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This Homemade Bread Bowls recipe is a simple way to make fresh baked bread perfect for your favorite soup or chili.

Homemade Bread Bowls

5 from 6 votes
Learn how to make sturdy homemade bread bowls using instant yeast in just 30 minutes. This foolproof DIY bread bowl recipe features a simple baking soda bath for a professional golden-brown crust that won't get soggy when filled with soup or chili
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: bread, Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Bread Ingredients
  • 2 ¾ cup all purpose flour + a little extra for dusting
  • 2 ¼ tsp fast rise active yeast
  • 1 tbsp white sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup warm water 105-120 degrees
  • cup butter melted
  • 1 pinch salt
Bread Bath Ingredients
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp baking soda

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Wooden or Plastic Spoon
  • 1 Kitchen Thermometer
  • 1 Baking Sheet
  • 1 Serrated Bread Knife

Method
 

Directions
  1. Combine sugars, instant yeast, and warm water (105-120°F) in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Mix gently with a wooden or plastic spoon and let rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
  3. Stir in the melted butter.
  4. Add salt and all-purpose flour one cup at a time, mixing until the dough is no longer sticky.
  5. Transfer to a floured surface and knead by hand for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  6. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until it has doubled in size.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare the bread bath by stirring water and baking soda together.
  8. Divide dough into orange-sized sections and roll into uniform balls.
  9. Dunk each dough ball into the baking soda water and place on a baking sheet with 2 inches of space between them.
  10. Use a sharp knife to score the tops 2 to 4 times.
  11. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
  12. (Optional) Brush with melted butter immediately after removing from the oven.
  13. Cool the bread bowls on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before hollowing.
  14. Slice a thin layer off the top with a serrated bread knife and set aside.
  15. Gently hollow out the center with a spoon, leaving at least a 1/2-inch wall to prevent leaks.
  16. Fill with your favorite hot soup and replace the bread top or rest it on the side.

Notes

The baking soda bath gives the bread bowls a lovely golden brown crust without the risk of over-baking. It adds extra chewiness to the crust, which makes it well worth the effort of dunking the dough balls.
LEFTOVERS: Store them in an airtight container and hollow them out as needed. You
can also enjoy these bread bowls as large dinner rolls or sandwich buns.