Let’s talk comfort food, the kind of meal that wraps you up in warmth and makes even the coldest, dreariest day feel cozy. Soup in a bread bowl is one of those magical combinations that hits all the right notes: it’s hearty, filling, and downright fun to eat. Imagine a perfectly crisp, golden-brown bread loaf, hollowed out and ready to cradle a steaming, savory soup. Every bite offers a combination of crunchy crust, soft fluffy bread, and the creamy or chunky soup inside.
Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner, impressing guests at a casual gathering, or just indulging yourself on a quiet evening, a soup bread bowl elevates a simple soup into an unforgettable experience. In this guide, I’ll take you through every step, from the ingredients you need to expert tips and creative variations.
Soup Bread Bowl Recipe
Creating a soup bread bowl at home isn’t just about combining bread and soup-it’s about crafting an edible vessel that complements the flavors of your soup while still being sturdy enough to hold all that goodness. Here’s the classic approach, designed to be foolproof yet satisfying.
Ingredients Needed
For the bread bowls, you’ll need:
- 4 small round bread loaves (sourdough works best for its firmness and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the tops)
- Optional: garlic powder or dried herbs for extra flavor
For the soup (we’ll use a creamy tomato soup as an example, but this can vary):
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Optional garnish: fresh basil or shredded cheese
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Bread Bowls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the tops off the bread loaves and carefully hollow out the centers, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell to hold the soup.
- Brush the inside lightly with olive oil. This helps prevent the soup from making the bread soggy too quickly.
- Place the hollowed loaves on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. They should be slightly crispy but still soft inside.
Step 2: Make The Soup
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir to combine.
- Add sugar, salt, and pepper, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cream until smooth. For an extra velvety texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup.
Step 3: Assemble
- Ladle the hot soup into each bread bowl.
- Garnish with basil, cheese, or a swirl of cream.
- Serve immediately, making sure everyone has a spoon ready-and perhaps a napkin or two!
Ingredient Insights
- Sourdough bread: Perfect for bread bowls because of its chewy texture and sturdy crust. Soft breads might collapse under the weight of the soup.
- Crushed tomatoes: Fresh-tasting, with a good balance of acidity and sweetness. Canned works perfectly year-round.
- Heavy cream: Adds a luxurious, velvety richness to the soup, making every bite indulgent.
- Garlic and onion: The classic aromatic duo-never underestimate their ability to elevate even the simplest tomato soup.
Expert Tips
- Prevent sogginess: Brush the interior of the hollowed bread with a little olive oil or butter. This creates a protective layer that keeps the bread from soaking up the soup too quickly.
- Serving suggestion: Serve immediately after filling the bowls; bread bowls don’t last long once soup is inside.
- Soup thickness: Thicker soups hold up better than thin broths. Consider potato, chowder, or creamy vegetable soups.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of cream to make it Instagram-worthy.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy broccoli soup: Use cheddar soup instead of tomato. Add steamed broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Chili bread bowls: Perfect for a game day. Fill with your favorite chili and top with shredded cheese and jalapeños.
- Seafood chowder: For a luxurious twist, fill the bread bowl with a creamy clam or seafood chowder.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based butter, coconut cream, and vegetable broth for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly version.
Final Words
Soup bread bowls aren’t just about flavor-they’re an experience. They turn an ordinary bowl of soup into something playful, comforting, and visually appealing. Every step, from baking the bread to ladling the soup, invites a bit of culinary creativity. And the best part? There’s almost no wrong way to do it; each variation can be tailored to your taste preferences or seasonal ingredients.
FAQs
What Type Of Bread Is Best For Soup Bread Bowls?
The best type of bread for soup bread bowls is a hearty, thick-crust bread like sourdough, French bread, or boule. These breads have enough structure to hold the soup without becoming soggy.
How Do I Make A Soup Bread Bowl From Scratch?
To make a soup bread bowl from scratch, you need to prepare a dough using ingredients like flour, yeast, water, salt, and sugar. After kneading and letting the dough rise, shape it into round loaves, bake them until golden brown, and then hollow them out to create a bowl.
Can I Use Store-bought Bread For Soup Bread Bowls?
Yes, you can use store-bought round artisan bread or boule. While homemade bread provides a more personalized touch, store-bought bread can save time and still work well for soup bread bowls.
How Do I Hollow Out A Bread Bowl?
Once the bread is baked and cooled slightly, use a serrated knife to slice off the top of the loaf. Then, use your hands or a spoon to gently remove the inner bread, leaving a sturdy outer shell to hold the soup.
Can I Freeze Soup Bread Bowls For Later Use?
Yes, you can freeze soup bread bowls. To do so, bake the bread and allow it to cool completely. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature and hollow out as usual.
How Can I Prevent The Bread Bowl From Becoming Soggy?
To prevent sogginess, you can brush the inside of the bread with olive oil or butter before adding the soup. Alternatively, you can toast the bread slightly before serving, which will help create a barrier to moisture.
What Soups Are Best Served In Bread Bowls?
Thick and creamy soups work best in bread bowls. Popular choices include clam chowder, broccoli cheddar, potato leek, and tomato soup. These soups are rich and dense enough to not leak out of the bread bowl.
Can I Make A Gluten-free Soup Bread Bowl?
Yes, gluten-free bread can be used to make soup bread bowls. Look for a gluten-free bread recipe or pre-made gluten-free bread, ensuring it is sturdy enough to hold the soup without falling apart.
How Do I Reheat A Soup Bread Bowl?
To reheat a soup bread bowl, place the bread in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to warm the bread. If the soup is stored separately, reheat the soup on the stove and pour it into the bread bowl just before serving.
Can I Serve Soup In A Bread Bowl Without Hollowing It Out?
While it is possible to serve soup in a whole round loaf without hollowing it out, it’s not recommended because the bread may not hold the soup for long and could become soggy quickly. Hollowing it out is the best way to create a sturdy container.