Savory Pumpkin & Chive Quick Bread
Enjoy a delightful twist on traditional Australian damper with this Savory Pumpkin & Chive Quick Bread. This rustic loaf is infused with rich, creamy mashed pumpkin, giving it a beautiful golden hue and a subtle sweetness. The sharpness of the grated cheese and the freshness of the snipped chives elevate this simple bread into a versatile side dish perfect for any meal—be it a cozy dinner or a picnic outing. Best served warm from the oven, this bread retains its deliciousness for days when wrapped properly, making it a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
self-raising flour
2 cups (sifted)
butter
30 g (softened)
mashed pumpkin
1/2 cup (cooked and mashed)
grated tasty cheese
1/4 cup (freshly grated)
snipped chives
2 tablespoons (fresh)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
milk
1/4 cup (combined with egg)
egg
1 (beaten)
extra grated cheese
to taste (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-raising flour to aerate it. Add the softened butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3
Carefully fold in the mashed pumpkin, grated cheese, chives, salt, and pepper until evenly distributed.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir quickly until a soft dough forms.
5
On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough and knead gently until just combined. Shape it into a round loaf.
6
Place the loaf onto a lightly greased baking tray. Brush the top with a little milk and sprinkle generously with extra grated cheese.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 180°C (356°F) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then slice and serve warm with butter.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pumpkin & Chive Quick Bread?
It is a rustic, savory loaf inspired by traditional Australian damper, featuring mashed pumpkin, cheese, and fresh chives.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What type of flour is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of self-raising flour, which should be sifted to aerate it.
Can I substitute self-raising flour?
If you do not have self-raising flour, you can use plain flour mixed with baking powder (typically 2 teaspoons of baking powder per cup of flour).
How do I prepare the pumpkin for the bread?
You will need 1/2 cup of cooked and mashed pumpkin. Ensure it is mashed until smooth before folding it into the flour.
What is tasty cheese?
Tasty cheese is a term commonly used in Australia for a sharp, aged cheddar cheese that provides a robust flavor.
What temperatures should the oven be set to?
Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F) for the first 10 minutes, then reduce it to 180°C (356°F) for the remainder of the baking time.
How long does it take to bake the bread?
Total baking time is between 25 and 30 minutes: 10 minutes at the higher temperature and 15-20 minutes at the lower temperature.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The loaf is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and has a golden-brown crust.
Can I use dried chives instead of fresh?
Yes, but since dried herbs are more concentrated, use about 2 teaspoons of dried chives instead of the 2 tablespoons of fresh snipped chives.
What is the purpose of rubbing butter into the flour?
This technique, often used in scones and dampers, coats the flour in fat to create a tender, crumbly texture rather than a chewy one.
Should the dough be heavily kneaded?
No, you should knead the dough gently and only until it is just combined to avoid making the bread tough.
What can I serve with this bread?
It is best served warm with butter, and it pairs excellently with soups, stews, or as a side for a picnic.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based margin, use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, and utilize plant-based milk and cheese.
How should I store the leftovers?
Wrap the bread properly in foil or plastic wrap. It will stay delicious for several days at room temperature.
Can I use sweet potato instead of pumpkin?
Yes, mashed sweet potato is an excellent substitute for mashed pumpkin in this recipe and provides a similar texture.
Is this bread sweet like American pumpkin bread?
No, this is a savory bread. While the pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness, the primary flavors come from the cheese, chives, salt, and pepper.
Why do I need to brush the top with milk?
Brushing the top with milk helps the extra cheese stick to the loaf and encourages a beautiful golden-brown crust during baking.
Can I add other herbs to this bread?
Absolutely. Rosemary, thyme, or finely chopped parsley would all complement the pumpkin and cheese flavors well.
What does 'sifting' the flour do?
Sifting removes lumps and aerates the flour, which helps the quick bread rise more effectively and stay light.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you can freeze the baked loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.
What is the texture of this bread?
It has a rustic, slightly dense but soft texture similar to a scone or traditional damper.
Can I add nuts or seeds to the recipe?
Yes, adding pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds to the dough or on top would add a nice crunch.
Do I need a bread pan for this recipe?
No, this is a free-form loaf. You simply shape it into a round and place it on a lightly greased baking tray.
Is it necessary to use an egg?
The egg acts as a binder and adds richness to the dough, but it can be replaced with more milk or a commercial egg replacer if needed.
What happens if I over-mix the dough?
Over-mixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough, rubbery loaf rather than a tender quick bread.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, because it is a quick bread that doesn't require yeast or proofing time, it is an excellent project for novice bakers.
How much butter is used?
The recipe uses 30 grams of softened butter.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated cheese usually melts better and has a stronger flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
Why is the recipe called 'quick bread'?
It is called a quick bread because it uses chemical leaveners (like those in self-raising flour) rather than yeast, meaning it doesn't need time to rise before baking.