Description
This Clover-Shaped Bread Bowl is a fun and festive way to serve soups, dips, or any delicious filling, especially for St. Patrick’s Day! Its unique shape is perfect for celebrating the holiday, and the soft, fluffy bread is perfect for scooping up your favorite fillings. It’s a great way to add a bit of creativity and flavor to your St. Patrick’s Day spread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. - Make the Dough:
Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring after each addition. Once the dough begins to come together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. - First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. - Shape the Bread Bowl:
Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Arrange the dough balls in a circular pattern on a greased baking sheet, with each ball slightly touching the others. This will form the clover shape. - Second Rise:
Cover the dough balls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffed up. - Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Bake the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top. - Brush with Butter:
After removing the bread from the oven, immediately brush the tops of the bread bowls with melted butter for extra flavor and a soft, shiny finish. - Serve:
Allow the bread to cool slightly before using it as a bowl for soup, dip, or any filling of your choice. You can hollow out the middle gently with your hands or a spoon to create a more defined bowl shape.
Notes
- For a softer crust, cover the bread with a kitchen towel after baking to keep the moisture in.
- You can use this recipe for a round bread bowl as well; simply shape the dough into a round loaf and bake it in a standard shape.
- Feel free to add herbs or garlic powder to the dough for added flavor.
- Make sure to let the bread cool before cutting or using as a serving bowl.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bread bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg