Bannock Recipe: How to Make Bannock

There are some dishes and recipes that are known globally, and then there are some others that are less well known. How to make bannock is one such skill that, outside of Canada, is not often talked about. With that being said, though, our bannock recipe is sure to capture your imagination and help you learn to love this simple, traditional, and yet truly delicious dish!

What is Bannock?

So, what is bannock, anyway? Bannock is a unique type of bread, and its history is strong and well rounded. Traditionally a staple of the Canadian diet, bannock itself is a type of flatbread that was made by the indigenous North Americans and Canadian Inuits. It also became an integral part of the Canadian diet by Canadian settlers. The bannock recipe is incredibly easy to follow and learning how to make bannock doesn’t require a huge amount of breadmaking expertise; our bannock recipe will help you create your very own version of this much loved traditional bread.

How to Eat Bannock

Bannock is easy to eat, and it can be eaten in the same way as any other type of flatbread. It is commonly served with a variety of toppings. Popular toppings include syrup or bacon, but there really is no limit to the toppings that you can choose!

Bannock Recipe: How to Make Bannock

Making bannock is easy. This is largely due to the fact that bannock is a traditional type of flatbread, and the bannock recipe has not changed very much since its original creation. So, learning how to make bannock really doesn’t need much attention!

Step One: How to Make Bannock Batter

1. First, combine flour, baking powder and salt and a large bowl with a spoon, fork, or your fingers.
2. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients by scraping some of the dry ingredients to the side of the bowl.
3. Pour the milk and water into the well that you have created and use a fork to slowly stir the dry ingredients into this liquid from the edge of the well.
4. When a sticky dough has been made, turn the dough out onto a surface that has been covered with a generous dusting of flour.
5. Coat your hands with flour and gently press the dough into a flat, oval shape. It should be approximately 8 inches in diameter when it is the right thickness.

Step Two: Cooking the Bannock

1. In a heavy skillet, pour vegetable oil in and bring to temperature over a medium heat. Allow the oil to begin bubbling slightly before you proceed.
2. Transfer the bannock dough from the floured surface and into the skillet.
3. Allow the dough to fry in the oil for a short period of time, until each side of the dough is golden in color and the dough has puffed up wonderfully. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
4. Check that the dough is properly cooked by inserting a knife into the middle of the dough. If the knife is clean when removed, the dough should be cooked through.

Serving Up

The dough, once well cooked, is easy to serve. Simply cut the dough up into however many portions you desire—about 10 pieces is the normal serving size—and serve warm with whatever toppings you desire. Popular toppings include bacon, syrup, jam or chutney, but feel free to add whatever toppings you feel in the mood for at the time!