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Bread bowls aren’t just containers for hot soup; they’re a dinner game-changer! Whether you’re craving hearty soups, creamy stews, or something entirely unexpected, these ideas make the most of crusty, homemade bread bowls.
I love to use my homemade bread bowl recipe. Paired with my easy homemade chili – it’s a delicious dinner that everyone will love.
Perfect for chilly nights, casual dinners, or when you want to elevate a simple meal, these great recipes will have everyone coming back for seconds (and for their edible bowls, too!).
What to Serve in a Bread Bowl
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
The creamy, cheesy goodness of broccoli cheddar soup is a bread bowl’s best friend. The thick, rich texture seeps into the bread, creating a deliciously cheesy crust you’ll want to devour.
Crockpot Tomato Vegetable Soup
Tomato vegetable soup is easy to make in the crockpot all day while you prep your bread bowl dough. As the dough rises, the soup cooks in your crockpot and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready by the end of the day.
Chunky Beef and Vegetable Stew
This hearty stew, loaded with tender chunks of beef and garden veggies, makes for a filling bread bowl dinner. The crusty bread holds up beautifully to the thick, savory broth.
New England Clam Chowder
Bring the beach to your dinner table with a creamy clam chowder. The combination of tender clams, potatoes, and creamy soup base pairs perfectly with the soft interior of a fresh bread bowl.
Loaded Potato Soup
Creamy, cheesy potato soup topped with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions is a family favorite. Bread bowls are perfect for thicker soups, so potato soup served in a homemade bread bowl is an irresistible comfort food dinner.
Easy Homemade Chili
Warm up on a cold night with a bread bowl filled with chili. Whether you prefer it with beans, without beans, or loaded with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, and jalapeños, chili transforms soup bowls into a hearty meal.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Pair the classic flavors of creamy tomato soup with a crusty bread bowl for the ultimate cozy dinner. Add a sprinkle of parmesan, some grated cheddar cheese, or a dollop of pesto to make it extra special.
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Filled with bold flavors, gumbo is a fantastic bread bowl dinner idea. With tender chicken, sausage, and a rich roux, this Southern favorite is pure comfort food.
White Chicken Chili
This creamy, slightly spicy chili is a perfect match for bread bowls. Topped with shredded cheese, avocado, and a squeeze of lime, it’s a delicious twist on classic chili.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Soup
This thick and creamy soup combines tender chicken, rice, and melted cheese for a meal that satisfies. The bread bowl soaks up every bite, making it extra delicious.
Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup
Earthy mushrooms and a rich, velvety base create a soup that’s elegant yet comforting. Served in a delicious bread bowl, it’s the perfect dinner for vegetarians and mushroom lovers.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is my favorite soup, so I love to take it to the next level by serving it in a bread bowl. It reminds me of lunch at Panera Bread.
Creamy Corn Chowder
Sweet, creamy, and oh-so-cozy, corn chowder is a natural fit for soup bowls. Add a sprinkle of bacon or shredded cheese to make it even more indulgent.
Seafood Bisque
A luxurious option, seafood bisque with shrimp, crab, or lobster makes for a decadent bread bowl dinner. The creamy, flavorful soup paired with crusty bread is a match made in heaven.
Black Bean Soup
Thick and flavorful, black bean soup is a protein-packed option for bread bowls. Top it with sour cream, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro for extra flavor.
French Onion Soup
Spoon some French onion soup into a bread bowl and top it with lots and lots of cheese. The flavor of caramelized onions with creamy cheese and crunchy bread is so delicious. Toast the bowl under the broiler until the cheese begins to bubble and starts to turn golden brown.
Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup
A rustic and hearty combination of Italian sausage, kale, and creamy broth makes this soup a crowd-pleaser. The bread bowl adds the perfect touch of comfort.
Non-Soup Bread Bowl Dinners
Pasta, Meatballs, and Spaghetti Sauce
Add your favorite short-cut pasta with tomato sauce and cooked meatballs to the bread bowl. Top with fresh mozzarella and toast under the broiler.
I love to serve garlic bread with pasta, so sometimes I like to make the bowl into the garlic bread by coating the inside with butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning before adding the pasta.
Pasta, Meat Sauce, and Marinara Sauce
Or, add your favorite short-cut pasta or spaghetti with meat sauce to the bread bowl. Top with fresh mozzarella and toast under the broiler. Serve topped with parmesan cheese.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Load a bread bowl with spinach and artichoke dip and heat it in the oven.
Tips for Bread Bowl Success
- Hollow the bowl carefully – Leave enough of the bread wall intact so the bowl holds up to creamy soups and hearty stews.
- Toast the bread lightly – If your bread bowl feels too soft, toast the interior before filling to add a bit of sturdiness.
How to Cut a Bread Bowl
- Cut out the top center of each bread bowl by cutting a circle with the knife pointed down toward the middle. The shape you cut out is like a paper snow cone cup or those old paper cups from those 90s water coolers. It helps to keep the angle of the knife the same while turning the bread bowl as you cut.
- Pull out a little more bread from the inside of the bread bowl – along the sides and bottom – with your hands, but leave enough on the bottom to keep the bowl from falling apart.
- Fill the bread bowls with your favorite chili or a delicious soup.
Don’t forget to serve the extra small pieces of bread that you scooped out to dip into while eating!
These bread bowl dinner ideas will bring warmth and comfort to your table, whether it’s a casual family meal or a special occasion.
Let me know your favorite bread bowl filling in the comments, and happy cooking!
