Savory Bread Bowl Soup: A Cozy and Delicious Meal for Any Occasion
There’s something magical about enjoying a hot bowl of soup served inside a crusty bread bowl. Not only do bread bowls add a rustic, comforting touch to any meal, but they also let you savor every last drop—bowl and all! This savory bread bowl soup recipe is perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or any time you want to wow guests with a unique dining experience. In this article, we’ll walk you through making both the bread bowls and the perfect soups to fill them.
How to Make Homemade Bread Bowls
Ingredients (for 4 bread bowls):
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2.Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
3.Knead the dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4.Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5.Shape the bowls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 portions. Shape each into a round ball.
6. Second rise
Place dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each dough ball with egg wash for a golden crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bowls are firm and golden brown.
8. Hollow out: Cool the bread, then carefully cut off the tops and scoop out the insides to create a bowl.
Delicious Soups to Fill Your Bread Bowl
1. Classic Creamy Tomato Soup
- Ingredients: Canned tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, onions, basil.
- Method: Simmer all ingredients, blend, and season with salt and pepper. Perfect with bread bowls for dipping!
2. Cheesy Broccoli Soup
- Ingredients: Broccoli, cheddar cheese, milk, onions, and chicken broth.
- Method: Sauté onions, add broccoli and broth, then stir in cheese for a creamy finish. This soup is a family favorite!
3. Hearty Beef Stew
- Ingredients: Beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, onions, beef broth, thyme.
- Method: Brown the beef, simmer with veggies, and let it slow-cook until tender. The thick stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.
4. Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Ingredients: Potatoes, bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions.
- Method: Boil potatoes, blend with cream, and top with crispy bacon and cheese for a decadent experience.
Tips for Serving and Enjoying Bread Bowl Soup
- Toast the bowls: Lightly toast the inside of the bread bowls for extra crunch and to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Add toppings: Garnish your soups with herbs, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
- Save the bread tops: Use the cut-off tops as dipping pieces!
Why You’ll Love This Bread Bowl Soup Recipe
Bread bowls are more than just a vessel for soup—they turn every meal into an experience. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or looking for a fun way to serve soup to your family, these bread bowls make everything feel a little more special. Plus, the variety of soups you can try means you’ll never get bored.