bannock pizza pops

Bannock Pizza Pops

If you’re looking for a fun, delicious, and family-friendly meal, these Bannock Pizza Pops are the perfect choice. Combining the soft, fluffy texture of traditional bannock bread with the savory flavors of pizza, these handheld treats are ideal for lunches, snacks, parties, or quick dinners. Filled with gooey cheese, flavorful pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings, bannock pizza pops are easy to customize and surprisingly simple to make.

Bannock is a traditional bread enjoyed by many Indigenous communities across North America. Its simple ingredients and versatility make it an excellent base for countless recipes, including these tasty pizza pops. Whether you’re preparing them for children, meal-prepping for the week, or serving them as game-day snacks, this recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Bannock Pizza Pops

  • Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
  • Kid-friendly and fun to eat
  • Perfect for lunchboxes and snacks
  • Customizable with favorite pizza toppings
  • Crispy outside and soft inside
  • Freezer-friendly for meal prep
  • Great alternative to traditional pizza

Prep Time, Cook Time & Yield

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Rest Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
  • Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
  • Servings: 8 pizza pops

Ingredients

For the Bannock Dough

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1¼ cups warm water or milk

For the Pizza Filling

  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup pepperoni slices, chopped
  • ¼ cup diced bell peppers
  • ¼ cup diced onions
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Brushing

  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

How to Make Bannock Pizza Pops

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir until evenly mixed.

Add the oil or melted butter and gradually pour in the warm water or milk. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 2 to 3 minutes until smooth. Avoid over-kneading, as this can make the dough tough.

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rests, prepare the pizza filling.

In a bowl, combine the pizza sauce, chopped pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

Keep the mozzarella cheese separate for assembly.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 4: Divide the Dough

Place the rested dough onto a lightly floured surface.

Divide it into 8 equal portions.

Roll each portion into a circle approximately 6 inches wide.

Step 5: Fill the Pizza Pops

Place about 1 tablespoon of mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough circle.

Add a spoonful of pizza filling.

Top with another tablespoon of cheese.

Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.

Step 6: Seal the Pizza Pops

Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.

Press the edges together firmly.

Use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure the filling stays inside during baking.

Place each pizza pop onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Add Garlic Butter Topping

Mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley in a small bowl.

Brush the tops of the pizza pops generously with the garlic butter mixture.

This step adds flavor and helps achieve a beautiful golden color.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 22 minutes.

The pizza pops are ready when they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes.

Serve warm with extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic dip.

Tips for Perfect Bannock Pizza Pops

Use Warm Liquid

Warm water or milk helps create a softer dough and makes mixing easier.

Don’t Overfill

Too much filling can cause the pizza pops to burst open during baking.

Seal Well

Press and crimp the edges thoroughly to prevent leaks.

Use Fresh Cheese

Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded varieties.

Rotate the Pan

Halfway through baking, rotate the baking sheet for even browning.

Delicious Filling Variations

Hawaiian Pizza Pops

Use ham, pineapple chunks, and mozzarella cheese.

Meat Lovers Pizza Pops

Fill with sausage, bacon, pepperoni, and cheese.

Veggie Pizza Pops

Use mushrooms, peppers, onions, spinach, and olives.

BBQ Chicken Pizza Pops

Replace pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and add cooked chicken.

Four Cheese Pizza Pops

Combine mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and provolone.

Breakfast Pizza Pops

Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked bacon.

Serving Suggestions

These bannock pizza pops pair wonderfully with:

  • Marinara sauce
  • Garlic butter dip
  • Ranch dressing
  • Caesar salad
  • Vegetable sticks
  • Tomato soup
  • Potato wedges
  • Fresh fruit

They make a complete meal when served alongside a simple salad.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze baked pizza pops individually on a baking sheet.

Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Oven

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Air Fryer

Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes.

Microwave

Heat for 30–60 seconds until warm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Much Sauce

Excess sauce can make the dough soggy.

Overworking the Dough

Mix and knead only until smooth.

Skipping the Rest Time

Allowing the dough to rest makes it easier to roll.

Baking at a Low Temperature

A hot oven helps create a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.

Forgetting to Seal the Edges

Poorly sealed pizza pops may leak filling during baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make bannock pizza pops ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble them up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I freeze unbaked pizza pops?

Absolutely. Freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes. Replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella is classic, but cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, and pizza blends also work well.

Can I air fry these?

Yes. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.

Are these good for lunchboxes?

Yes. They taste great warm or at room temperature and travel well.

Nutritional Information

Per Pizza Pop (Approximate)

  • Calories: 290
  • Protein: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 18mg
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Calcium: 180mg
  • Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and toppings used.

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