French Bread Bowl
A hearty bread bowl perfect for filling with soups, chili, or stew. Crispy on the outside with a soft, flavorful interior, ideal for cozy meals with friends or family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the salt, sugar, yeast, warm water, shortening, and flour to form bread dough.
- Let the dough rise for 10 minutes, then punch it down.
- Repeat the rising and punching process 5 times.
- Divide the dough into 8 flat balls.
- Let the dough balls rise for another 10 minutes.
- Bake at 400°F for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cut out the centers of the baked bread, scooping out the bread to create a bowl.
- Fill the bread bowls with your favorite soup, chili, or stew, then serve and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, make sure your water is warm but not hot, around 110°F, to activate the yeast properly. If you run out of shortening, you can substitute with vegetable oil or butter. If you want a richer flavor, consider adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough. Allowing the dough to rise in a warm place can also help it become fluffier.
Serving Suggestions
These bread bowls are perfect for serving soups like creamy tomato or hearty chili. You can also fill them with Cowboy Beans And Rice for a filling meal. Pair them with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete dinner. For a fun twist, try filling them with a mixture of sautéed veggies and cheese for a vegetarian option.
Storage & Reheating
If you have leftover bread bowls, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Bread Bowl contains roughly 340 calories, with 10g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1191mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch it down, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before shaping and rising again.
What can I use if I don't have bread flour?
If you don't have bread flour, all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute, though the texture may be slightly different. For a chewier bread, you can mix in a little vital wheat gluten if you have it. Just remember that the rising time may vary slightly.
How do I know when the bread bowls are done baking?
The bread bowls are done when they are a deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a kitchen thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of about 190°F for a fully baked loaf.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).