When you think of comfort food, nothing quite beats a steaming bowl of soup served in a freshly baked bread bowl. This delightful Bread Bowl Recipe lets you create a sturdy, yet soft vessel that holds your favorite soups, making every bite a delicious experience. Imagine dipping into the warm, crusty bread and savoring the blend of flavors between the hearty soup and the freshly baked dough. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply enjoying a family meal at home, bread bowls are sure to elevate your dining experience.
Why We Love This Bread Bowl Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this Bread Bowl Recipe, and each one ties back to the heart of comfort food. First and foremost, there’s the nostalgia that comes with tearing apart a piece of warm bread, soaking up the flavorful broth of your favorite soup. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to pair it with a variety of soups from creamy tomato to hearty vegetable.
Moreover, making your own bread bowls gives you full control over the ingredients and flavor. You’ll appreciate the satisfaction of creating something from scratch while also ensuring it’s made to your liking. The process of kneading the dough, watching it rise, and finally baking it to a perfect golden brown is rewarding in itself. Plus, there’s nothing quite like presenting a homemade bread bowl filled with delicious soup – it’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds!
Ingredients about Bread Bowl Recipe
To create these delightful bread bowls, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ tablespoon rapid rise yeast
- 4 cups bread flour, plus more as needed
This simple list of ingredients includes essentials that make up most bread recipes, ensuring that your bread bowls will be soft, flavorful, and can be filled with your favorite soup!
How to Make Bread Bowl Recipe Directions
Let’s move on to the fun part—making the bread! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your perfect bread bowls.
- Combine the Ingredients: Start by taking a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Pour in the warm water, followed by the oil, sugar, salt, and rapid rise yeast. Slowly mix in 2 cups of flour until everything is blended.
- Add More Flour: Gradually add the remaining flour, half a cup at a time. You want to mix until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and it feels smooth but slightly tacky to the touch.
- Kneading the Dough: If you’re using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook and knead the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, you can do so on a lightly floured surface until the same texture is achieved.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, covering it with a kitchen towel. Place it in a warm spot and allow it to rise until it doubles in size, which typically takes around 1 hour.
- Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air. Divide it into six equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
- Prepare for Second Rise: Place the dough balls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make an ‘X’ cut on the top of each dough ball—this helps them rise properly. Cover them lightly with a kitchen towel and let them rise again, in a warm area, for about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat and Bake: About 15 minutes before the second rise is done, preheat your oven to 400°F. Once the dough balls have doubled again, place them in the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let them cool on a rack. They need to cool completely before you scoop them out.
- Make Your Bread Bowls: To serve, carefully cut a circle out of the top of each bread ball. Use your fingers or a spoon to scoop out the soft insides, leaving a hollow bowl ready for your favorite soup.
How to Serve Bread Bowl Recipe
Serving your freshly baked bread bowls is an experience in itself. Here’s how you can make the most out of your creations:
- Choose a Flavorful Soup: Opt for a soup that complements the bread. Classic choices include clam chowder, creamy broccoli, tomato basil, or even a spicy chili. Create a delightful combination of flavors with each spoonful!
- Garnish and Accompaniments: Consider adding toppings to elevate your soup experience. Fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of croutons work beautifully. You could also serve a side salad to add a fresh crunch.
- The Dipping Experience: Don’t forget to savor the bread as you enjoy your soup! As you finish your soup, tear off pieces of the bread bowl to soak up the remaining broth, turning your meal into a delightful feast that combines solid and liquid textures.
Now that your bread bowls are ready to be served, they will surely impress your family and guests alike.
Expert Tips: Bread Bowl Recipe
To ensure your bread bowls come out perfect every time, consider the following expert tips:
- Use a Kitchen Scale: For precise measurements, a kitchen scale can help you weigh your flour and water, ensuring consistency in your dough each time.
- Optimal Rising: A warm, draft-free environment is essential for the dough to rise properly. If your kitchen is cool, try preheating your oven for a minute and then turning it off; the residual warmth can create the perfect rising space.
- Bread Flour is Key: Using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour gives your bread the structure and chewiness that makes a perfect bread bowl. If you can, do not skip this ingredient!
- Check for Doneness: For a more accurate measurement, you can use a kitchen thermometer; bread is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F to 200°F.
- Experiment with Shapes: Feel free to shape the dough into different forms if you want variety. You can even make larger bread bowls for serving family-style.
How to Store Bread Bowl Recipe
If you’ve made a large batch and want to save them for later, here’s how to store your bread bowls properly:
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread bowls to cool on a cooling rack before storing them. If stored while warm, they may become soggy.
- Wrap and Store: Once cooled, wrap each bread bowl individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This protects them from drying out.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, place the wrapped bread bowls in a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
- Reviving Bread Bowls: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply take them out and let them thaw. To refresh the texture, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes before scooping and serving them with your favorite soup.
Variation of Bread Bowl Recipe
While the classic bread bowl recipe is delightful as it is, you can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions:
- Herbed Bread Bowls: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for an aromatic flavor. Simply mix them in with the flour before kneading.
- Whole Wheat Option: For a heartier version, substitute some of the bread flour with whole wheat flour. This will give a nuttier flavor and a denser texture.
- Cheese-Stuffed Bread Bowls: Incorporate shredded cheese into the dough for a cheesy twist. Great options include mozzarella or cheddar, adding a delightful surprise to your bread bowls.
- Seed Toppings: Before the second rise, sprinkle seeds like sesame or poppy seeds on top of the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Sweet Bread Bowl: Use a sweet bread recipe that incorporates ingredients like cinnamon or nutmeg, perfect for pairing with creamy dessert soups, like a chocolate soup.
FAQ Section
Can I make bread bowl recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can easily prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the shaping and rising steps.
How do I know when the bread bowls are done?
Your bread bowls are done baking when they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. A food thermometer can help, as they should reach an internal temperature of about 190°F.
Can I use a different flour type?
While bread flour is recommended for its higher protein content, you could substitute it with all-purpose flour. Just note that the texture may be slightly different; it could be less chewy.
What should I do if my bread does not rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh, and your water is warm (not too hot or cold). Make sure you also provide a warm environment for rising.
Can I freeze bread bowls?
Yes, you can freeze bread bowls! Just wrap them tightly after they’ve cooled and store them in the freezer. They can last a few months stored properly.
Bread Bowl
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1.5 cups warm water (110-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 tablespoon rapid rise yeast
- 4 cups bread flour, plus more as needed Bread flour is key for the right texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine the warm water, oil, sugar, salt, and rapid rise yeast in a large mixing bowl.
- Slowly mix in 2 cups of flour until blended.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides and feels smooth yet slightly tacky.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
Shaping and Second Rise
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into six equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Make an 'X' cut on the top of each ball, cover lightly with a kitchen towel, and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 400°F about 15 minutes before the second rise is done.
- Bake the dough balls for approximately 15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on a rack completely.
- Once cool, cut a circle out of the top of each bread ball and scoop out the soft insides to create a bowl.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!