Imagine serving your favorite soup in a warm, freshly baked bread bowl that's not only delicious but also adds a rustic charm to your dining table! Our "Easy Bread Bowls for Soup" recipe is the perfect solution for those cozy nights when you want to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create these delightful edible bowls that will elevate your soup experience to a whole new level. Ready to dive into the world of homemade bread bowls? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 bowls
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy and activated.
- Add olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir gently to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a round ball, ensuring the surface is smooth and tight.
- Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Let the shaped dough rest and rise again for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, make a light cross-cut on the top of each dough ball.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread bowls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Using a serrated knife, cut off the top of each bread bowl and hollow out the center, leaving a thick wall to hold soup.
- Serve immediately with your favorite hot soup.
Tips
- Activate Your Yeast: Make sure your water is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing your dough from rising.
- Knead with Care: Kneading the dough is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Aim for a smooth and elastic texture before letting it rise.
- Warm Rising Environment: Place your dough in a warm, draft-free area to help it rise. If your kitchen is cool, try preheating your oven for a minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside to rise.
- Don’t Skip the Cross-Cut: Making a light cross-cut on top of each dough ball before baking allows the bread to expand evenly and creates a beautiful finish.
- Customize Your Bowls: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or herbs in the dough for added flavor. Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even cheese can be great additions!
- Serve Fresh: These bread bowls are best served fresh out of the oven. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat them before serving.
- Perfect Pairings: These bread bowls are versatile! Try them with classic soups like clam chowder, tomato basil, or hearty chili for a comforting meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
