Bread Bowls for Soups
We’re all about baking and cooking from scratch here. Homemade serving vessels might be taking things a bit too far, though. Gently nestling flattened pieces of dough on upturned bowls seems so… homely. I feel like scrapbooking or knitting a sweater after making bread soup bowls.
These are always fun to have on hand whenever soups and stews are on the menu, though. Aside from a less cluttered kitchen sink, the bread bowls itself are actually worth eating. These are nothing like the stale leathery bread bowls tougher than tupperware.
This recipe for bread soup bowls is quick and easy. Get the dough started before preparing dinner and the bowls be done by the time your soup starts simmering.
recipe adapted from Richard Bertinet’s Dough: Simple Contemporary Breads
Yeastspotting at Wild Yeast Blog
Bread Bowls for Soups and Dips
makes 4 to 8 bread bowls, depending on size
Ingredients Volume Ounces Grams all-purpose flour 2 cups 9 255 semolina or whole wheat flour 1 tbsp 0.3 8 instant yeast 3/4 tsp salt 1 tsp water, lukewarm 3/4 cup 6 170 olive oil or melted butter 2 1/2 tbsp 1.2 35 herbs and ground spices (optional)
Directions:
Mix Mix together all of the ingredients until a shaggy
ball of dough is formed.
Knead 6 to 8 minutes, until a smooth ball of dough is
formed.
Rest 30 minutes
Preheat Oven 400ºF / 205ºC
Prepare a sheet pan lined with parchment or silicone and 4 to 8
ovenproof bowls. I used ramekins and pyrex bowls. Lightly coat the
bottoms with oil or nonstick spray.
Lay herbs and/or spices on top of the upturned bowls (optional).
Divide 4 to 8 pieces
Rest 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and make
flattening easier.
Shape Flatten the pieces of dough into circles about 1/4-
to 1/2-inch thick.
Pop any large bubbles and lightly brush with oil or
melted butter. Lay on the prepared upturned bowls,
oiled side down, and gently pat down to eliminate air
pockets.
Bake Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 400ºF / 205ºC, rotating
the pan halfway through baking.
Cool At least 15 minutes
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January 25th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
This is absolutely fantastic..this reminds me of S.F. chowder in sour bread…. this is beautiful, what a darling presentation… are you having a party?
January 26th, 2009 at 12:05 am
That’s a great idea! Awesome!
Cheers,
Rosa
January 26th, 2009 at 1:20 am
you are a genius! love this and can’t wait to entertain again so that i can show these off!
January 26th, 2009 at 1:21 am
What a lovely idea. It sure would be a hit when having a dinnerparty!
January 26th, 2009 at 1:30 am
What an awesome idea! Now if I could just get over my fear of working with yeast….
January 26th, 2009 at 4:54 am
These are just the most grand aren’t they!
They really wow guests and then there are fewer dishes with company!
Love the herbs for decoration and flavor! That’s brilliant.
January 26th, 2009 at 5:18 am
These are fantastic, Jude. They would provide what my daughter calls the “wow” factor when company’s around!
With bowls like these, I don’t even need the soup.:D
January 26th, 2009 at 5:45 am
What a creative idea! I’ll have to try that next time I entertain.
January 26th, 2009 at 7:12 am
WOw what a great idea!
January 26th, 2009 at 7:29 am
These are gorgeous and such a lovely and simple way to use bread dough! Wonderful!
January 26th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Leave it up to you to come up with something way cool and clever. I just love these. You could even put dip in them for a party.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Those are fantastic Jude! Definitely perfect for some lentil soup!
January 26th, 2009 at 8:15 am
I absolutely love them. I have to do this. Everyone loves soup bowls but I’ve never seem them like this. Clever and gorgeous. How about adding some cornmeal and heat and making chili bowls? The ideas could go on and on….
January 26th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Wow, those are so cool
January 26th, 2009 at 8:56 am
Wow! In every way.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Well now would you look at that pretty Pyrex mixing bowl. Lovely, just lovely. I dig on the bread bowls as well, most definitely.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:54 am
i LOVE bread bowls for soup, but all i’ve ever had are huge loaves that’ve been hollowed out. your method is wonderful and looks perfect!
January 26th, 2009 at 9:56 am
This is so cool! Great idea!
January 26th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Very cool idea!I love it!and those herbs on the bottom of the bread bowls are so cute.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:10 am
my boyfriend makes his own soup bread bowls… have yet to try one, but i’m sure they’re just as fabulous as yours look! bravo on a fabulous blog – i enjoy visiting. launched my own food blog earlier this week and would love it if you dropped in some time!
cheers,
*heather*
http://squirrelbread.wordpress.com
January 26th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Lovely bowls, and so creative!
Found your site via Tastespotting and I must say, I love the way you present recipes – multiple measurements, direct and simple instructions. Very user-friendly and cross-country-compatible! I’m excited to have a new blog to follow.
Kate
January 26th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
This is the coolest thing ever. All the fun of a bread bowl with out having too much bread. I’m going to have to try this out ASAP!!!!
January 26th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
These look so cool! I have always wanted to try making bread bowls but I have never seen a method like this.
January 26th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Oh, it has been so long since we’ve attempted bread bowls! I’ll bet these would be good with chili. I really like the idea of fewer dishes.
January 26th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
So cool! I have this book and am definitely going to try this!
January 26th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Maybe this should be our first bread baking venture. Seems so much easier! And cuter!
January 26th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
They look like they have a nice crispness on the surface being thinner than a hollowed out mini round loaf. These look great!
January 26th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
I’ve had bread bowls on my mind lately. Now moreso…these look fantastic. All I need to figure out now is what soup I want
January 26th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Lovely.I always love bread bowls.They are perfect with soups.especially herbed ones enhance the soup I feel.
January 26th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Too cool! I like that better than hollowing loaves out, since it wastes less bready goodness. Might have to try that for the super bowl, actually – beef carbonnade in bread bowls sounds fantastic
January 26th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
I love the herbs at the bottom of the bowl. It sounds so easy to do!
January 26th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
jude, this is hardcore i like it!
January 26th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Jude, this is brilliant! I love the herbs at the bottom, and how adaptable the recipe is. Yay, for you!
January 26th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Brilliant. Though think of the poor potters you’ll put out of business.
January 26th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Wonderful, I’ve never thought to make these but I don’t see why not. I love having bread with my chili, this just seems like the perfect idea, thanks!
January 26th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Girl Japan – Something like that
Spinachtiger – Cornmeal would be nice, too. Maybe some jalapenos for heat?
Heather – Thanks! Will do…
Lisa – Yup there’s definitely a hint of crispness on the bread bowls. Not chewy at all.
Never really like hollowing out bread bowls. Seems like such a waste and they take lots more time.
Thanks again! I really appreciate it when you guys drop by
January 26th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
I love this idea! I’ve only seen it done with hollowed out bread rolls but this takes it to a whole other level!
January 26th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Jude: You really need to do an eBook, well at least 5 eBooks. One for breads, muffins, cookies, main dishes, and German cakes. hint hint.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
These look so good, I would pick away at them before actually having the stew and soup (which might not be such a good thing).
January 26th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Soup in a bread bowl is one of my favorite things to enjoy on cold days. And now that Artisan Bread in 5 has helped me conquer my fear of breadbaking I’m up for giving these a try.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Love that 1st photo!
January 27th, 2009 at 9:10 am
What a fabulous idea! They’re so beautiful!!
January 27th, 2009 at 9:57 am
I missed your blog while I was away. Thanks for the recipe. This is a great idea!
January 27th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
What a wonderful idea. I’ve basically been making soup and eating bread this winter for sustenance. This is a great combination of the two! Thanks!
January 27th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
They are so, so beautiful =D
January 27th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Now this I’m in for. I love this kind of presentation and the bowls sound reasonably easy even for a novice baker like me. Uhmmm….maybe I’ll pass on the scrapbooking and the knitting but I can watch the soup while you do those things. Really refreshing to have something fun to make.
January 27th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Yum! I love bread bowls! What a fun idea for a party!
January 27th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Genius! I love how you did all different sizes. Each one looks just a little bit unique.
January 27th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
These are beautiful. How lucky I would feel if my soup came to me in this.
January 27th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
I’m sure my hubby is going to lobby for me to make these for every meal. That way, he’ll never have to wash any dishes ever again. Hah!
January 27th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
I’m such a sucker for bread bowls. I want to fill this with lobster bisque and never wake up…
January 28th, 2009 at 12:07 am
Another epic win, Jude!
January 28th, 2009 at 4:26 am
Adorable! I’m gonna definitely try this. Would have soup in bread bowls all the time in San Fran, but just don’t get them now – thanks!
January 28th, 2009 at 4:50 am
This is brilliant! I love the idea of eating my soup bowl! It would be great for a small salad as well!
January 28th, 2009 at 7:05 am
Wow, those look too beautiful for words. This is such a brilliant idea, thank you for sharing!
January 28th, 2009 at 8:48 am
This is a cool idea but don’t the bowls get mushy when the soup is added?
January 28th, 2009 at 10:04 am
These are brilliant! I’ve always been intrigued by bread bowls, but thought that hollowing out a loaf was pretty wasteful, and then the walls would be extremely thick and pretty much inedible. This is definitely the best bread bowl I’ve seen yet.
January 28th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Jude your website is really delicious.
The photos are outstanding and they are perfect! Tack sharp, every single one.
60 comments per post is like wow, you are a foodblog god i must worship.
January 28th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Nice! How awesome would it be to serve Super Bowl chili in these bread bowls?
January 28th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Oh, that is too cool. I actually thought I’d be seeing sourdough, heh
January 28th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
I really, really love this idea. It would be perfect for our gourmet club! Wouldn’t need any bowls!
January 28th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
What a brilliant idea, Jude!
January 29th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Inspired! I’ve bookmarked this recipe. Love how easy it is, and doesn’t require hours of rising time.
January 29th, 2009 at 8:51 am
Gosh those look so gorgeous. I just made tarts the same way ..I mean upturned ramekin style. Ahem …let me introduce myself….my name is Navita and am here for the first time, actually hve been blogging for only three months.
Am so glad I stumbled here. You have a great place and would absolutely love to entertain you at my lil place sometime.
January 29th, 2009 at 10:47 am
How ingenius! This is fantastic! You’ve made your own bread bowls, they look great, and you’ve made it all look so easy to boot! Bravo
January 29th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Oh, cool. What came to mind when I read “bread bowl” was those hollowed out round loaves. These are “real” bowls!
January 29th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
If u didn’t write bread bowls i would think some ancient pottery pieces. How very awesome. who needs soup with bread like this? My kids would absolutley love these. bookmarking this… u made it look pretty simple:-)
I have that exact same corelle cup:-)
January 30th, 2009 at 1:50 am
this is absolutely beautiful! what a great way to enjoy soup when you can also eat the bowl hehehehe, you are really genius man! i love these bread!
January 30th, 2009 at 4:24 am
lovely idea! Look so good. The use of herbs, wonderful!
January 30th, 2009 at 7:21 am
[...] Bread Bowls for Soup and Dips [...]
January 30th, 2009 at 9:28 am
How great are these bowls? Pretty darn great. What a marvelous idea. I’m in awe.
January 30th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
You sold me on the no-cleanup benefit.
January 30th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
These are beautiful and a lot less bread than the hallowed out boule they fill with soup. I have to surprise my husband with them, he’ll be thrilled.
January 30th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Gosh Jude, you’re brilliant! Now I need to find a nice soup recipe!
January 31st, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I love this! I have been wanting to serve my sausage and grapes recipe in a bread bowl, because I think it would work perfectly. Now I have a recipe! thanks!
February 1st, 2009 at 11:33 pm
I love this! They look so like such a nice texture to bite into when compared with traditional bread bowls. You’ve inspired me!
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Jude.. you are simply amazing. This bread bowl looks awesome. The only bread bowl I’ve had are the hollowed out sourdough or italian breads..
February 4th, 2009 at 2:05 am
Love seeing how you made them, especially the herbs on the top of the inverted bowl. Clever!
LL
February 4th, 2009 at 8:53 am
absolutely brilliant and creative. not only is it a vessel for soup, it’s definitely going to be a conversation piece.
February 4th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Dang, you got a lot of comments. All well-deserved, too. This is a fantastic idea. Really, very awesome.
February 6th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
[...] soupp bowls, enjoying the soup out of them and then eating them up as well. When we saw these at applepiepatispate we just had to try them. They were easy to make and the website gives good instructions on how to [...]
February 6th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
this post is freaking great. when is a soup bowl NOT great to have? these look quite sturdy – are they soft enough to eat afterwards?
February 6th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Thats ingenious! I love this idea.
February 7th, 2009 at 8:30 am
When I saw the bread bowls over at yeast spotting, I knew I would have to come visit you and get this recipe. I love soup so much and I love bread and I love a good presentation. Such winner.
February 7th, 2009 at 10:28 am
My family would love this idea!
February 7th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Elizabeth – It’s not so bad for light puree soups and anything thicker. It does get a bit mushy, though, but not so much that it falls apart.
Thanks for visiting, everyone!
February 9th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
[...] I just had to include these Bread Bowls from Apple Pie, Patis, and Pâté, I’m thinking there’s probably a way to make these [...]
February 9th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
These look great I’ve seen soup being served in hollowed out boules, but I like the idea of actually baking a bowl to serve soup in.
February 10th, 2009 at 7:25 am
HONEY! that’s so gorgeous. Great idea.
February 10th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Okay, these are VERY cool. You’re so CLEVER!!! Well done.
March 8th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Wow, found this page through Yahoo Search Engine while looking for a bread bowl recipie, and while I found a bunch of Puffy, hollow this out, use a bread machine ones. I was SO happy and excited to see this one. Great presentation! I also love the way you did your Ingredients. My mom is still in germany and we trade recipies all the time, this makes it so much easier since I admit I am not that good at switching it all the time…LOL. I am cooking them tonight for my B-day dinner. Beef Stew in bread bowls. (I am adding some cheese on my bowls instead of herbs for a little different flavor.
Thank you again for sharing this wonderful idea, and pictures!
March 19th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
What a clever idea! I’m guessing you still need to put the whole thing into a real bowl just in case, right?
March 20th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
i need advice on this- believe it or not- i can’t seem to find rapid yeast.
i can find bread machine yeast but at 7.99 for jar- well yikes.
can i use dry active yeast? but how much?
March 21st, 2009 at 9:58 am
Karen, it should hold up fine for thicker soups, but setting it on your dinner plate or on a small platter is at least needed just in case.
Charlotte, instant yeast can be replaced with half as much more active dry yeast (about 1 1/8 tsp for this recipe). It needs to be rehydrated for 5 to 10 minutes in the warm water, but you already knew that
April 25th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Delicious! Would like to purchase the bread bowl online.
August 21st, 2009 at 10:23 am
Hello,
I made these bowls and they came out great. Thanks for your wonderful recipe. Do see my blog when you have the time.
I have blogged about it here.
http://vandanaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/08/bread-bowls.html
Regards
Vandana
October 19th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
I made these tonight to put my broccoli and cheese soup. I followed the instructions exactly and they turned out well! They were a little thin, but I still liked them. I split the dough into four pieces and covered bowls that hold 2 cups. And for anyone who is interested, the bowls are around 310 calories each if you make four bread bowls and use olive oil. Thanks for the cool idea!
October 26th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
I just finished making 2 double and 1 single batch, dividing the dough into 6 pieces per batch to get 30 smallish bowls to serve chili to a group of campers (aged 6-8).
I used unbleached bread flour, and whey from making mozzarella cheese instead of water. I ommitted the herbs just because of the audience. The dough was a DREAM to work with! I slightly underbaked the bowls so that I can freeze them then reheat them by baking for a few minutes.
Thank you for a wonderful recipe!
January 23rd, 2012 at 5:36 pm
[...] more dressing or olive oil if needed. Adjust seasonings. I served this in bread bowls I made using THIS RECIPE. These bowls are easier to make than my herbed potato bread bowls, but they come out more like [...]