Bread bowls or boules are a great way to serve soup. These boules are an easy and fun way to level up your soup game!

What is a Boule?

Boule, French for “ball”, is a traditional shape of French bread, which made from the same basic ingredients, results in a very different product than a baguette. It resembles a squashed ball and can be made of any type of flour. This is generally the basic pattern that I follow for most of the bread that I make.

Bread Bowls from Boules.

The squashed ball shape of a boule makes for an easy transition to a bread bowl. I have made the full recipe as one loaf and hollowed it out for a spinach artichoke dip in the past, toasting the internal pieces for dipping. That would make for one heck of a soup bowl, and while my son might be up for it, the rest of us don’t need quite that many carbs. These quarter recipe sized boules are just about perfect. Each will hold about 12 ounces of soup when hollowed. I generally use the insides to make croutons or bread crumbs.

I filled these Bread Bowls with Beef Bulgur Stew, but any soup or stew would go well. If you want some more hearty breads to compliment your stew, try one of these recipes out. They’re pretty dang good.

skillet focaccia with herbs
simple wheat bread

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Yield: 4 Boules

Easy Bread Bowl

Print

This quick and easy bread recipe uses simple ingredients and techniques. It can be used for great bread bowls, or a simple loaf with dinner.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Rise Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg (for wash)

Instructions

1. In a large heavy bowl mix water, yeast and 1/4 cup flour.
2. Let proof until yeast begins to bubble
3. Add remaining flour and salt, mix with a spoon until difficult, then knead in bowl until cohesive.
4. Cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
6. Divide dough into 4 equal portions
7. Dusting lightly with flour, shape each portion of dough into a ball by hand and place on a baking sheet dusted with flour or cornmeal.
8. Let rise 30 minutes.
9. Brush each ball with egg wash
10. Slash each ball across the top with a sharp knife, and slide baking sheet into oven.
11. Let bake 30 minutes
12. Remove from oven and let cool before hollowing out.
13. Enjoy filled with your favorite soup or stew!

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Bakeware Set – 2 Aluminum Sheet Pan – Half Size (13" x 18") – for Commercial or Home Use. Non Toxic, Perfect Baking Supply set for gifts, for new and experienced bakers alike
• 
  King Arthur, Special Bread Unbleached Flour, 5 lb
• 
  Top Rated Bellemain Stainless Steel Non-Slip Mixing Bowls with Lids, 4 Piece Set Includes 1 Qt, 1.5 Qt, 3 Qt. & 5 Qt.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 522Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 608mgCarbohydrates: 101gFiber: 4gSugar: 0gProtein: 19g