Jalapeño Fry Bread

Indulge in the savory delight of Jalapeño Fry Bread, a recipe that combines the simplicity of flour, baking powder, and hot water with the bold kick of fresh diced jalapeños. This Southwestern-inspired treat begins with a simple dough mixed to perfection in a stand mixer, resulting in a slightly sticky yet manageable texture.

After a brief rest, the dough is divided and shaped into rounds, then flattened and stretched to create thin, crispy disks.

Fried to golden perfection in vegetable oil, each fry bread puffs up and crisps beautifully, making it an ideal accompaniment to any meal or a delightful snack on its own. Enjoy these warm, flavorful treats fresh from the skillet, their golden hue and spicy jalapeño bits inviting you to savor each bite.

How to make Jalapeño Fry Bread

Ingredients

3 ¼ cups all purpose flour

2 tablespoons baking powder

1 ½ teaspoon salt

1 1/2 – 2 1/2 cups hot water

2 cups vegetable oil for frying

fresh diced jalapeños

Instructions:

Step 1:

In the bowl of a stand mixer add the flour, baking powder, fresh diced jalapeños, and salt whisk by hand to combine.

Pour 1 cup of water into the bowl and using a dough hook, mix the dough on medium speed, gradually add more of the water until all the flour has absorbed water and the texture is a slightly sticky dough that clings slightly to the sides of the mixer.

I ended up using 1 3/4 cups water.

Once everything has come together and the dough is smooth, remove it from the mixing bowl and place in a lightly oiled bowl.

Cover and let the dough rest 45 minutes to an hour.

Step 2:

When the dough has rested, dump it onto a lightly floured surface and divide it all into 2 inch rounds.

Roll them all out about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick.

You can either roll them with a rolling pin or flatten and stretch them using your hands. use more dusting flour as needed.

Add the vegetable oil to a skillet and heat it up over medium high heat.

When the oil is ready, begin frying the frybread one bread at a time by carefully placing them in the oil, frying for 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 3:

The fry bread should puff up and be a golden brown color.

When they are done, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel lined plate to soak up any excess oil.

Allow them to rest a little before serving.

Notes:

Preparing the Dough:

Mixing Ingredients: Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, diced jalapeños, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk by hand to evenly distribute ingredients.

Adding Water: Pour 1 cup of hot water into the bowl and begin mixing with a dough hook on medium speed. Gradually add more water (up to 1 3/4 cups total) until the dough forms a slightly sticky consistency that pulls away from the sides of the mixer.

Resting the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rest for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to work with.

Shaping and Frying:

Dividing and Rolling: After resting, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 2-inch rounds. Roll each round into thin disks, approximately ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Use additional flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Heating the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of dough sizzles and bubbles immediately when dropped in.

Frying Process: Carefully place each rolled-out fry bread into the hot oil one at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they puff up and turn golden brown. Use tongs to gently flip them to ensure even cooking.

Finishing Touches:

Draining and Resting: Once fried, remove the fry bread from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Allow them to rest briefly before serving to cool slightly and firm up.

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Serving Suggestions:

Enjoying Fresh: Serve Jalapeño Fry Bread warm, either as a side dish or a snack. The crispy texture and spicy jalapeño flavor pair well with dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Variations: Experiment with toppings or fillings such as shredded cheese, beans, or seasoned meats to customize the fry bread to your taste.

Storage and Reheating:

Storage: Store any leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or oven to restore crispiness.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Jalapeño Fry Bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer.

Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl, make a well, and gradually add the water while stirring until a slightly sticky dough forms.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the fry bread?

You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of fresh diced jalapeños.

Add more or fewer jalapeños based on your preference for heat.

Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use other cooking oils suitable for frying, like canola or sunflower oil, based on your preference.

Ensure the oil has a high smoke point.

How do I know when the fry bread is done frying?

The fry bread should puff up and turn a golden brown color.

Fry each side for 2-3 minutes.

Remove them when they achieve the desired color and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time.

After the dough has rested, cover and refrigerate it.

When ready to use, bring it to room temperature before dividing and frying the rounds.

Can I freeze Jalapeño Fry Bread?

Yes, you can freeze the fry bread after frying.

Allow them to cool, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Reheat in the oven or toaster when ready to eat.

What can I serve with Jalapeño Fry Bread?

You can serve it with various dips like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream. It also pairs well with chili or as a side to Mexican-inspired dishes.

Can I make the fry bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough.

Ensure the baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How thin should I roll out the dough?

Roll out the dough to approximately ⅛ to ¼ inch thickness.

This will result in a crispy yet chewy texture once fried.

Can I use the fry bread for sandwiches?

Yes, you can use Jalapeño Fry Bread as a unique and flavorful base for sandwiches.

It adds a spicy kick to your favorite fillings.