Homemade bannock
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–20 minutes (depending on cooking method)
Total Time: 20–30 minutes
Yield: 8–10 pieces or 1 round loaf
Difficulty: Easy
Best served: Hot with butter, jam, stew, or honey
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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2 tbsp lard, shortening, or butter (cold)
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¾ cup cold water (or milk), plus more as needed
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Optional: 1–2 tsp sugar for a sweeter version
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Optional: Extra flour for dusting
For fried bannock: Add a neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) for frying, about 1/2” deep in a skillet.
Instructions
Basic Method (Fried or Baked)
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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2 cups flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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Optional: sugar, if making sweet bannock
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Mix well with a fork or whisk.
Step 2: Cut in the Fat
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Add 2 tbsp lard, shortening, or cold butter.
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Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the fat into the flour until crumbly — like coarse crumbs or damp sand.
Step 3: Add Liquid
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Slowly stir in about ¾ cup water or milk.
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Mix just until a soft dough forms — don’t overwork it. Add a tablespoon more water if needed.
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Turn onto a floured surface and knead gently for 1 minute until smooth.
Step 4A: For Pan-Fried Bannock
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Divide dough into 6–8 equal pieces and flatten into discs (about ½” thick).
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Heat about ½” of oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
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Fry bannock pieces for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed.
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Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4B: For Baked Bannock
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Shape the dough into a round and flatten to about 1” thick.
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Place on a lightly greased baking sheet or cast iron pan.
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Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden on top and cooked through.
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Optional: Brush with butter while hot.
Step 4C: Open Fire or Griddle Cooking
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Wrap small pieces of dough around clean sticks or skewers.
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Hold over a fire and rotate until cooked and browned evenly.
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Great for camping!
How to Serve Bannock
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Sweet: Serve warm with butter, jam, maple syrup, cinnamon sugar, or honey.
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Savory: Use as a side for soups and stews, or serve with chili, wild rice dishes, or meats.
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Stuffed: Fold in cheese, cooked bacon, or berries before cooking for extra flavor.
Nutritional Info (Per Piece, if divided into 8 fried portions)
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Calories: ~220
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Fat: 8g
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Carbs: 30g
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Protein: 4g
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Sodium: 220mg
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Sugar: <1g (unless sweetened)
Baked versions will be lower in fat.