Grilled Damper Bread with Garlic Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill or barbecue to medium-high. Brush the dough lightly with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Step 6: Remove the damper from the grill and immediately brush generously with the garlic parsley butter so it melts into the warm bread.
  7. Step 7: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm as a rustic accompaniment or snack.

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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