Oven-Baked Damper Bread with Sea Salt and Butter
Traditional Australian damper bread baked to a golden crust with a soft crumb, perfect for slathering with creamy butter and sea salt. This australian-inspired breakfast ready in about 50 minutes combines (375 g) self-raising flour, salt, (300 ml) cold water into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. 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
- 60 g, softened unsalted butter
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt flakes
- as desired extra butter for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups (375 g) self-raising flour and 1 tsp salt.
- Step 2: Add 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) cold water gradually while mixing with a wooden spoon until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 5 times to bring it together without overworking.
- Step 4: Shape the dough into a round loaf about 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter. Place it on the prepared baking tray.
- Step 5: Dot the top with 60 g softened unsalted butter and sprinkle 1 tsp coarse sea salt flakes evenly. Score a shallow cross on the top with a sharp knife.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the damper is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and brush with extra butter while warm. Slice and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Baked Damper Bread with Sea Salt and Butter take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.
How do I store leftover Oven-Baked Damper Bread with Sea Salt and Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Damper Bread with Sea Salt and 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 Oven-Baked Damper Bread with Sea Salt and 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 Oven-Baked Damper Bread with Sea Salt and Butter?
Australian breakfast 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.
