Italian Bread Bowls

Transform your soup nights with these homemade Italian Bread Bowls, perfect for serving hearty soups, stews, or creamy chowders in an edible, rustic vessel. These golden, crusty bowls are made from scratch using simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, olive oil, and yeast, ensuring a soft, fluffy interior and a sturdy exterior that’s ideal for holding warm, comforting fillings. With just a few steps—including kneading, a double rise, and a finishing touch of egg wash for that bakery-style sheen—this recipe achieves professional-quality results right in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a cozy family meal, these versatile bread bowls will elevate your presentation and flavor game.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 360 ml Warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tbsp Granulated sugar
• 2.25 tsp Active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tsp Salt
• 480 grams All-purpose flour
• 1 large Egg
• 1 tbsp Water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Step 2

Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

Step 3

Add the olive oil, salt, and 360 grams (3 cups) of the all-purpose flour to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 4

Gradually add the remaining 120 grams (1 cup) of flour, a little at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is no longer sticky.

Step 5

Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes by hand on a floured surface, or for 5-7 minutes using the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 6

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 7

Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.

Step 8

Cover the dough balls loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 10

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the surface of each dough ball.

Step 11

Using a sharp knife or bread lame, cut a shallow X on the top of each dough ball.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread bowls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 13

Remove the bread bowls from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

Step 14

To use as bread bowls, slice off the top of each loaf and hollow out the center, leaving about 1/2 inch of bread around the edges to create a sturdy bowl.

Step 15

Fill the bread bowls with your favorite soup, stew, or chili, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	988.3 grams (988.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2214

Total Fat 40.80g	52%
Saturated Fat 7.10g	36%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.60g
Cholesterol 220mg	73%
Sodium 4842mg	211%
Total Carbohydrate 394.50g	143%
Dietary Fiber 14.50g	52%
Total Sugars 26.10g
Protein 58.90g	118%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 93mg	7%
Iron 24mg	131%
Potassium 728mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 16.8%

Protein: 10.8%

Carbs: 72.4%