Looking for a fun and traditional recipe that’s easy, versatile, and perfect for camping or cozy nights at home? Bannock on a stick is an old-fashioned favorite that you can make over a fire or in the oven. This rustic bread is quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and a great way to get kids involved in cooking.
Whether you enjoy it plain or with add-ins like berries, cinnamon, or cheese, bannock on a stick is a recipe that never goes out of style.
Homemade bannock wrapped on stick over flames
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the fat (shortening, butter, etc.) using your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly with small pieces of fat throughout.
- You can pre-mix the dry ingredients and store them in a zip-top bag. Just add water when you’re ready to cook.
- Slowly add 3/4 cup water to the flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly, adding more water only if needed. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup shortening, lard, butter, or hardened bacon grease (cut into cubes)
- 3/4 to 1 cup water
Optional mix-ins: raisins, cinnamon, brown sugar, grated cheese, dried herbs (like basil or oregano), or even wild greens such as stinging nettle.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the fat (shortening, butter, etc.) using your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly with small pieces of fat throughout.
Camping Tip: You can pre-mix the dry ingredients and store them in a zip-top bag. Just add water when you’re ready to cook.
2. Add Water
Slowly add 3/4 cup water to the flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly, adding more water only if needed. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
How to Make Bannock on a Stick
To cook bannock on a stick, take a ball of dough (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup) and roll it into a rope. Wrap it around a green stick that’s about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick and has the bark removed from the top 6 inches.
Hold the stick over glowing coals—not direct flames—and rotate it often. It usually takes about 10 minutes to cook. Your bannockon a stick is ready when it slides off the stick easily, is golden brown, and cooked through.
How to Bake in the Oven
If you’re at home, press the dough into a greased cast iron skillet or baking dish. Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions and Tips
- This recipe yields about 8–10 stick portions or one large round of baked bannock.
- Bannock on a stick is great served warm with butter, jam, or drizzled honey.
- For a savory twist, try adding shredded cheese or fresh herbs.
- Hardened bacon grease gives a smoky, savory flavor if used as the fat.
Why Make Bannock on a Stick?
Bannock on a stick is more than a recipe—it’s an experience. It’s perfect for camping trips, outdoor learning, or even backyard fires. Kids love making their own bread over the fire, and adults appreciate the nostalgia. With only a few ingredients and minimal tools, it’s an ideal go-to for rustic fun.
Call to Action:
Have you ever tried making bannock over a campfire? Leave a comment below and tell us how you like your bannock on a stick—sweet, savory, or something totally unique! Looking for more traditional recipes like this? Let us know and we’ll share more of our heritage favorites.
Homemade bannock wrapped on stick over flames
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the fat (shortening, butter, etc.) using your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly with small pieces of fat throughout.
- You can pre-mix the dry ingredients and store them in a zip-top bag. Just add water when you’re ready to cook.
- Slowly add 3/4 cup water to the flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly, adding more water only if needed. The dough should be soft but not sticky.