Here’s how to cook damper on a pellet grill smoker to give your backyard barbecue Aussie flair. Serve with chutney and cheese, plus fresh baby vegetables for a platter to get the party started.
Ingredients
Prep 30 mins
Cook 30 mins
Serves 6
3 cups self-raising flour, plus extra for kneading and flouring
1 tsp ground saltbush (see tips)
75g cold butter, diced
¾ cup milk
1⁄3 cup cold water
200g brie or camembert cheese
2 tbsp quandong or peach chutney, plus extra to serve
Baby cucumbers, carrots and capsicums, and radishes, to serve
Pickled onions, to serve
Seasonal salad leaves, to garnish
Method
1. Preheat the
pellet grill to 200°C.
2. To make the damper, combine the flour and saltbush in a bowl. Using your hands, rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the milk and water and mix with your hands to form a soft dough, adding a little extra water if necessary.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured and greased surface. Knead lightly until just smooth (do not over-knead or the damper will be tough). Divide into 8 portions and shape each one into a 6cm round. Put the rounds in a lightly floured aluminium tray and place on the grill. Cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
4. Meanwhile, line a small ovenproof dish the same size as the brie with foil, allowing an overhang (see tips), then baking paper. Cut the brie in half horizontally. Place one half in the prepared dish, spoon the chutney onto the centre and top with the remaining half of brie. Fold in the foil around edge of the brie to form a collar. Place the dish on the grill and cook for about 15 minutes until the brie is hot and melted.
5. Cut the baby vegetables and radishes in half lengthways, deseed the capsicums, and arrange on a platter with the damper, brie, pickled onions and leaves. Serve with a small bowl of extra chutney.
Tips: Saltbush can be substituted with sea salt. If you don’t have an ovenproof dish to fit your brie, use double-layered foil to create a dish shape.
Tip: Watch how to fire up an electric pellet grill.
Keep in mind…
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for setting up and using your smoker or barbecue. Position on flat, clear and well-ventilated space outdoors and never leave unattended when lit.
- Before using a gas barbecue, check the gas hose - do not use it if it is crushed, kinked or cracked - and also that your LPG cylinder is in date.
- Check with your local fire service about using smokers and barbecues during restrictions such as fire bans. Keep children and pets away from smokers, barbecues and gas cylinders and put matches and lighters out of children's reach.

Looking for more pellet grill smoker recipes?
Check out this delicious citrus pepper salmon with lemon myrtle butter recipe.
Photo credit: Jonny Valiant.