We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Food

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Bannocks?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 12,906
Share

Bannocks are unleavened flat breads, heavily associated with Scotland, although many cultures make bannocks of some form or another, including several Native American tribes. As a general rule, bannocks are prepared on an open griddle, rather than baked, and they usually include whole grains such as oatmeal. In Scotland, several traditions are associated with the bannock, which is often served at special occasions.

The word “bannock” comes from the Gaelic bannuc. Bannocks have been made for centuries, since they are easy to prepare as well as nourishing. They are often compared to scones, since the two foods have similar uses and flavors. At High Tea in Scotland, bannocks and scones may be served side by side, to satisfy cravings for both. However, unlike scones, bannocks are not leavened, and they also usually do not include eggs. They are also formed differently; while scones are rolled into a circular shape and cut before baking, bannocks are cooked whole.

To make bannocks, blend two cups of warmed milk and one beaten egg with two cups of oatmeal. Let the mixture stand for 30 minutes, and add ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon baking soda. Form the dough into rounds and fry them on a griddle with plentiful butter or lard. The bannocks should be moist and crumbly, and they can be served with an assortment of toppings. Jam, butter, fresh fruit, and clotted cream are commonly used both inside and outside of Scotland.

According to tradition, a broken bannock is bad luck. When making bannocks, if any break they are set aside, since eating pieces of a broken bannock could bring about misfortune. On feast days and religious holidays, a cross may be etched into the top of each bannock to commemorate the saint being celebrated. This is especially common on Christmas day, and also on the feast day for Saint Columba, the patron saint of shepherds.

A variation on the classic bannock is the pitcaithly bannock, made with almonds and orange peel. The almonds are usually arranged on top of the bannock as decorations, while the orange peel is blended in with the dough. Pitcaithly bannocks are served at holidays and high teas, and they are sometimes heavily sweetened so that they taste more like a dessert. These bannocks may also sometimes be baked in the form of a large round and sliced into wedges after they are baked.

Share
DelightedCooking is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.delightedcooking.com/what-are-bannocks.htm
Copy this link
DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.