Bannock is a simple, rustic quick bread with deep roots in Indigenous and Scottish cooking traditions. Made with just a few pantry staples, bannock can be baked, fried, or cooked over a campfire, making it one of the most versatile breads you can prepare. With a golden crust and soft, tender interior, it’s perfect served warm with butter, jam, honey, soups, stews, or even savory toppings.

This traditional bannock recipe creates a delicious homemade bread that comes together quickly without yeast, making it ideal for busy days, camping trips, or whenever you want fresh bread without the long wait.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No yeast required
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Ready in under an hour
• Soft and fluffy inside
• Golden, crisp exterior
• Great for camping or home baking
• Budget-friendly
• Delicious sweet or savory

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Rest Time: 5 minutes
• Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 8

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet or cast-iron skillet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush (optional)

Ingredients

For the Bannock

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1¼ cups water or milk

Optional Additions

• 1 tablespoon sugar (for a slightly sweeter bread)
• ½ cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs
• ½ cup shredded cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to:

400°F (200°C)

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast-iron skillet.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk thoroughly to distribute the baking powder evenly.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in:

• Melted butter
• Water or milk

Stir gently until a soft dough forms.

The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.

If the dough feels too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of additional liquid.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead gently for about 30 seconds until it comes together.

Avoid overworking the dough.

Shape into a round disk approximately:

• 8 inches (20 cm) wide
• 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick

Place onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Score the Dough

Using a sharp knife, cut a shallow “X” across the top of the dough.

This helps the bread cook evenly and gives it a traditional appearance.

Step 6: Bake

Place in the preheated oven.

Baking Temperature

400°F (200°C)

Baking Time

25–30 minutes

Bake until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Internal Temperature

Fully baked bannock should reach:

200°F (93°C)

Step 7: Cool

Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Traditional Skillet Bannock Method

Instead of baking, you can cook bannock in a skillet.

Instructions

1. Heat a lightly greased cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Shape dough into a round disk.
3. Place in the skillet.
4. Cook for 10–12 minutes per side.

Temperature

• Medium heat (approximately 350°F / 175°C)

The bannock should be golden and cooked through.

Campfire Bannock Method

For outdoor cooking:

1. Wrap portions of dough around a clean stick.
2. Hold over hot coals, not direct flames.
3. Rotate frequently.

Cooking Time

• 15–20 minutes

until golden and cooked through.

Tips for Perfect Bannock

Don’t Overmix

Overworked dough can become tough.

Use Fresh Baking Powder

Fresh baking powder helps create a lighter texture.

Add Flavor Variations

Bannock adapts beautifully to sweet or savory ingredients.

Serve Warm

Fresh bannock is best enjoyed warm from the oven.

Delicious Variations

Sweet Raisin Bannock

Add:

• ½ cup raisins
• 1 tablespoon sugar

for a breakfast-style bread.

Cheese Bannock

Mix in:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

for a savory side dish.

Herb Bannock

Add:

• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoon thyme

for extra flavor.

Whole Wheat Bannock

Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.

Cinnamon Bannock

Add:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

for a lightly sweet treat.

Serving Suggestions

Bannock is delicious with:

• Butter
• Honey
• Jam
• Maple syrup
• Soup
• Stew
• Chili
• Cheese
• Smoked salmon

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Store for up to 5 days.

Warm before serving.

Freezer

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw and reheat before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (Based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 0g

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bannock?

Bannock is a traditional quick bread made without yeast, often associated with Indigenous and Scottish cooking traditions.

Can I fry bannock?

Yes. Divide the dough into smaller portions and fry in a skillet with a little oil until golden brown.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use oil instead of butter and water or plant-based milk.

Why is my bannock dense?

Overmixing or using expired baking powder can result in a dense loaf.