Description
This Clover-Shaped Bread Bowl recipe creates a delightful and visually appealing bread perfect for serving soups, dips, or as a centerpiece for any meal. Soft, fluffy, and golden-brown, this bread bowl is crafted using warm water, active dry yeast, olive oil, and all-purpose flour, shaped into a charming clover design and brushed with melted butter for a beautiful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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)
For Brushing
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water (110°F), active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the Dough: Dust a clean surface with flour and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour as needed to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much to keep the dough soft.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Clover: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into six equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball. Arrange 5 balls in a circular pattern touching each other to form the petals, with one ball placed in the center as the core, creating the clover shape. Gently press them together.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let it rise again for about 20-30 minutes, until puffy.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the dough with melted butter for a golden crust. Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm as a bread bowl for soups or dips, or enjoy on its own.
Notes
- Use warm water (around 110°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Be careful not to add too much flour while kneading to keep the bread soft.
- For a richer flavor, brush the bread with melted butter immediately after baking as well.
- You can customize this bread bowl by adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s baked but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
