Grilled Damper Bread with Garlic Butter
Traditional Australian damper bread grilled over an open flame and brushed with a fragrant garlic butter for a smoky, rustic starter. This australian-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs (375 g) self-raising flour, salt, (300 ml) 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.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375 g) self-raising flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) cold water
- 100 g, softened unsalted butter
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups self-raising flour with 1 tsp salt. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups cold water, mixing with a wooden spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Step 2: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for 2 minutes until smooth. Shape into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter.
- Step 3: Heat a grill or barbecue to medium-high. Brush the dough lightly with 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 4: Place the dough directly on the grill grate and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Step 5: While the damper cooks, mix 100 g softened unsalted butter with 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl.
- Step 6: Remove the damper from the grill and immediately brush generously with the garlic parsley butter so it melts into the warm bread.
- Step 7: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm as a rustic accompaniment or snack.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Damper Bread with Garlic Butter take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Grilled Damper Bread with Garlic 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 (375 g) self-raising flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Damper Bread with Garlic 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 Grilled Damper Bread with Garlic 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 Grilled Damper Bread with Garlic Butter?
Australian grilling 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.
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