Pumpkin and Thyme Damper Bread
Traditional Australian damper bread enriched with roasted pumpkin and fresh thyme, perfect for serving warm with butter or as a side. This australian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt 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.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup, mashed roasted pumpkin
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp, for greasing olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, sift together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup mashed roasted pumpkin and 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves to the dry ingredients and mix until evenly combined.
- Step 4: Gradually pour 1 cup cold water into the mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon to form a soft dough that just comes together.
- Step 5: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently 5-6 times until smooth but not sticky.
- Step 6: Shape the dough into a round loaf about 8 inches in diameter and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 7: Brush the top with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter and score a cross on the top with a sharp knife.
- Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pumpkin and Thyme Damper Bread take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Pumpkin and Thyme 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 Pumpkin and Thyme 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 Pumpkin and Thyme 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 Pumpkin and Thyme 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.
