There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of soup served in a fresh, fluffy bread bowl. The combination of hearty soup and soft, edible bread is a match made in culinary heaven.
Today, I’m sharing an easy and quick homemade bread bowl recipe that will elevate your soup nights to a whole new level. The best part? It’s much simpler than you might think!
Whether you’re pairing these bread bowls with a homemade soup or even a can of your favorite store-bought soup, they’ll add a touch of homemade magic to your meal. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 3 bread bowls
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 1/4 cups very warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by pouring the very warm water into the bowl of your kitchen mixer. Add the active dry yeast and sugar, then let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step activates the yeast, so you’ll notice it becoming foamy and bubbly – a sign that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Attach the dough hook to your mixer. Turn the mixer on low speed and slowly add the flour and salt. Once combined, drizzle in the olive oil. Continue mixing until the dough comes together into a smooth ball. If needed, you can scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for creating that light and fluffy texture.
Step 4: Shape the Bread Bowls
Once the dough has risen, divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. To get that perfect round shape, pull the top of the dough down on all sides and pinch it together at the bottom. Place each ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them again and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While waiting for the oven to heat up, prepare an egg wash by whisking together the egg white and water. Brush this mixture over each ball of dough – this will give them a beautiful golden-brown crust. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the bread bowls are golden and sound hollow when tapped.
Step 6: Create the Bread Bowls
Allow the bread to cool slightly before handling. Using a sharp knife, cut a round piece from the top of each bread bowl. Gently scoop out as much of the interior as you’d like to create space for your soup. Don’t discard the removed bread – it’s perfect for dipping!
Tips for Perfect Bread Bowls
- Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast packet to ensure it’s fresh. Old yeast may not activate properly.
- Warm Water Temperature: The water should be warm but not too hot – around 110°F (43°C) is ideal. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast.
- Customize Sizes: If you’re serving smaller portions, divide the dough into four or five pieces instead of three to create smaller bread bowls.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can bake these bread bowls ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These bread bowls are incredibly versatile! Fill them with your favorite soups like creamy tomato basil, broccoli cheddar, clam chowder, or hearty chili. You can even get creative and use them for dips, stews, or even pasta dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making bread bowls at home might sound intimidating, but this recipe breaks it down into simple steps that anyone can follow. The result is soft, fluffy bread with a golden crust that’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about serving your meal in something you made from scratch.
So, what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and give this recipe a try. Your family and friends will be impressed – and your taste buds will thank you!
Enjoy your cozy homemade bread bowls!
Print
Homemade Bread Bowl
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 bread bowls 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and quick homemade bread bowls from scratch! These fluffy and golden bread bowls are perfect for serving creamy soups, chili, or even dips. Simple ingredients, great results — a cozy and satisfying addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups very warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Pour warm water into a kitchen mixer bowl. Add yeast and sugar, then let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
Attach the dough hook to the mixer. Turn on low and gradually add flour and salt. Pour in olive oil and mix until dough forms a ball.
Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Divide dough into 3 equal pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball by pulling the top down and tucking it underneath. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover. Let rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix egg white and water, then brush over each dough ball.
Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool.
Cut a round from the top of each loaf and hollow out the center to create the bowl. Fill with your favorite soup and enjoy!
Notes
Best served with creamy soups like broccoli cheddar, tomato bisque, or clam chowder.
You can make smaller bowls by dividing the dough into 4–5 portions instead of 3.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a crisp crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
