Homemade Bread Bowls for Two are fluffy and light and are amazing filled with a yummy soup or dip. They are easy to make and the bread from the inside can be used to dip with or made into homemade croutons. This small batch recipe makes 2 bowls using just a handful of ingredients and is so much better than store-bought bread bowls.
In the bowl of a stand mixer add warm water, yeast, and sugar. Set aside for 10 minutes to get foamy and activate the yeast. (see tip #1)
Add softened butter and salt and mix until combined.
On low speed, gradually add the flour.
Knead with the stand mixer or by hand for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Pour a little oil over the dough and turn it over with a silicone spatula a couple of times to coat.
Cover with a warm damp tea towel and place in a warm spot to allow it to rise until doubled about 45 minutes. (see tip #2)
After the first dough rise, punch dough down and form it into 2 equal-sized balls.
Grease a baking sheet, or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and lightly cover them with plastic wrap sprayed with non-stick spray. Let it rise once more for about 20-30 minutes without touching it.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F
Remove the plastic wrap from the dough and bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack.
Then, with a sharp knife, cut off the tops like a pumpkin lid when carving a pumpkin.
Remove some of the bread from the inside to hollow out the bowl. Be careful not to create any holes through the crust. Fill with your favorite soup or dip and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Tip #1: To get the right water temperature, hold your finger under the running water. It should just barely feel warm. If you use water that is too hot it will kill the yeast and your dough won’t rise.
Tip #2: If you need a warm place, turn on your oven to 170 degrees F. Once the oven reaches this temperature turn it off then place the covered bowl inside to rise and close the door.