Imagine serving your family a hearty soup in a warm homemade bread bowl that’s crusty on the outside and has a soft bread interior. These rustic bread bowls are the perfect comfort food recipes for chilly evenings, making them a favorite for cozy winter meals. This easy bread recipe is great for beginners and will elevate any dinner to a delightful experience.
These bread bowls are not just perfect for serving soup; they can also hold delicious chili, making them an ideal choice for family-friendly dinner ideas. With some simple bread baking tips, you’ll be able to impress everyone with your very own homemade bakery-style bread.
Bread Bowl Tutorial: Easy, Delicious, and Family-Friendly

These homemade bread bowls are crafted from yeast bread dough that rises beautifully, making them ideal for holding your favorite soups. The hearty crust and soft interior create a delightful contrast, enhancing the experience of enjoying warm, fresh-baked bread while you savor each spoonful of soup.
Perfect for serving soup or chili, these bread bowls are both fun to make and delicious to eat. Follow this beginner bread recipe to create your own baking bread bowls at home, and enjoy the satisfaction of serving up a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- Proof the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape the Bowls: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round ball, then flatten slightly to form a bowl shape. Use your hands to gently pull the edges outward, creating a well in the center.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the Bowls: Bake the bread bowls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before cutting the tops off and hollowing them out to serve your favorite soups.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 bread bowls
- Calories: 180 kcal per bowl
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 32g