Damper Bread with Bush Tomato and Rosemary Butter
Traditional Australian damper bread baked golden and served warm with a fragrant bush tomato and rosemary whipped butter. This australian-inspired quick meals ready in about 45 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, baking powder, sea salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 3 tbsp cold, cubed unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup bush tomatoes (dried), chopped
- 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (for whipping)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1 tsp sea salt.
- Step 2: Using your fingertips, rub 3 tbsp cold cubed unsalted butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 3: Make a well in the center and gradually stir in 1 cup whole milk with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together — it will be slightly sticky.
- Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 5 times to form a rough ball. Flatten slightly and place on a lined baking tray.
- Step 5: Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross on top of the dough to help it cook evenly.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the damper is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
- Step 7: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whip 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1/4 cup chopped dried bush tomatoes, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary, and 1 tsp honey until fluffy and combined.
- Step 8: Let the damper cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with generous dollops of the bush tomato and rosemary butter spread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Damper Bread with Bush Tomato and Rosemary Butter take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Damper Bread with Bush Tomato and Rosemary Butter?
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 all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Damper Bread with Bush Tomato and Rosemary Butter?
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 Damper Bread with Bush Tomato and Rosemary Butter 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 Damper Bread with Bush Tomato and Rosemary Butter?
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.
