Easy Fried Bread Recipe - Make Perfect Uštipci Today

Welcome to the wonderful world of Uštipci (pronounced "OOSH-tip-tsee")! If you've ever craved a delicious, fluffy fried bread recipe that's both simple to make bread dough from scratch and incredibly satisfying, you've hit the jackpot. These delightful fried dough puffs are a staple in Serbian cuisine, cherished as a comfort food, a quick breakfast, or a sweet treat. They're more than just fried dough; they're a taste of tradition, often enjoyed with family and friends. While some might think an authentic easy fried bread recipe is tricky, we're here to show you just how accessible it is to create these golden beauties right in your own kitchen. The secret to perfect Uštipci lies in using the right ingredients to make bread and mastering a few simple techniques – and we're going to walk you through every step to ensure your success. Get ready to impress everyone with this classic Serbian delight!

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (360g) (For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend with xanthan gum.)
• Active Dry Yeast: 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons or 7g)
• Warm Milk: 1 cup (240ml), lukewarm (around 105-115°F / 40-46°C) (Dairy-free? Use unsweetened almond or soy milk.)
• Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons, plus a pinch for yeast
• Large Eggs: 2, at room temperature
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Vegetable Oil: 4-6 cups, for frying (or other neutral oil like canola or sunflower)
• Optional for serving: Powdered sugar, honey, jam, or a savory dip (like ajvar or feta spread)

Directions

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, pour the warm milk. Sprinkle in the active dry yeast and a pinch of granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active. If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be old, or the milk wasn't the right temperature; start again!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: To the activated yeast mixture, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, the two room-temperature eggs, and the salt. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
3. Add Flour Gradually: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, about a cup at a time. Mix with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed. Continue mixing until all the flour is incorporated and the dough becomes sticky but smooth. It won't be a firm, kneadable dough like traditional bread; it's meant to be soft and a bit loose.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place the dough in a warm, draft-free spot for about 30 minutes, or until it has noticeably risen and doubled in size. A slightly warm oven (turned off, but preheated to its lowest setting and then turned off) or a sunny spot on your counter works perfectly.
5. Heat Oil in a Deep Pan: While the dough is rising, pour enough vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven to reach about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C). An oil thermometer is your best friend here! If you don't have one, drop a tiny piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle immediately and float to the top.
6. Fry the Dough Balls: Once the oil is hot and the dough has risen, lightly flour your hands. Take small spoonfuls of the dough (about 1-2 tablespoons each) and gently drop them into the hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and puffed up on all sides.
7. Drain Excess Oil and Serve: Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried Uštipci from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them warm and enjoy immediately!