Hungarian Lángos – Crispy Fried Bread with Garlic, Sour Cream & Cheese
- Sarah Smith
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
This Hungarian lángos recipe is a crispy, golden fried bread with a soft, airy center, topped with garlic, sour cream, and cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. Often called the world’s best fried bread, this easy lángos recipe brings authentic Hungarian street food right into your kitchen in about 30 minutes. If you love cozy, indulgent recipes like Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread, Homemade Pita Bread, or savory comfort dishes from the World Flavors Recipes hub, this crispy fried bread is a must-try for your next homemade treat.
Why You’ll Love This
Crispy outside with a soft, fluffy interior
Easy Hungarian street food you can make at home
Ready in about 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients
Customizable with savory or even sweet toppings
Perfect for parties, snacks, or fair-food-style cravings
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rise Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Information
(Per Serving – Estimated)
Calories: 320
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 380mg
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
1 teaspoon sugar (4 g)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (7 g)
¾ cup warm water (180 ml)
1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
Oil for frying (about 2 cups / 480 ml)
Toppings (Classic Hungarian Style):
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons water (30 ml)
½ cup sour cream (120 g)
½ cup shredded mozzarella or Hungarian cheese (50 g)
Salt to taste
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir to form a soft dough.
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
Divide the dough into 4 portions. Gently stretch each piece into a round disc (about 6–7 inches wide), keeping the center slightly thinner.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Fry each dough round for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
Mix minced garlic with water and brush lightly over the hot lángos.
Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
For extra flavor, rub fresh garlic directly onto the hot bread instead of using garlic water
Try cheddar, feta, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors
Add toppings like crispy bacon, herbs, or green onions
Make it sweet with powdered sugar, Nutella, or jam
If the dough feels sticky, lightly oil your hands instead of adding more flour
Make-Ahead & Storage
Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours
Let the refrigerated dough come to room temperature before frying
Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness
FAQ
What is Hungarian lángos?
Lángos is a traditional Hungarian fried bread, commonly sold as street food and topped with garlic, sour cream, and cheese.
Why is my lángos not fluffy?
This usually happens if the dough didn’t rise enough or the oil temperature was too low.
Can I bake lángos instead of frying?
You can, but it won’t have the same crispy texture—frying gives it that authentic street food quality.
What oil is best for frying lángos?
Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil work best due to their high smoke point.
What to Serve With
Pair this Hungarian fried bread with cozy dishes for a complete meal:
Serve alongside Chicken Paprikash for an authentic Hungarian pairing
Add a bowl of Hungarian Goulash for a hearty comfort-food dinner
Enjoy soups from the Soups and Stews hub for dipping and sharing
Final Thoughts
Hungarian lángos is one of those unforgettable recipes that feels both rustic and indulgent. Crispy, garlicky, and loaded with creamy toppings, it brings the magic of European street food right into your kitchen. Whether you’re recreating fair food at home or exploring global comfort dishes, this easy fried bread is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.