If you’re hitting the great Aussie outdoors, you can’t go past a traditional damper. This easy campfire damper recipe is a must for any camping trip. Whether you fancy a classic savoury damper with herbs or a sweet damper with golden syrup, these recipes have got you covered. Perfect for beginners or seasoned campers, these quick and simple Australian damper recipes will make you the hero of campfire cooking. Grab your self-raising flour and let’s get baking with the best damper recipes around!

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1. Classic Damper

You can’t beat the traditional classic damper. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for any meal, whether you’re out in the bush or in your backyard.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. Gradually add water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a greased camp oven.
4. Cover with the lid and cook over hot coals for 20-30 minutes, or until the damper is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Tip: For a softer crust, wrap the damper in a damp tea towel as soon as it’s out of the oven.

2. Cheese and Herb Damper

Add a savoury twist to your damper with cheese and fresh herbs. It’s perfect as a side dish or even as the main event!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup grated Bega cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme)
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour, salt, cheese, and herbs in a large bowl.
2. Gradually add water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a greased camp oven.
4. Cover with the lid and cook over hot coals for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tip: Mix and match herbs to your taste—basil and oregano make for a Mediterranean twist!

3. Bacon and Cheese Damper

This hearty bacon and cheese damper is sure to be a hit around the campfire. It’s the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup grated Bega cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and diced bacon
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour, salt, cheese, and bacon in a large bowl.
2. Gradually add water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a greased camp oven.
4. Cover with the lid and cook over hot coals for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

4. Garlic and Chive Damper

A flavourful garlic and chive damper, perfect as a side for soups, stews, or on its own with a bit of butter.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour, salt, chives, and garlic in a large bowl.
2. Gradually add water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a greased camp oven.
4. Cover with the lid and cook over hot coals for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Aussie Beer Damper

Add a unique Aussie twist to your damper with this beer-infused recipe. The beer adds a subtle flavour and helps the dough rise beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 375 ml (1 bottle) of your favourite beer

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. Gradually add the beer and mix until a dough forms.
3. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a greased camp oven.
4. Cover with the lid and cook over hot coals for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tip: Try different beers for varying flavours—stouts for richness, pale ales for a lighter touch.

6. Spinach and Feta Damper

For a Mediterranean twist, try this spinach and feta damper. It’s a delicious and savoury option for any meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour, salt, feta, and spinach in a large bowl.
2. Gradually add water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a greased camp oven.
4. Cover with the lid and cook over hot coals for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tip: Squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach before adding to avoid a soggy dough.

7. Cherry Tomato Damper

Infuse your damper with the sweet, earthy flavour of cherry tomatoes.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup grated cheese
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Instructions:
2. Mix together your flour, salt, and half cherry tomatoes and half cheese in a bowl.
3. Slowly add the water, mixing as you go, until it forms a nice dough.
4. Shape your dough into a round loaf, scatter remaining cheese and tomatoes on top, chuck it into a greased camp oven, and pop the lid on.
5. Cook it over hot coals for 20-30 minutes or until it’s got that golden-brown finish.

8. Sweet Chilli and Cheese Damper

Fancy a bit of spice in your damper? This sweet chilli and cheese damper brings a tasty kick to your campfire meal. Perfect as a side or a snack, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup grated Bega cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sweet chilli sauce
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine your flour, salt, cheese, and sweet chilli sauce.
2. Gradually add water, mixing until the dough comes together.
3. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a greased camp oven.
4. Cook over hot coals for 20-30 minutes until it’s beautifully golden.

Pro Tip: For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle some more grated cheese on top before baking.

9. Vegemite and Cheese Damper

For the true-blue Aussie camper, this Vegemite and cheese damper is a must-try. Combining that unmistakable salty tang with melted cheese, it’s the ultimate savoury treat by the campfire.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup Vegemite
• 1 cup grated Bega cheddar cheese
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, and grated cheese.
2. Add the Vegemite and water, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Shape into a round loaf and place in a greased camp oven.
4. Cook over hot coals for 20-30 minutes until the damper is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Pro Tip: Swirl the Vegemite through the dough rather than mixing it in completely, for pockets of that iconic flavour.

10. Bacon, Egg, and Spinach Damper

Looking for an all-in-one brekkie damper? This bacon, egg, and spinach damper is your answer. It’s a hearty, protein-packed start to your day in the great outdoors.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon pieces
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Combine the flour, salt, bacon, and spinach in a bowl.
2. Mix in the eggs and water until a dough forms.
3. Shape into a round loaf and place in a greased camp oven.
4. Cook over hot coals for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and firm.

Pro Tip: For an extra boost of flavour, sprinkle a bit of cracked pepper and a pinch of nutmeg into the dough.

11. Golden Syrup and Walnut Damper

Fancy something sweet? This golden syrup and walnut damper is a delightful mix of nutty crunch and gooey sweetness—perfect for dessert or an afternoon treat.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup golden syrup
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and chopped walnuts.
2. Add the golden syrup and water, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Shape into a round loaf and place in a greased camp oven.
4. Cook over hot coals for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Pro Tip: For an extra indulgence, drizzle more golden syrup over the top while it’s still warm.

12. Apricot and Macadamia Damper

Need a sweet treat around the campfire? This apricot and macadamia damper is the perfect balance of fruity and nutty, making it an ideal brekkie or dessert option when you’re out in the bush.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour, salt, apricots, macadamia nuts, and honey in a bowl.
2. Gradually add water, mixing until the dough forms.
3. Shape into a round loaf and place in a greased camp oven.
4. Cover with the lid and cook over hot coals for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.

Pro Tip: Drizzle a little extra honey over the top before serving for a sweet, sticky finish that’s hard to resist.

13. Chocolate Chip Damper

For those who can’t resist a bit of chocolate, this chocolate chip damper is your go-to recipe. Whether it’s for dessert or a sweet breakfast, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup Cadbury chocolate chips
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Combine the flour, salt, and chocolate chips in a bowl.
2. Gradually add water, mixing until the dough forms.
3. Shape into a round loaf and place in a greased camp oven.
4. Cover with the lid and cook over hot coals for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.

Pro Tip: Serve warm for that extra gooey chocolate goodness that makes this damper irresistible.

14. Anzac Biscuit Damper

Anzac biscuits are a beloved Aussie classic, and now you can enjoy those iconic flavours in damper form. This Anzac biscuit damper is a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for your camping adventures.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup golden syrup
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour, salt, oats, coconut, and brown sugar in a bowl.
2. Add the golden syrup and gradually add water, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Shape into a round loaf and place in a greased camp oven.
4. Cover with the lid and cook over hot coals for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.

Pro Tip: For an authentic Anzac flavour, serve with a drizzle of golden syrup on top.

Tips for Perfect Damper Every Time

Even though damper is a simple bread, a few tips and tricks can help ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

• Use the Right Flour: Self-raising flour is key for that perfect rise. If you’re out in the bush, make sure you’ve packed enough.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix your ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the damper tough.
• Preheat the Camp Oven: Preheating your camp oven helps ensure even cooking, just like your oven at home.
• Check the Coals: Keep an eye on your coals and adjust the heat as needed. Too hot, and your damper might burn; too cool, and it might not cook through.

Common Damper Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned campers can make a misstep with damper. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls.

• Using Cold Water: Use room temperature water for better dough consistency.
• Overcooking: Always check your damper a bit earlier than the recipe suggests—campfire cooking times can vary.
• Skipping the Grease: Grease your camp oven to avoid sticking and ruining your loaf.

Best Accompaniments for Damper

Damper’s versatile, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments.

• Golden Syrup or Honey: A drizzle of golden syrup or honey is a classic way to enjoy sweet damper.
• Butter and Jam: Keep it simple with some butter and your favourite jam—perfect for breakfast.
• Bacon and Eggs: Savoury damper pairs perfectly with a hearty serving of bacon and eggs for a proper bush brekkie.

How to Clean Your Camp Oven

After enjoying your damper, proper care of your camp oven ensures it’s ready for the next adventure.

• Cool it Down: Let the camp oven cool completely before cleaning.
• Avoid Soap: Use hot water and a stiff brush to clean the oven—soap can strip the seasoning.
• Dry Thoroughly: Dry your camp oven completely to prevent rust.
• Re-season if Needed: If your camp oven looks dry or rusty, give it a light coat of oil and re-season it over the fire.

Damper isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition. Embrace it on your next camping trip and make memories around the campfire that’ll last a lifetime. Whether you’re a damper newbie or an experienced bush cook, these recipes and tips will help you create something truly special. Happy baking, mates!

FAQs About Cooking Damper

• Can I make damper without a camp oven?
  • Absolutely! You can cook damper in a regular oven or even in a skillet over the fire if needed.
• What’s the best way to store leftover damper?
  • Wrap it in a tea towel and store it in an airtight container. It’ll keep for a couple of days, and you can reheat it over the fire.
• Can I use wholemeal flour instead of self-raising?
  • You can, but the texture will be denser. Be sure to add a raising agent like baking powder.

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