Description
This charming Clover-Shaped Bread Bowl recipe combines the rustic appeal of freshly baked bread with a festive clover design, perfect for serving soups, dips, or spreads. Soft and golden on the outside, with a tender crumb inside, this bread bowl is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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)
Finishing
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Prepare the dough: Add the olive oil, salt, and 4 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough begins to form. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shaping the clovers: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Take each portion and shape it into a round ball. To create the clover shapes, arrange three balls together into a triangle and press lightly to connect them. Then place the fourth ball in the center on top if desired, or make a shape reminiscent of a clover leaf by grouping three balls together for each bowl. Repeat for all portions.
- Second rise: Place shaped dough pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with a clean towel and allow the dough to rise for an additional 20 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven: While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread bowls: Brush the tops of the clover-shaped dough with melted butter to promote browning and a rich finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool and prepare for serving: Remove the bread bowls from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Once cooled enough to handle, carefully cut off the tops and hollow out the center to create space for your favorite soups, dips, or spreads.
Notes
- Ensure water is at the right temperature (110°F) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Adjust flour as needed during kneading to achieve a soft but not sticky dough.
- The bread bowls are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Brush with butter again after baking for extra flavor and shine if desired.
- Customize the shape further by adding scoring or seeds before baking for decorative effect.
