Homemade Bread Bowls

Soft on the inside, crusty on the outside, and perfect for serving soups, stews, or dips these Homemade Bread Bowls are warm, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether for a cozy dinner or an impressive presentation, they’ll make any meal feel extra special.

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Ingredients

• 3 cups warm water
• 1½ tablespoons active dry yeast (2 packets)
• 2 tablespoons + ½ teaspoon granulated sugar, divided
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 7 to 9 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 egg white

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Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and ½ teaspoon of sugar. Stir gently until dissolved, then cover and let rest for 5 minutes, or until foamy.

2. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine salt, remaining sugar, melted butter, the yeast mixture, and 3½ cups of flour. Mix to combine.
Gradually add more flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

3. Knead the Dough

Knead for about 5 minutes using a stand mixer or your hands. Check the texture — the dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
If it sticks too much, add a bit more flour. Continue kneading for another 2–3 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. First Rise

Lightly grease a clean bowl with nonstick spray. Transfer the dough into the bowl, turning once to coat both sides.
Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 30–45 minutes.

5. Shape the Bread Bowls

Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 6 to 8 equal pieces, depending on your desired bowl size.
Shape each piece into a smooth, tight ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Use a serrated knife to make a small “X” on the top of each dough ball.

6. Second Rise

In a small bowl, whisk together egg white and milk to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of each dough ball.
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise again until doubled, about 30–40 minutes.

7. Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
Cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing off the tops and hollowing out the centers to create bowls.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Freshly baked goodness: Golden crust and soft, fluffy interior.
• Versatile: Perfect for soups, chilis, dips, or creamy pasta.
• Make-ahead friendly: Can be baked in advance and reheated before serving.
• Impressive presentation: Turns any meal into a restaurant-quality experience.

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Tips

• Use warm (not hot) water for yeast activation — around 105–110°F (40–43°C).
• Don’t over-flour the dough; it should remain slightly tacky for a soft interior.
• To test doneness, tap the bottom — it should sound hollow.
• For extra crustiness, place a small pan of water in the oven while baking.
• Let the bread cool slightly before cutting to avoid tearing the interior.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Whole Wheat Version: Replace up to 3 cups of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Garlic Herb Bowls: Add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the dough.
• Cheesy Top: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar on top before baking.
• Mini Bread Bowls: Divide dough into 10–12 portions for appetizer-sized servings.

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FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I freeze baked bread bowls?
Absolutely. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving.

How do I hollow out the bread without tearing it?
Use a small knife to cut around the top, then gently pull out the center using your fingers or a spoon, leaving about ½ inch of bread around the sides.

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Serving and Suggestions

Fill your bread bowls with:

• Creamy soups: like broccoli cheddar, clam chowder, or potato leek
• Hearty stews: beef stew or chicken pot pie filling
• Dips: spinach artichoke, queso, or buffalo chicken dip

Serve with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
These homemade bread bowls bring comfort and warmth to any table the perfect edible vessel for your favorite cozy dishes.