Bannock Pizza Pops
Bannock Pizza Pops are a delicious fusion of traditional bannock bread and classic pizza flavors. Bannock, a simple quick bread with Indigenous roots in North America, is soft, slightly crispy on the outside, and perfect for stuffing with savory fillings. When filled with pizza sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, bannock transforms into handheld pizza pockets that are satisfying, comforting, and easy to make.
These homemade pizza pops are ideal for lunches, snacks, school meals, or casual dinners. They can be baked, pan-fried, or air-fried depending on your preference. The dough is simple and requires no yeast, which means you can prepare these tasty treats quickly without waiting for dough to rise.
Below is a complete guide to making homemade Bannock Pizza Pops with tips, variations, and nutritional information.
Why You’ll Love Bannock Pizza Pops
There are many reasons why this recipe has become popular in home kitchens:
- Quick and easy dough – No yeast or long rising times required.
- Customizable fillings – Add your favorite pizza toppings.
- Kid-friendly – Perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
- Budget-friendly – Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Freezer-friendly – Great for meal prep and quick reheating.
The combination of soft bannock dough and gooey pizza filling makes these pizza pops irresistible.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 8 pizza pops
Ingredients
Bannock Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
- ¾ to 1 cup water or milk
Pizza Filling
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cooked ground beef or sausage
- ¼ cup diced bell peppers
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoni or mushrooms (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional Toppings
- Extra mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic butter for brushing
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bannock Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Add the oil or melted butter to the flour mixture. Slowly pour in the water or milk while mixing with a spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough gently on a lightly floured surface for about 2–3 minutes until smooth. Avoid over-kneading, as bannock dough should remain soft and tender.
Let the dough rest for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning.
Cook the ground beef or sausage in a skillet until fully browned, then drain any excess fat.
Prepare all your toppings so they are ready to assemble.
Step 3: Shape the Pizza Pops
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
Roll each portion into a circle about 4–5 inches wide.
Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce in the center of each circle. Add a small amount of mozzarella cheese, cooked meat, and vegetables.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and seal them with a fork.
Make sure the seams are sealed well so the filling does not leak during cooking.
Cooking Methods
Baking Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place pizza pops on a lined baking sheet.
- Brush lightly with melted butter or oil.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
Pan-Frying Method
- Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook pizza pops for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Lightly spray pizza pops with oil.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Tips for the Best Bannock Pizza Pops
1. Don’t overfill the dough
Too much filling can cause the dough to tear while cooking.
2. Seal edges tightly
Use a fork or pinch firmly to keep fillings inside.
3. Rest the dough briefly
Resting helps the dough become easier to roll and shape.
4. Use cooked fillings
Raw meat should always be cooked beforehand.
5. Add cheese near the edges
This helps glue the dough together while baking.
Flavor Variations
One of the best things about Bannock Pizza Pops is how easy they are to customize.
Classic Pepperoni
Use pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni slices.
BBQ Chicken
Replace pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and add shredded chicken.
Veggie Pizza Pops
Use mushrooms, olives, peppers, onions, and cheese.
Hawaiian Style
Add ham and pineapple for a sweet and savory flavor.
Breakfast Pizza Pops
Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked bacon or sausage.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftover pizza pops in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Wrap each pizza pop individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes
- Air fryer: 350°F for 5–6 minutes
- Microwave: 1–2 minutes (soft texture)
For best texture, reheating in the oven or air fryer is recommended.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
Nutrition may vary depending on fillings used.
Serving Suggestions
Bannock Pizza Pops taste great on their own, but you can also serve them with:
- Marinara dipping sauce
- Garlic butter
- Ranch dressing
- Fresh salad
- Tomato soup
They are perfect for parties, family dinners, game nights, or quick meals.
