Name: Crusty Homemade Bread Bowls for Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 large carrots, peeled and diced; 1 stalk celery, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chopped broccoli; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 cups 1% milk; 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup); 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 3 cups vegetable broth (not-chicken style); Salt & pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 12 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, soul-satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort in every spoonful, then you absolutely need to try this Crusty Homemade Bread Bowls for Soup Recipe. Imagine scooping rich, velvety High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup straight from a golden, crusty bread bowl that’s as delicious as the soup itself. It’s the perfect way to elevate your soup experience, combining a delightful crunch with creamy goodness that feels like a big hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch or a hearty dinner, these bread bowls turn simple soup into a memorable feast you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board holds three layers of chopped vegetables arranged from top to bottom: the top layer is bright orange carrot pieces, the middle layer is light green chopped celery, and the bottom layer is white chopped onion. The cutting board is placed on a white marbled surface, and no utensils or hands are visible in the image, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating the perfect bread bowls might sound fancy, but the ingredients are surprisingly simple and honest. Each one plays a crucial role: from the soft, elastic flour that builds structure, to the yeast breathing life into the dough, every element combines to deliver that golden crust and chewy center.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread, it provides the perfect balance of gluten for structure and softness.
Active dry yeast: Responsible for the beautiful rise and airy texture in the bread bowls.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the dough.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps achieve a slight golden crust.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and controls the yeast activity for perfect dough consistency.

How to Make Crusty Homemade Bread Bowls for Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Activate the Yeast

Start by stirring the sugar into warm water and sprinkling the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy and alive with bubbles—this means your yeast is ready to work its magic, ensuring your bread bowls will be light and airy inside.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, then gradually add in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and springs back when pressed gently. This kneading step is the secret to developing that chewy, satisfying crumb inside the crusty shell.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s beautifully puffed up and soft to the touch, signaling the yeast has done its job perfectly.

Step 4: Shape the Bread Bowls

Punch down the dough gently and divide it into 4 or 6 equally sized balls, depending on how large you want your bread bowls to be. Place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover again and allow them to rise for another 30-45 minutes, giving each ball a lovely puff that will bake into a golden dome.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Just before baking, slash a shallow “X” on the top of each ball to help steam escape and develop that crispy crust as they bake. Bake the dough balls for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped underneath—a delicious sign of a perfectly baked crusty bread bowl.

Step 6: Hollow Out the Bowls

Once cooled slightly, slice off the top of each bread ball and scoop out the soft interior, creating space to hold your soup without sacrificing the sturdy crust. Be careful not to scoop too close to the edges—this keeps the bowl strong enough to hold every comforting ladle of broccoli cheddar soup you pour inside.

How to Serve Crusty Homemade Bread Bowls for Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy broccoli soup that has small green broccoli pieces and orange carrot slices mixed evenly. A spoon holds a bit of the soup with a broccoli floret on top, positioned over the bowl. The bowl is on a white marbled surface, with a green cloth napkin nearby and a small glass bowl of white cottage cheese below. In the background, a woman’s hand holds the spoon, and some broccoli florets rest beside a wooden bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your soup experience by topping your creamy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives, a dash of smoked paprika, or a handful of extra shredded cheddar cheese melting on top. These garnishes add visual appeal and a burst of flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette or a light cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing counterpart. If you’re feeling indulgent, garlic roasted Brussels sprouts or a side of tangy coleslaw pair beautifully and add texture contrast to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic dinner party vibe, serve your bread bowls on wooden boards with a dollop of herb butter on the side. Alternatively, arrange the bowls in a circle with a centerpiece of fresh herbs or colorful veggies to make your soup spread look as inviting as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra bread bowls, store them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust crisp and the interior soft until you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze fully cooled bread bowls by wrapping each tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully when needed, ensuring you have these charming bowls ready to go whenever soup night calls.

Reheating

To revive your bread bowls, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This will refresh the crust’s crispness without drying out the inside, perfectly prepping them to cradle your luscious broccoli cheddar soup once again.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for the bread bowls?

Absolutely! Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends can work well, though the texture might be slightly different—less chewy but still wonderfully crusty. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly depending on your flour blend.

Is it better to use whole milk or 1% milk in the soup?

Using 1% milk strikes a great balance between richness and lightness, making the soup creamy but not overly heavy. Whole milk can make it richer, while skim milk might thin it out too much.

How do I prevent the soup from curdling when adding cheese?

Keep the heat low when adding cheeses and stirring. High heat can cause the milk proteins to separate, so patience here guarantees a silky, smooth soup every time.

Can I prepare the bread bowls ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the bread bowls a day or two in advance and store them properly. Just warm them gently before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What makes this soup “high protein”?

The combination of cottage cheese and cheddar cheese creates a surprisingly protein-packed soup without sacrificing creaminess or flavor, making it as nutritious as it is comforting.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about serving creamy, protein-rich broccoli cheddar soup in a warm, crusty bread bowl you made from scratch. This Crusty Homemade Bread Bowls for Soup Recipe transforms every spoonful into a comforting experience that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Give it a go and watch how this simple, vibrant combo becomes a new favorite at your table—trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!