lard. Mt time out is Tuesday for two hours a day Reggie
MARY ELLEN HOLKAN says:
I WAS GOING THROUGH MY E-MAIL.MY HUSBAND IS SIOUX I AM CHERKEE. IHAVD ENJOYED YOUR PAPER ON MAKEING FRY BREAD. MY HUSBAND WAS BORN IN ROSEBUD SOUTH DAK. I WAS BORN IN ANADARKO.
MY HUSBAND IS RETIRED NOW. HE WORKED AT NASA.WE HAVE TWO BOYS AND TWO GIRLS. I FOUND YOU ON MY COMPUTER. ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH. GUESS I HAD BEST CLOSE FOR NOW. MARY HOLKAN.
Sophia Farve says:
Aho l would like to know the recipe for Pumpkin Fry Bread..
The easiest way , Please. Lol Haven’t had any in a long time!
Thanks,
Choctaw Nation
glenn miller says:
check out the book frybread past present and future,,,it contains over 200 recipies,,,including pumpkin!
big.bear.dances.with.spirit says:
if you google free recipe for pumpkin fry bread or you could try free native pumpkin fry bread i hope this helps you.
Blanchard-Bad River says:
Just wanted to say that the name/term: ‘Indian’, to me means Middles Eastern People. I believe we (American Indians), are considered Native Americans now a days. I have NO IDEA why I cringe when people call us, ‘Indians’, but, I prefer Native American myself. To each their own though! I just wanted to let folks know the correct term for our people. 🙂 Chi Migwetch! By the way, FRY BREAD will always be NUMMY, no matter what tradition we are! Its just all so good! 🙂
Judi Race says:
My very best friend died 18 years ago in North Bay, Ontario, Canada at the age of 92 and she very proudly called herself an Indian. She was Ojibwa.
V Faye Becker says:
The best fry bread I’ve ever tasted was made by Larry Galbreath(or his mom, Molly)here in Fairbanks at powwow. There are others that sell it for $1 a piece but it’s just not the same. Mine’s pretty close! Guess I’ll have to make some tomorrow or maybe Friday. Yummy for the tummy….
Tina M says:
I’m Dimé & love a well prepared Navajo Taco
Yum.
My father made the best fry bread. My brothers & sisters have loving memories of this.
Bobbie says:
Use to eat this at the Pow WOW’s when I took my kids as they were growing up and as my grandkids as they were growing up. Been looking for a recipe for this for years. The Frybread & Taco’s are so GOOD & YUMMY. Thanks for sharing this. I am Indian on both sides of my family (Mom & Dad’s).
penelope nicholls says:
We also called them sopapillas !
Robin says:
When I lived in New Mexico so papers were made from uncooked tortillas. Two different things but very similar
Sherry says:
My Mom would make fry bread .I agree 100% fry bread is comfort food also sometimes in our house it was the main course.
Mark says:
I’m all about Native Americans claiming fry bread. I’m only 1/16th myself, and have never had tires to that heritage from my family, but I still know the true history and meaning of this dish. It arose on the concentration camps where natives of the southwest were held by the US government if they managed to first survive the Long Walk. Those survivors were given meager supplies to live on, often already rancid. Fry bread can be used to help connect the people of today with the suffering of their ancestors, but to call it a celebration of heritage without mentioning that heritage, indeed implying a radically different heritage with the comment about thanksgiving… well I’d call it irresponsible, to say the least.
deb says:
I agree. The history behind fry bread is something all natives should be aware of, but sadly aren’t.
Hayden says:
Thank you for actually understanding the history of fry-bread. Definitely a great dish, but it should be remembered why it exist.
Patricia Montes says:
Thank you for the info on that. I was always told that we have native blood in our family, but my father never talked about it. I just had my dna done and its confirmed about the native blood. I have been trying to learn about all of my heritage, good & bad, this history makees my heart very sad.
Naomi Montes-Aguilar says:
Mrs. Montes I will like to know where you had your DNA done. I have the same problem as well.
Martha Slover says:
I’d like to know what i can do to get recognized by my tribes I’m 1/8 Navajo and 1/8 blackfoot. Thank you
Eloriza Birdwell says:
Awesome Love the fryed bread it so good for you too Thanks again everyone love you all bunches
Dixie says:
My great grandfather, Jasper Mays was 1/2 Cherokee I’m told. I was born in Albuquerque and we had friends at the reservation. Lucy Rosetta (sp?) would make fry bread on her adobe stove/oven outside. I will never forget how wonderful it was to eat hot off the fire. Nothing compares.
Jessica Plaut says:
I’m gonnwheat with whole wheat flour 50/50 or spelt, some corn meal sounds delicious.I’m Jewish, and I love Native American culture.
trinnis says:
This bread should be in stores all over, it’s very good.
Sara says:
I have come across nutritional information about the benefits of being gluten-free. Gluten and processed white flour/wheat flour also contributes to diabetes and obesity. Our ancestors did not eat gluten. Sorry to be a downer, I liked the fry bread as well. It can be made gluten free with other protien-rich flours though. Also the wheat crop is killed with harmful pesticides now just prior to harvest. Just thought I’d pass that along for the benefit of keeping us healthy. Love to All my relations
Kathy Carter says:
When we were growing up my mom always made fry bread. We loved it. Even though we lived on the rez and my mom was almost full blood Native I never thought it was an NDN thing I thought it was just a “my mom” thing. lol I was surprised when I got older how people would claim fry bread to be a NDN thing everywhere. 🙂
Gabi Iannacone says:
You serve fry bread instead of rolls at thanksgiving ?????????? So I’m guessing you think thanksgiving is a “YUMMY” way to celebrate native heritage too ? Did you actually put that in print ?????????????? And Powwows.com allowed it to be printed ????????????? Assimilation was/is and always will be an UGLY thing.. How extremely sad.
Jay Smilinghorse says:
As Indigonious people or as I celebrated is not Thanksgiving. I celebrated my Ancestors by eating traditional foods. I am 1/2 Cherokee on dad’s side and 1/2 Dińe on my mom’s side. I share by letting Indigonious people know that there is NO MORE thanksgiving. Eat delicious Frybread Mutton Stew or The tradish foods of your Nation or tribes and wnjoy. We all need to protect what is precious to us. Live in Harmony my relitives. Be blessed in tour journey.
Ginny says:
I love fry bread and so do my grand children,thanks for the recipie…we put jam and butter on our bread,I also put the taco toppings inside and fry them…there awesome!!!!
tammy Eagledreamer says:
Aho all my relations,thank you for sharing your ancestors fry bread recipe Iam Cherokee Nations,& blackfoot
Esther. Noble says:
I am a Cherokee and Dakota Sioux from my father’s side.Can. you help me find my Tribe,cause my Grandparents are not a live and my father is not a live I don’t know who to ask about my tribe I would like to know How cook like an Indian.My Grandmother never had the time to teach me how to cook and to know where my tribe is or even to teach my how to talk in Indian.
Josh Raven Blair says:
Osiyo, first off, we are NOT “indian” we are indigenous Americans. You can’t learn to speak Native. There are well over 500 different languages to speak and many more dialects. Use the Internet and look up your tribe.
Joyce Jaborek says:
You need to check the Baker Roll for your ancestors name. If they were not on the Baker Roll you cannot claim Indian Heritage.
Sueanna Tahsuda says:
The Baker Roll is for the Eastern Band of North Carolina Cherokee. The Dawes Rolls are for what they called the 5 Civilized Tribes in Oklahoma. I myself am not Cherokee I have been a tribal member of the Comanche Nation since birth 65 years ago. Just wanted to give this information on the Baker and Dawes Rolls. Ura for the partial information.
debra says:
I have used vegetable oil and Canola oil….what is the best for flavor and health?
eskimo girl says:
I am inupiaq Eskimo and Pima Indian and I always enjoy some good fry bread. My favourite is if you put a little powdered sugar on top. Mmmmm Delicious!
Amanda Herrick says:
Im also part pima and Cherokee . Never talked to another who was same. Kinda cool seeing another with same. Tha5s all.
Tina Richards says:
Woohoo! PIMA’S UNITE!! Haha (Pima/Mohave) Fry Bread is so good, we only enjoy it 2 or 3 times a year. (We have to earn it at the gym hahaha)
brent says:
i just like to throw nuts and berries in the mix,, fry up,, and put in my hiking sack for hunt or stream fishing trip
mary boganowski says:
I love fried bread but hardily ever get any unless its at pow wow time . I’m from the Winnebago tribe of Nebraska. Thanks for the recipe.
Vanessa says:
This isn’t my bread recipe and I’m Winnebago too. I use flour, salt, sugar and rapid rise yeast. I don’t know the baking powder bread recipe tho. I don’t have measurements, just “watch me” recipe LOL. I hope u learn some day – it’s easy and delicious!!
Pennie says:
This recipe uses a little less baking powder and salt than mine. Mine is basically 1 tbsp. per two cups of flour. I also know some Natives that just use self-rising flour and warm water. For some reason I think it turns out better when you use all purpose…not sure why though. Oh and one more thing…I have used unbleached flour in my recipes. It is a little bit better for you and turns out just fine.
Lee Worden says:
What would be used traditionally to top them?
Jane T says:
You can use them like a taco shell or better yet, sprinkle powdered sugar or put jelly on them. Delish!!!!!
Karen says:
In Canada, we top them with chilli,cheese,chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce, we call them Indian Tacos or you can make Tacos and use the fry bread has taco shells or you can add raisons into the dough when done you can roll the bread with sugar and cinnamon…another recipe you can fry the bread spread Nutella add smarties or whatever sweet toppings, we call it Beaver Tails.
donna woods says:
my fry bread is the same as this good stuff,i’m Micmac,malseet,dads Cherokee.have us federal docmunation and Canadian.very very blessed
Laurie Germain says:
Hi Donna
My name is Laurie and I have been trying to find information in the tribe of Micmac as like you I am also part of that tribe as well as Iroquois. Could you please help me in finding the information on both these tribes? I have been able to find some on the latter but nothing on the first. I would greatly appreciate it if you could . Thank you and may you be blessed for all your efforts.
Sincerely,
Laurie Germain
patti perrin says:
I love Native American, I have Cherokee,/Sioux, and some other, that draws me to the culture,
Tina says:
We call those Indian Tacos here in the Pacific Northwest
Juan Leonardo Vargas says:
Thank you for your work…
Anna Pool says:
I just love fry bread my friend that was Navaho Sioux gave me one recipe for fry bread but yours is easier..I am 1/16th Cherokee but I cannot find out what tribe my ancestors were in cause no one told me what my great grandmothers last name was before she married.
Sophi Fletcher says:
Hi Anna, with some investigative research into census records, you may just find out her name, which could lead you to finding her on the Dawes Rolls, in order to get registered with the tribe. If you need help, most Mormon churches usually have a Family History Center and volunteers to help you. See if there is one near you.
Jeremiah says:
I would like to throw out, you may have a hard time getting registered, most tribes require a minimum blood level of heritage.
Roberta says:
I would like to tell you that I am part Cherokee–very little as a matter of fact–however, if you can prove that your mother/father parents, or grandparents or whatever were listed on the Dawes roll, you can get papers stating your degree of blood, and your registration as part of the Cherokee nation. Good luck!
Sueanna Tahsuda says:
Cherokee here in Oklahoma go by descendants I’m not Cherokee I am Comanche since birth lol! Ours use to be 1/4 to be tribal citizen has been lowered to 1/8.
V Faye Becker says:
I have the same issues. All of my grandmother’s Indian history was bought off and hidden even before my birth because my uncle believed that it was a shame. I knew her maiden name and her birthday, but not the year. I had heard that she was Choctaw and that’s all I know. Tried going through the BIA and that was a waste of time because I didn’t have documentation. I wish you well in your search. I gave it up finally about 10 years ago. On a happier note: I love fry bread and learned how to make it after I moved to Alaska in 1969. Good stuff, just plain!
Leandra says:
When doing any research, start with your birth certificate, and follow the Native American blood lines, Mother/father, grandparent. each will have a birth/death/baptismal record. And some will accept affidavits like your grand mother’s sister is on the rolls ….as long as you can prove a blood relation. You can get your CDIB – Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood or Certificate of Degree. I do Native Genealogy
Robin says:
I want help to find mine, I’ve tried but didn’t know what to do. What is your cost. I’M suposed to be Cherokee. Thank you.
Janice says:
I also am supposedly Cherokee I think possibly a third in my family’s history it was a shame to be native so everything was hidden as my Cherokee grandfather was adopted by white family I don’t know how to proceed any information you can help me with or any place I can go for help
Jocelyne says:
Well welcome to those hoo has the same problème as i im half native alogonquine but what réservation dont no yet now im 60years old and i have all informations on m’y grand mother so good luck to you bye
Paul Davis says:
I love making fried bread an all kinds of bannok yumm I’m going to make this one posted here mmmmmmmm by request ladies ask me to make them this