Homemade sourdough bread bowl recipe is a wonderful way to enhance the flavor of your soup. With its crisp, golden crust and chewy interior, this rustic bread bowl recipe not only enhances the flavor of your meal but also serves as a ready-to-eat dish—eliminating the need for extra cleanup! Sourdough bread bowl recipe is famous for its rich, tangy taste and natural rise, so it is easier to digest than the normal bread. No matter if you are having a creamy soup, a hearty stew, or chili, if a good sourdough bread bowl is served, then it will become an artwork. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing the perfect sourdough bread bowl recipe at home.
Why Sourdough Bread Bowls?
Sourdough bread bowls are not only a lovely way to serve soup, but they also bring depth of flavor with their crunchy, slightly chewy texture. Their dense crust prevents sogginess, ensuring your soup stays at a warm temperature while the bowl stays topped up. And, best of all, they’re totally edible—which means there’s no extra utensil to clean up afterward. It’s a win-win.
Ingredients Needed
- 500g (4 cups) bread flour
- 100g (½ cup) active sourdough starter
- 325g (1⅓ cup) warm water
- 10g (2 tsp) salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Bench scraper
- Kitchen scale
- Dutch oven or baking stone
- Bread, a lame or sharp knife
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sourdough Bread Bowls
Step 1: Preparing the Sourdough Starter
Check your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. If it is not fresh, refresh it 4-6 hours before baking.
Step 2: Mixing the Dough
In a big bowl, combine the flour, water, and sourdough starter. Allow it to rest for 30 minutes (autolyse). Add the salt and combine well.
Step 3: Bulk Fermentation
Let the dough rest at room temperature for 4-6 hours, doing stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes for the initial 2 hours.
Step 4: Shaping the Bowls
Cut the dough into 3-4 equal pieces. Shape each into a tight ball and leave on a floured surface.
Step 5: Final Proofing
Cover the dough balls and allow them to proof for another 1-2 hours, or until they become puffy.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Put the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, score the tops, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
How to Properly Cut a Bread Bowl
Cut the top using a sharp knife. Carefully scoop out the center without cracking the crust.
Best Soups for Sourdough Bread Bowls
- Creamy Tomato Soup
- Clam Chowder
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Non-Veg Stew
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
Tips for the Best Sourdough Bread Bowl
- Employ a well-fed, active starter.
- Don’t hurry fermentation.
- Steam the oven for a crispy crust.
- Allow the bread to cool before cutting.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Keep in an airtight container for a maximum of 2 days.
- Reheat the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Utilizing a dormant starter.
- Omitting fermentation steps.
- Cutting the bread bowl prematurely.
Variations of Sourdough Bread Bowls
- Garlic and Herb Sourdough Bowls—Mix chopped garlic and dried herbs with the dough.
- Whole Wheat Sourdough Bowls – Half of the flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour.
- Cheese Sourdough Bowls—Add grated cheese to the dough before shaping.
Health Benefits of Sourdough Bread
- Easier to digest than regular bread
- Rich in probiotics and prebiotics
- Has low levels of gluten
How to Make Sourdough Bread Without a Starter
If you don’t have a starter, use a poolish (a pre-fermentation of flour, water, and a small amount of commercial yeast) for the same tangy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my starter is working?
If it doubles in 4-6 hours and forms bubbles, it’s fine
Can I use gluten-free ingredients for these bread bowls?
Sourdough bread uses gluten development, but gluten-free flour blends are worth trying.
How do I keep my bread bowls from getting soggy?
Brush the inside with melted butter and toast it slightly before adding soup.
Can I freeze sourdough bread bowls?
Yes! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to refresh stale bread bowls?
Spritz with water and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Conclusion
Baking your sourdough bread bowl recipe is a fun process that adds flavor and functionality to your meals. These bowls not only make great, tasty bowls for soups and stews, but also have the benefits of naturally fermented bread. With practice and patience, you can perfect the skill of baking the ultimate sourdough bread bowl. So get ready and begin baking.
How did you like our sourdough bread bowl recipe? Let us know by commenting.
See this also— Gipfeli Recipe, Chipotle Honey Chicken
