Name: Homemade Bread Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (152 grams) cornmeal, optional, for baking sheets; 4 1/2 teaspoons (2 packets or 14 grams) instant yeast; 2 1/2 cups (590 ml) warm water (110°F); 2 tablespoons (25 grams) olive oil; 1 tablespoon (13 grams) granulated sugar; 4 cups (508 grams) bread flour; 3 cups (381 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons fine sea salt; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon water; 1 cup (236 ml) hot water, for oven steam

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There is something irresistibly comforting about a warm, crusty bread bowl filled with your favorite soup or chili, and this Homemade Bread Bowls Recipe delivers exactly that experience with such ease and panache. Picture slightly crusty, chewy exteriors giving way to soft, pillowy centers — each bowl is a little edible work of art ready to cradle steaming goodness. Whether you are hosting a cozy night in or just want to elevate your everyday meals, making these bread bowls at home is surprisingly simple and incredibly satisfying. Let me walk you through this delightful recipe that transforms humble ingredients into magic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a smooth, pale beige dough that has risen and expanded, showing soft, fluffy texture with some small air bubbles. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background that highlights the dough’s slightly uneven top. The dough fills most of the bowl, gently touching the inner rim, creating a full and airy look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Homemade Bread Bowls Recipe lies in its use of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a bread bowl with perfect texture and flavor. Each component plays its part in developing a crust that’s just right while keeping the interior soft and pillowy, ready to soak up any filling you choose.

1 cup cornmeal (optional): Great for dusting your baking sheets to prevent sticking and adding a lovely texture to the bread bowl bottoms.
4 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast: The magic leavening agent that makes your dough rise beautifully in no time.
2 1/2 cups warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast while keeping it cozy and happy for optimal proofing.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and a hint of richness to the dough for a tender crumb.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast gently and balances the flavors.
4 cups bread flour: Provides the structure for a chewy, satisfying crust that’s firm enough to hold soups without sogging.
3 cups all-purpose flour: Blends with bread flour to soften the dough’s texture, making it lighter.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle, aromatic flavor that complements savory fillings beautifully.
2 teaspoons fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and controls yeast activity for perfect rise.
1 egg (for egg wash): Gives the bread bowls a glossy, golden finish that’s as pleasing to the eye as to the palate.
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash): Thins the egg to spread evenly over the dough surface.
1 cup hot water (for oven): Creates steam in the oven, crucial for developing a delightful crust.

How to Make Homemade Bread Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Start off by lining two rimmed baking sheets either with parchment paper or, for a rustic texture and to prevent sticking, sprinkle each with half a cup of cornmeal. This little trick gives your bread bowls a nice grip and an extra hint of flavor on their base.

Step 2: Bloom the Yeast

In your stand mixer bowl, combine the instant yeast, warm water, olive oil, and sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it bubbles up nicely, signaling that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic on the dough.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

While your yeast blooms, whisk together the bread flour, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl. Attach the dough hook to your mixer and add the dry ingredients gradually to the yeast mixture on low speed. The dough will start out a little shaggy but soon come together into a slightly sticky ball – the perfect texture for kneading.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn your mixer to medium-low and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic about 5 minutes. Alternatively, if you prefer a hands-on approach, moisten your hands lightly with oil and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes. This develops the gluten for that signature chewy crust.

Step 5: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a large bowl brushed lightly with oil, turning once to coat it evenly. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and stash it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, between 30 minutes to an hour. Watching the dough bloom like this is a small but wondrous kitchen miracle.

Step 6: Shape the Bowls

Gently deflate the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Using a bench scraper or a sharp knife dusted with flour, divide the dough into six equal pieces, roughly 250 grams each for uniform bread bowls. Then shape each piece into a tight ball by pinching and rolling on the countertop. The tighter and smoother your dough balls, the better their rise and structure will be during baking.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place three dough balls on each baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to slash an X on the top of each ball — this detail helps the bread expand evenly. Cover lightly and let them rise a second time until doubled in size, about another 30 minutes. This step sets the stage for that perfectly puffed bread bowl.

Step 8: Preheat Oven and Prepare Egg Wash

While the dough completes its second rise, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place an empty broiler tray on the top shelf — you’ll use this to create steam later on. In a small bowl, beat one egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash that will be brushed on the bread bowls for a shiny, golden crust.

Step 9: Bake with Steam

Brush the egg wash evenly over each risen dough ball. Place your baking sheets onto the center rack in the oven (if your oven fits both, bake them simultaneously; otherwise, do one batch at a time). Quickly pour one cup of hot water into the broiler tray to create steam, then close the oven door swiftly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning the pans halfway to get an evenly browned crust. The bread bowls are done when tops are gorgeously golden and tapping on the bottom produces a hollow sound.

Step 10: Cool and Hollow Out

Allow the bread bowls to cool completely on the baking sheets. Once cooled, slice around the top of each loaf and scoop out the center carefully, leaving a sturdy wall to hold your favorite hot soup or chili. Now, your homemade bread bowls are ready to wow!

How to Serve Homemade Bread Bowls Recipe

A round bread bowl with a golden brown crust is filled with a creamy chicken and vegetable stew. The stew has visible layers of shredded white chicken, bright green peas, orange carrot chunks, pale celery, and small herbs on top, all mixed in a light creamy sauce. The bread's top is slightly tilted open showing the stew inside. The bread bowl sits on a white plate with small brown specks, placed on a white marbled surface. A metal spoon rests beside the bread bowl on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes to your bread bowls not only boosts flavor but makes the presentation pop. Fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of grated parmesan, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the soup filling are simple ways to make each serving feel special and inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve your homemade bread bowls with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal that balances hearty and fresh. The combination makes for a crowd-pleasing plate whether it’s a casual luncheon or dinner party.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, consider placing the filled bread bowls on wooden boards surrounded by colorful crudités and dips. Or, hollow out mini baby bread bowls for elegant appetizers to serve alongside your main meal. These ideas turn this Homemade Bread Bowls Recipe from a simple meal into a fun centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover bread bowls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh for up to two days. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight to maintain that wonderful crust chewiness.

Freezing

You can freeze baked bread bowls by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Place them in an airtight freezer bag and store for up to a month. Thaw completely before reheating and filling.

Reheating

To bring your bread bowls back to life, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm them for about 10 minutes until crisp outside and soft inside. Avoid microwaving as it can turn the crust chewy and dense instead of crisp.

FAQs

Can I use only bread flour instead of mixing with all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Using only bread flour will yield a chewier texture and a slightly denser bread bowl, which can be delicious if you prefer a more substantial bite. Just be aware the crumb might be a bit heavier.

Do I have to use garlic powder in the dough?

No, garlic powder is optional but recommended for a subtle savory depth that complements soups well. If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit it or substitute with other herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Can I prep the dough the night before?

Yes! After the first rise, you can cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. The slow fermentation overnight improves flavor. Just bring the dough to room temperature before shaping and second rise.

What soups or fillings work best with homemade bread bowls?

Heartier soups like clam chowder, broccoli cheese, chili, or creamy tomato soup work wonderfully. They soak into the bread slightly without making it soggy too quickly — perfect for spooning every last drop.

How do I prevent my bread bowls from getting soggy?

Scooping out the center thickly enough and using hot, thick soups reduce sogginess. Also, serving immediately after filling helps keep the bowl crisp longer and lets you enjoy that perfect texture combination.

Final Thoughts

Making this Homemade Bread Bowls Recipe is such a rewarding way to elevate any mealtime with a delicious, comforting touch that feels both rustic and special. Whether you’re filling them with your favorite soup or chili or trying creative presentations, these bread bowls bring warmth and smiles to the table. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your cherished kitchen favorites!