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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
