Bannock - Bread of the Land
Golden crust, soft steaming inside — bannock is more than bread; it is memory and connection. Rooted in First Nations and Métis traditions, it has been baked on stones, in cast-iron pans, and roasted on sticks for centuries. Adapted with flour and fat brought by Europeans, it became both a food of survival and a staple at gatherings, powwows, and campfires. Today, it is still best when shared — warm, simple, and timeless.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 6–8
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
¼ cup butter or lard (cold, cut into pieces)
1–1 ½ cups water or milk (as needed to form dough)
1 tbsp sugar (optional, for a slightly sweeter bread)
Oil or butter, for frying (if pan-cooking)
Method
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).
Cut in butter or lard with your fingers until the mixture is crumbly.
Add water or milk gradually, stirring until a soft dough comes together — not sticky, just pliable.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 2–3 times. Do not overwork.
Shape into a round, about 1 inch thick.
For oven baking: Place on a greased baking sheet, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
For pan-frying: Heat oil or butter in a heavy skillet, cook dough 5–7 minutes per side until crisp and golden.
For campfire cooking: Wrap strips of dough around clean sticks and roast over hot coals until puffed and browned.
Variations
Maple Bannock – Brush the top with maple syrup before baking for a subtle sweetness.
Prairie Berry Bannock – Fold in a handful of wild blueberries or Saskatoon berries.
Cheddar & Chive Bannock – A savoury nod to Canadian farm kitchens.
Camping is a Canadian rite of passage. Since the late 1800s, summer camps and family trips have brought generations to the lakes, forests, and firepits that define our summers. It’s where we learned to paddle, pitch a tent, and cook simple food over an open flame — from bannock on sticks to marshmallows by the fire. More than recreation, camping became a way of growing up Canadian: resourceful, communal, and forever tied to the land.
Camp Kitchikewana, Ontario
Camp Kitchikewana, Ontario