Bread Bowls

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There’s something truly special about serving a warm, hearty soup inside a freshly baked bread bowl. Not only does it add a rustic, homemade touch to your meal, but it also turns your bowl into an edible treat—no dishes required! These crusty, golden bread bowls are perfect for thick soups, stews, or even creamy dips. Plus, making them at home is easier than you think, using just a few simple ingredients. In this post, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step recipe to create your own delicious bread bowls, along with tips for getting the perfect texture and flavour. Let’s get baking!

Why Make Your Own Bread Bowls?

Adds love and intention: Making bread bowls adds a little extra care and intention to your meal, transforming a simple soup or stew into something special. It’s a small touch that makes dinner feel homemade and heartfelt.

Take no extra time: Surprisingly, they take no more time than making a batch of fresh buns! If you already bake bread or rolls for dinner, shaping them into bowls is an easy swap that adds a whole new element to the meal.

Adds an element of fun: And let’s not forget the fun! There’s something delightful about tearing off a piece of warm, crusty bread soaked in rich, flavorful broth. It turns an everyday meal into an experience—one your family will ask for again and again!

Ingredients Needed

• active dry yeast
• honey
• water
• salt
• AP flour
• avocado oil OR melted butter

Note: This is a very wet dough, it will com together and be more manageable after the first rise.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast
   In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, honey, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough
   Add salt and flour to the bowl. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until ingredients come together.
3. Knead the Dough
   Increase the mixer speed to medium-low and knead for about 6–8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough will be tacky, but will have more structure after the first rise. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water; if too sticky, add a bit more flour.
4. First Rise
   Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat it with oil. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Bread Bowls
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal portions, depending on the size of bread bowls you want. Shape each piece into a tight, round ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced a few inches apart.
6. Second Rise
   Cover loosely with a towel and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 460°F.
7. Prepare for Baking
   For a golden crust, whisk an egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it over the tops of the bread bowls. This step is optional but enhances the appearance.
8. Bake
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bread bowls are deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and Hollow Out
   Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife to slice off the top of each bowl, then gently hollow out the center, leaving about a ½-inch thick wall. Save the removed bread for dipping!
10. Fill and Serve
    Ladle in your favorite soup, stew, or chowder and enjoy! The bread bowls will soften as they absorb the broth, making them even more delicious.

Serving Ideas

Bread bowls are a fun and versatile way to serve meals, adding both flavour and presentation to your table. While they’re best known for holding warm, comforting soups, they can be used in so many creative ways!

Soups & Stews

The sturdy crust of a bread bowl makes it ideal for rich, hearty soups. Try filling them with:

• Minestrone Soup – A vegetable-packed Italian classic (find our recipe on Dinner at the McGills!)
• Creamy Potato Soup – A thick, cheesy, and bacon-topped comfort food
• Clam Chowder – A rich and creamy seafood favorite
• Beef Stew – A slow-cooked, hearty option perfect for cold days
• Tomato Basil Soup – A simple, flavorful pairing for the fresh bread

Salads (For Those Who Aren’t Soup Fans!)

Bread bowls aren’t just for soups! They make fantastic edible salad bowls, adding a rustic, homemade touch. Some great salad options include:

• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine, Parmesan, and garlicky dressing
• Greek Salad – Feta, olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes with a tangy dressing
• Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze
• Chicken Salad – A creamy, protein-packed option with grapes and nuts
• Grain Bowls – Quinoa, roasted veggies, and a lemony dressing for a hearty, nutritious meal

Dips & Spreads

Transform your bread bowls into a party-worthy appetizer by filling them with dips! Simply hollow out the center and serve with the extra bread on the side for dipping:

• Spinach & Artichoke Dip – A warm, cheesy crowd-pleaser
• Buffalo Chicken Dip – Spicy, creamy, and perfect for game night
• Hummus – A fresh, healthy option with roasted veggies on the side
• French Onion Dip – Classic and rich, great for snacking

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Make-Ahead Instructions

If you want to get ahead on meal prep, you can make the bread bowls in advance and store them until you’re ready to serve. Here’s how:

• Same-Day Prep: Bake the bread bowls earlier in the day and keep them at room temperature until mealtime. Hollow them out just before serving to keep them fresh.
• Overnight Prep: Bake the bread bowls the night before and store them in an airtight container or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out.
• Make-Ahead Dough: Prepare the dough, let it rise, then shape it into balls. Instead of baking, cover and refrigerate them overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30–45 minutes before baking.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store fully baked and cooled bread bowls in an airtight container or bread bag for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes to refresh the crust.
• Freezing Bread Bowls: Wrap fully cooled bread bowls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving.
• Refrigeration (Not Recommended): Bread tends to dry out in the fridge, so it’s best to store it at room temperature or freeze it if keeping for longer.

Freezing Dough for Later

If you’d like to prep the dough ahead of time, you can freeze it before baking:

1. After kneading, shape the dough into balls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag.
2. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw overnight in the fridge.
3. Bring to room temperature, let rise for 30–45 minutes, then bake as usual.

By making your bread bowls ahead of time, you can enjoy the convenience of a homemade meal with minimal last-minute effort!

Final Thoughts

Homemade bread bowls are a simple yet special way to elevate your meals. They add a touch of care and intention, turning an everyday soup or salad into something fun and memorable. Best of all, they take no more time than making fresh buns, making them an easy addition to your meal planning routine.

Whether you’re filling them with a hearty soup like our Minestrone, a crisp, refreshing salad, or a warm, cheesy dip, these bread bowls are sure to be a family favorite. Plus, with easy make-ahead and storage options, you can enjoy homemade bread bowls anytime with minimal effort.

Give them a try and let us know how you serve yours! And don’t forget to check out our Minestrone Soup recipe for the perfect pairing.

Other Bread Recipes

Simple Sourdough Artisan Bread Recipe
Super Simple 6 Ingredient Sandwich Bread Recipe
Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Bread (with Discard)
Sourdough Rye Sandwich Loaf Bread 
No Knead Easy Roasted Garlic Rustic Bread