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Easy Homemade Yeast Bread Bowls

Close-up of a perfectly hollowed out, golden-brown bread bowl ready to be filled.

A straightforward recipe for baking crusty bread bowls with soft interiors, perfect for holding soup or stew.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 egg white, beaten (for wash)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the bowls: Gently punch down the dough. Divide it into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a tight, round ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them several inches apart.
  6. Second rise: Cover the shaped dough loosely and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
  7. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the dough balls lightly with the beaten egg white for a shiny crust.
  8. Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown.
  9. Cool: Transfer the bread bowls to a wire rack to cool completely before hollowing them out.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while preheating.
  • To hollow the bowl, use a serrated knife to cut a circle in the top, then gently pull out the soft interior bread, leaving a sturdy wall about 3/4 inch thick.
  • Save the removed bread pieces for dipping or croutons.

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