This warm, crispy and flavorful treat is easy to make, but incredibly delicious. This rich snack is a combination of cheesy goodness and golden crunch from fry bread. Cheese fry bread can be prepared easily with just a few ingredients. It is perfect as a side, appetizer or snack. This guide will teach you how to make cheese fry bread at home.

What is cheese fry bread?

Fry breads are flatbreads that are fried until they turn golden brown on the outside and crisp on the inside. This classic dish is elevated to a new level by adding cheese to the dough, or topping it with cheese. It has an irresistible flavor. Cheese fry bread, whether it’s made with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination of cheeses is sure to be a hit for everyone who tries.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed to make cheese fry bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Oil to fry (vegetable or canola oils work well)
• Toppers: Green onions, salsa or hot sauce

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Preparing the dough is the first step to making cheese fry bread.

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir the ingredients together to make sure that baking powder and sea salt are distributed evenly.
2. Add Water: Slowly add warm water, while mixing it with a wooden spoon or your hand. Continue mixing until you have a soft dough. Add water slowly, and not all at once. This will prevent the dough from becoming sticky.
3. Fold in the cheese: After the dough is formed, fold the shredded cheddar into the dough. Gently knead the dough until the cheese has been evenly distributed. Once the bread is fried, it will have a slightly stretchy texture and taste from the cheese.

Step 2: Shaping the Fry Bread

It’s now time to form the dough into portions for frying.

1. Divide Dough: Spread the dough on a lightly-floured surface, and divide into 6-8 portions equal to the size of your fry bread.
2. Shape Dough: Roll each portion to a ball and then flatten into a disc of about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your hands or a rolling-pin to give it a uniform shape. Do not worry if the shapes aren’t perfectly round. It’s their irregularity that gives them character.

Step 3: Frying the Bread

The magic happens when you fry the bread, which gives it its golden, crispy exterior.

1. Heat Oil: In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or pan, heat approximately 1 inch of oil on medium heat. The oil temperature should be around 350degF (or 175degC). Dropping a piece of dough in the oil will sizzle it and cause the dough to rise.
2. Fry Bread: Place one or two pieces into the hot oil depending on how big your pan is. Fry the bread for 1-2 minutes per side or until it is golden brown.
3. Drain The Bread: Use tongs to remove the bread from the oil. Place the fry bread on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Serving and Enjoying

The best way to serve cheese fry bread is warm, right out of the frying pan.

1. Add-ons and Toppings: For an extra kick, top your fry bread off with sourcream, salsa, green onion, or additional shredded cheddar. You can drizzle hot sauce on top for an extra spicy kick.
2. Serve it with a meal: A delicious side dish for soups or stews is cheese fry bread. You can also use it as a base to make fry bread tacos. Just add your favorite taco ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, or ground beef.
3. Serve as Snack: If you are serving this as a snack it goes well with a dipping condiment like ranch, garlic butter, or marinara.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cheese Fry Bread

1. Do not overmix the dough: The dough will become tough if it is overworked. Just mix until all ingredients are combined.
2. Choose the Right Cheese: While cheddar is a traditional choice, you can experiment with other types of cheeses such as pepper jack to add a little heat or parmesan to give it a more nutty flavor.
3. Watch the Temperature of the Oil : If the temperature is too high, the bread may brown too fast and remain doughy on the inside. The bread will absorb the excess oil if it is too cool.
4. Serve immediately: Fresh and warm cheese fry bread is the best. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, heat it up in the oven so that it keeps its crispness.

Why You’ll Love Cheese Fry Bread

The perfect combination of crisp, cheesy and comforting is cheese fry bread. It is easy to make, customizable and sure to please. It’s a great option for a family meal or weekend snack. The filling gives the fry bread a rich flavor that makes it difficult to stop at one piece.

Get ready to cook up some delicious cheesy goodness! You’ll be able to enjoy this delicious treat!