When it comes to comfort food, few things can beat the satisfaction of a warm, freshly baked bread bowl. Creating these delightful edible containers is a rewarding and delicious experience and easier than you think. In this blog, I’ll show you just how easy it is to make delicious homemade bread bowls. From the perfect dough to creative filling ideas, get ready to elevate your bread-making skills to new heights.

Homemade bread bowl filled with broccoli cheese soup

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My bread bowl journey

There’s a well-known amusement park in my area called Delgrosso’s Amusement Park. Folks my age and older remember it as Bland’s Park. This park is a family-owned establishment that has been around for generations, and has expanded throughout it’s history. Delgrosso’s also make tasty pasta and pizza sauces as well as baked breads that are sold throughout the area. Every year at the end of their season, they have a Harvest Fest, full of craft vendors and delicious foods. Among these foods is a stand that sells broccoli cheese soup or beef stew in a bread bowl. Needless to say, that is always my go-to lunch! This year while stuffing my face with deliciousness, I had a thought……I could make this at home! And I did. Now I want to share this deliciousness with you! Making homemade bread bowls is easier than you think. You can make these in the morning and be serving a hot comforting meal to your family by dinner.

Equipment needed

Stand mixer
Large bowl
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Razor or sharp knife for scoring the bread
Small mixing bowl for egg wash

To make this bread easily, I start by mixing the ingredients using a stand mixer, then finish the dough by hand. You could mix everything by hand from start to finish, but it will just take a little bit longer.

Ingredients needed

To make homemade bread bowls, you will need the following ingredients:

3 cups warm water
1 1/2 tsp. active dry yeast
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp salt
4 tbsp butter, melted
7-9 cups flour, plus extra for flouring work surface
1 tbsp milk
1 egg white

How to make homemade bread bowls

In a stand mixer, mix water, yeast, and 1/2 tsp of the sugar and allow to sit for 5 minutes. The yeast should activate and get bubbly.
Add salt, rest of sugar, butter, and 4 cups of flour. Mix until well combined.
Using a dough hook, continue to add flour, one cup at a time until you get to 7 cups. The dough should start to form a ball. At this point, I remove the dough onto a floured surface and hand knead it.
Knead the dough and add flour if necessary, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky, but just tacky to touch.

Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover. Allow to bulk rise for approximately 1 hour.

Turn dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 6-8 equal pieces (I use 8 for smaller bowls).
Form each into a ball by cupping your hands around the bottom of the dough as you turn it. Place dough balls onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
Make an X on top of each ball and brush them with egg white mixed with milk.

dough scored on top and brushed with egg wash

Cover with a cloth and allow the dough to rise, about 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to fully cool on a wire rack.

How to use your homemade bread bowls

bowl with inner bread cleaned out and ready to use

Once completely cooled, cut the top off of the bread bowl and remove the inner soft bread with your fingers. Be careful to allow a border of bread along the entire outer surface. Fill your bread bowl with your favorite concoction!

Creative Filling Ideas

While the bread bowl itself is a true work of art, what really elevates it to a memorable dish is the filling. Fill your homemade bread bowls with a hearty soup such as broccoli cheddar or beef stew. Bread bowls make excellent vessels for savory dips like buffalo chicken and spinach artichoke. Love salads and bread sticks? This homemade bread bowl is perfect for filling with your favorite salads like my delicious kale salad.

Storing bread bowls

Allow the bread bowls to cool completely at room temperature before attempting to store them. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container. Homemade bread bowls are best when consumed within a few days of baking. While proper storage can help maintain their freshness, they are at their prime when enjoyed soon after baking. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Ensure that the entire surface of the bread bowls is covered to prevent them from drying out. If you want to store the bread bowls for an extended period, consider freezing them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. Frozen bread bowls can be stored for up to a month. When ready to use, let them thaw at room temperature, and if desired, you can reheat them in the oven to restore their crispness.

bread bowl filled with broccoli cheddar soup

Embrace the joy of homemade bread bowls and let your culinary creativity soar. With the right ingredients, techniques, and a dash of passion, you can turn your kitchen into a bakery that delights the senses and warms the heart. From the therapeutic process of kneading dough to the satisfying aroma of a perfectly baked batch, each step of the journey is a celebration of the art of bread-making. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and embark on a delightful adventure that promises to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread bowls. Like this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a 5-star rating and comments below. Thanks for stopping by!