Veggie-Packed Wattleseed Damper Bread

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

A rustic Australian damper bread with ground wattleseed and finely chopped native spinach, baked until golden and crusty for a wholesome snack or side. This australian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground wattleseed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, 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: 40 min Serves 8 Australian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 2 tbsp ground wattleseed, and 1 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/3 cup cold unsalted butter diced into the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup finely chopped native spinach. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup whole milk with 1 tbsp honey until combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour the milk and honey mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently 5 times.
  5. Step 5: Shape the dough into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to score a cross pattern on top.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the damper is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Veggie-Packed Wattleseed Damper Bread take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Veggie-Packed Wattleseed Damper Bread?

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 Veggie-Packed Wattleseed Damper Bread?

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 Veggie-Packed Wattleseed Damper Bread for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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.

Is Veggie-Packed Wattleseed Damper Bread vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.