Baked Golden Damper with Garlic and Rosemary

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Traditional Australian damper bread baked to a golden crust with fragrant garlic and rosemary for a rustic, hearty accompaniment. This australian-inspired quick meals ready in about 50 minutes pairs self-raising flour, salt, cold water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 220 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups self-raising flour and 1 tsp salt. Stir in 3 finely minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary.
  3. Step 3: Make a well in the center and gradually add 1 cup cold water, mixing with a wooden spoon until dough forms a soft ball. Avoid over-mixing.
  4. Step 4: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for 1 minute until smooth. Shape into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter.
  5. Step 5: Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the damper is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the base.
  7. Step 7: Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter or alongside soups and stews.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Golden Damper with Garlic and Rosemary take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Golden Damper with Garlic and Rosemary?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep self-raising flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Golden Damper with Garlic and Rosemary?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Golden Damper with Garlic and Rosemary for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Golden Damper with Garlic and Rosemary?

Australian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes