Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe: Bake Perfect Crusty Bowls

Name: Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 135 min
Ingredients: 4 cups bread flour (Plus extra for dusting); 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet); 2 teaspoons salt; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1½ cups warm water (110-115°F); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large Egg (For egg wash); 1 tbsp water (For egg wash)

Welcome to my Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe! I’m so excited to share with you how to make these delicious, crusty bread bowls from scratch. Trust me, it's a foolproof recipe that will impress your family and friends! These Homemade Bread Bowls are perfect for serving all your favorite soups, stews, and dips. Imagine digging into a bowl that’s both crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside – the golden-brown crust is simply irresistible. With this Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe, you'll have edible vessels that will turn any meal into a truly special experience. So, let’s get baking and make your next meal something extraordinary with this amazing Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe!

Why You'll Love This Bread Bowl Recipe

I love how magical it feels to serve soup in a freshly baked Bread Bowl Recipe! Not only does it create such a stunning presentation, but the bread soaks up all the delicious flavors of your favorite soup while staying wonderfully crusty on the outside. This Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe gives you the perfect-sized portions, with walls strong enough to hold those hot, tasty soups without falling apart.

And here's the best part: you only need basic pantry ingredients to make these restaurant-quality bread bowls right at home! Whether you're serving a comforting classic clam chowder, a creamy broccoli cheddar soup, or your favorite hearty chili, these homemade bread bowl recipe will elevate your meal to a whole new level. Trust me, once you try this Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe, you’ll be hooked!

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Ingredients
Instructions
Equipment For Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe
Recipe Variations
Storage
Top Tip
FAQ
Delicious,and Easy: Your Go-To Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe
Related
Pairing
Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe

Ingredients

The 6 medium bread bowls:

1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1½ cups warm water (110-115°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar
Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy
If the mixture doesn't foam, your yeast might be dead - start over with fresh yeast

Make the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bread flour and salt
Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil
Mix with the dough hook on low speed for 2 minutes until combined
Increase speed to medium and knead for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic
The dough should clear the sides of the bowl but still stick slightly to the bottom

First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl
Cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel
Let rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size

Shape the Bread Bowls

Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions (about 5 ounces each)
Shape each portion into a tight ball by pulling the edges toward the center
Place the dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between each
Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes

Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F with a rack in the middle position
Whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon water for the egg wash
Brush each bread bowl with egg wash
Score an "X" on top of each bowl with a sharp knife
Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

a glass of water and a spoon with a salt in it

Activate the Yeast : Mix warm water and sugar, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit until foamy.

a mixer with a mixing bowl of flour and a bowl of flour

Make the Dough : Combine flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until smooth and elastic.

First Rise : Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size.

Shape the Bread Bowls : Divide the dough into equal portions, shape them into balls, and let them rise again.

Bake : Brush with egg wash, score the tops, and bake until golden brown and crispy.

Equipment For Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe

Kitchen scale (recommended for precise portions)re cooking for that could use this. This is also a great idea to link out to another blogger with a similar recipe that fits a different diet.
Large mixing bowl
Stand mixer with dough hook (or wooden spoon for hand mixing)
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Sharp knife or bread lame
Pastry brush

Expert Tips for Perfect Bread Bowls

Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture and better structure
Keep the dough slightly sticky - this creates a moister finished product
Create a steamy environment by placing a shallow pan of hot water on the bottom rack while baking
Test for doneness by tapping the bottom - it should sound hollow
Let the bread bowls cool completely before cutting and hollowing out

Recipe Variations

Sourdough Bread Bowls

Replace the commercial yeast with 1 cup of active sourdough starter and reduce the water to 1 cup. The rise times will be longer, but you'll get amazing flavor and texture.

Whole Wheat Bread Bowls

Substitute up to half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour. You may need to add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of water to achieve the right consistency.

Gluten-Free Bread Bowls

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn't include it. The texture will be different, but still delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Classic New England Clam Chowder
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
French Onion Soup (top with cheese and broil)
Beef Stew
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Chili with melted cheese

Storage

Store unused bread bowls in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature
Freeze baked bread bowls for up to 3 months
To reheat, thaw completely and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes
For best results, don't hollow out bread bowls until ready to use

Top Tip

Don't rush the rising process - proper proofing creates the best texture
Score the tops to allow for proper expansion during baking
Create steam in the oven for a crispier crust
Let the bread bowls cool completely before cutting to prevent crushing

FAQ

How to make bread bowls?

To make homemade bread bowl recipe, combine bread flour, yeast, salt, and water to form a dough. Let it rise for 1 hour, shape into 6 rounds, and rise again for 30 minutes. Bake at 400°F for 22-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before hollowing out the centers.

What is the best soup for bread bowls?

The best soups for homemade bread bowl recipe are thick, creamy varieties that won't make the bread soggy. Top choices include:
Clam chowder
Broccoli cheddar soup
French onion soup
Creamy potato soup
Tomato bisque
Beef stew

What is the best bowl for bread making?

A large, heavy ceramic or glass mixing bowl is ideal for bread making. The bowl should be at least 4-6 quarts in size to allow proper dough expansion. For proofing, use a bowl with straight sides and a wide rim to monitor dough rise effectively.

What bread does Panera use for bread bowls?

Panera uses their signature sourdough bread for their bread bowls. It's a crusty artisan bread made with unbleached flour, water, salt, and natural sourdough starter. The dough undergoes a long fermentation process to develop its distinctive tangy flavor and chewy texture.
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Delicious,and Easy: Your Go-To Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe

I love how magical it feels to serve soup in a freshly baked bread bowl! Not only does it create such a stunning presentation, but the bread soaks up all the delicious flavors of your favorite soup while staying wonderfully crusty on the outside. This Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe gives you the perfect-sized portions, with walls strong enough to hold those hot, tasty soups without falling apart.

And here's the best part: you only need basic pantry ingredients to make these restaurant-quality homemade bread bowl recipe right at home! Whether you're serving a comforting classic clam chowder, a creamy broccoli cheddar soup, or your favorite hearty chili, these homemade bread bowls will elevate your meal to a whole new level. Trust me, once you try this Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe, you’ll be hooked!

If you loved our Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe, you’ll definitely want to try some of our other delicious creations! Satisfy your sweet tooth with our Fruity Pebbles Cookies, a colorful and fun treat packed with crunch and flavor. For a rich and indulgent breakfast, don’t miss our Decadent Chocolate Waffles Recipe, perfect for chocolate lovers. If you're looking for an elegant dessert, our Mini Tarts Recipe is a must-try, offering bite-sized goodness with a buttery crust. And for all the cookie fans out there, our Homemade Biscoff Cookies Recipe brings that warm, spiced flavor you love in every bite. Try them all and find your new favorite!

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Homemade Bread Bowl Recipe