There's nothing more Aussie than knocking up a fresh damper in the camp oven. It's simple, dependable, and pretty much a camping rite of passage. But let's be honest — plain old damper can be a bit… well, ordinary.
So, if you're keen to level things up without overcomplicating your camp cook-up, this bacon and cheese damper recipe is the upgrade your tastebuds deserve. It's easy and packed with flavour and has everything a campfire snack should.
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Ingredients
One of the best things about damper? There's no strict recipe. It's more of a vibe. But here's a solid guide to get you started:
Self-raising flour
1 egg
Beer (any kind — your choice)
Diced bacon
Grated cheese
Pinch of salt
Milk for brushing
Extra bacon & cheese (because why not?)
Butter for serving
How to Make Bacon & Cheese Damper in a Camp Oven
Start with the basics. Chuck some self-raising flour into a bowl and make a little well in the centre. Crack in your egg and mix it through until the flour starts to clump.
Pour in your beer gradually, don't just send it. Mix as you go until the dough comes together. You're aiming for a soft, slightly springy dough, not a sticky mess.
Add your diced bacon, grated cheese, and a pinch of salt. Mix it all through until evenly spread.
Pop your dough onto a rack lined with baking paper — this helps stop that cheesy goodness sticking everywhere. Want bonus points? Score the top of the dough, it'll look unreal once cooked.
Lightly brush some milk over the top for that golden crust. Then go all in, add a bit more bacon and cheese on top.
Place your damper in the camp oven and sit it over hot coals. Cooking time is around 20–30 minutes. You'll know when the damper is done when you see a golden brown top, it sounds hollow when tapped and it will smell ridiculously good! If you cut into it and see melted cheese and bits of bacon all the way through — you've nailed it.
Rip into it while it's still warm, slap on a generous bit of butter, and let it melt through that fluffy, cheesy goodness. It goes perfect with a cold bevvy by the fire, or even for brekky the next morning.
Heat both underneath and on top of the lid for even cooking.
Pro Tips for Better Camp Oven Damper
Don't overwork the dough: keep it light for a fluffier result.
Control your coals: too hot and you'll burn the outside before the inside cooks.
Use baking paper: cheese + camp oven = sticky disaster without it.
Experiment: swap in herbs, garlic, or even chilli for a twist.
FAQs: Bacon & Cheese Damper
Can you make damper without a camp oven?
Yep. You can cook it in a regular oven at home at around 200°C or even wrap it in foil and cook it in campfire coals, just rotate it regularly.
Can you use water instead of beer in damper?
You can, but beer adds extra flavour and helps with texture. If you're skipping beer, consider switching to lemonade.
How do you keep damper soft when camping overnight?
Wrap it in foil or store it in an airtight container once cooled. Reheat it gently over the fire or in a pan with a bit of butter.
Can you prepare damper dough ahead of time for camping?
You can pre-mix dry ingredients at home and store them in a container. Add the wet ingredients fresh at camp for the best result.
Can you make damper gluten-free?
Yep, you can swap out the self-raising flour for a gluten-free self-raising flour blend and ditch the beer for milk instead. Gluten-free dough can be a bit more delicate, so handle it gently and don't overwork it. It can cook a bit quicker on the outside, so keep an eye on your coals. Aim for a slightly gentler heat and check it regularly to avoid burning before the inside sets.
This bacon and cheese damper is proof that you don't need to be a bush chef to smash out something seriously tasty at camp. Damper has been a bush staple for generations — quick to make, minimal ingredients, and perfect for cooking over coals. But adding bacon and cheese turns it from a basic bread into something seriously crave-worthy. It's the kind of recipe that feels fancy but still sticks to the bush rule of thumb: use what you've got and make it work.
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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