Au Bon Pain is a popular bakery and café chain that originated in Boston, Massachusetts in 1978. Known for its delicious soups, sandwiches, and pastries, Au Bon Pain has become a favorite spot for many people looking for a quick and satisfying meal. One of the standout menu items at Au Bon Pain is their soup bowls, which are hearty and flavorful soups served in a bread bowl. These soup bowls have become a beloved comfort food for many, and now you can recreate them at home.
Soup bowls are essentially bread bowls that are filled with soup. They are made by hollowing out a loaf of bread and filling it with a thick and flavorful soup. The bread acts as both a vessel for the soup and a delicious accompaniment to the flavors. The combination of the warm, comforting soup and the crusty bread creates a satisfying and filling meal.
Key Takeaways
- Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a warm and comforting meal.
- Making your own soup bowls allows you to control the ingredients and customize the recipe to your taste.
- The ingredients for Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls include bread, cheese, and soup of your choice.
- Steps to making Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls include hollowing out the bread, adding cheese, and filling with soup.
- Tips for perfecting your soup bowl recipe include choosing the right bread and cheese, and ensuring the soup is not too watery.
- To store your Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Creative ways to serve your soup bowls include adding toppings like croutons or bacon bits, or serving with a side salad.
- Pair your soup bowls with other dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches or a fresh fruit salad.
- Customize your soup bowls to your taste by experimenting with different breads, cheeses, and soup flavors.
- In conclusion, Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls are a delicious and versatile meal that can be customized to your liking.
Benefits of Making Your Own Soup Bowls
There are several benefits to making your own soup bowls at home. First and foremost, it is a cost-effective option. Buying soup bowls from a café or bakery can be quite expensive, especially if you are feeding a family or hosting a gathering. By making your own soup bowls, you can save money while still enjoying the same delicious flavors.
In addition to being cost-effective, homemade soup bowls are also healthier than store-bought options. When you make your own soup bowls, you have control over the ingredients that go into them. You can choose to use whole wheat flour or other healthier alternatives, and you can control the amount of salt and other seasonings that are added to the dough. This allows you to create a healthier version of this classic comfort food.
Another benefit of making your own soup bowls is that they are customizable to your taste preferences. You can experiment with different types of flour, add herbs or spices to the dough, or even try different shapes and sizes. This allows you to create a soup bowl that is truly unique and tailored to your own personal preferences.
Finally, making your own soup bowls can be a fun and creative activity. It is a great way to spend time in the kitchen and get creative with your cooking. You can involve your family or friends in the process, making it a fun group activity. Plus, there is nothing quite as satisfying as enjoying a meal that you have made from scratch.
Ingredients for Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls
To make homemade Au Bon Pain soup bowls, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 2 teaspoons sugar
– 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
These ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores and are relatively inexpensive. You may already have many of them in your pantry.
Steps to Making Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls
1. Mixing the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix well to combine. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Letting it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Shaping the bowls: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a greased baking sheet. Cover the dough balls with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Baking in the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the dough balls have risen, use a sharp knife to make a deep cross-shaped cut on the top of each ball. Bake the dough balls in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Tips for Perfecting Your Soup Bowl Recipe
To ensure that your homemade Au Bon Pain soup bowls turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:
– Use the right amount of yeast: It is important to measure the yeast accurately to ensure that your dough rises properly. Too little yeast will result in a dense and heavy dough, while too much yeast can cause the dough to rise too quickly and collapse.
– Let the dough rise properly: The rising time is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the dough. Make sure to give the dough enough time to rise until it has doubled in size. This will result in a light and airy bread bowl.
– Shape the bowls evenly: When shaping the dough into balls, make sure to do so evenly. This will ensure that your soup bowls bake evenly and have a uniform shape.
– Bake at the right temperature and time: It is important to bake your soup bowls at the correct temperature and for the right amount of time. This will ensure that they are fully cooked and have a golden brown crust.
How to Store Your Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls
If you have leftovers or want to make a batch of soup bowls ahead of time, it is important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. The best way to store homemade Au Bon Pain soup bowls is to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help prevent them from drying out and becoming stale.
If you want to store your soup bowls for a longer period of time, you can also freeze them. To do this, wrap each soup bowl tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature and reheat them in the oven or microwave.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Soup Bowls
While Au Bon Pain soup bowls are delicious on their own, there are many creative ways to serve them to make them even more enjoyable. Here are a few ideas:
– Adding toppings like cheese or croutons: Sprinkle some shredded cheese or homemade croutons on top of your soup bowl before serving. This will add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
– Serving with a side salad or sandwich: Pair your soup bowl with a fresh side salad or a tasty sandwich for a complete and satisfying meal.
– Using as a bread bowl for other types of soup: While traditional Au Bon Pain soup bowls are typically filled with creamy soups like clam chowder or broccoli cheddar, you can also use them as a bread bowl for other types of soup. Try filling them with tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, or even chili for a delicious twist.
Pairing Your Soup Bowls with Other Dishes
When serving your homemade Au Bon Pain soup bowls, it is important to consider what other dishes will complement the flavors and textures of the soup. Here are some suggestions:
– Suggestions for soups that pair well with the bowls: Creamy soups like potato leek, butternut squash, or mushroom would pair well with the bread bowls. The creamy texture of the soup will be enhanced by the crusty bread.
– Ideas for main dishes to serve alongside the soup: If you are serving the soup bowls as a main course, consider serving them with a protein-rich dish like grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. This will add some variety to the meal and make it more filling.
How to Customize Your Soup Bowls to Your Taste
One of the great things about making your own soup bowls is that you can customize them to your taste. Here are some ideas for how to do this:
– Adding herbs or spices to the dough: Experiment with adding different herbs or spices to the dough to give your soup bowls a unique flavor. Try adding dried rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder for a savory twist.
– Using different types of flour: Instead of using all-purpose flour, try using whole wheat flour or a combination of different flours. This will give your soup bowls a different texture and flavor.
– Experimenting with different shapes and sizes: While traditional Au Bon Pain soup bowls are round, you can experiment with different shapes and sizes. Try making mini soup bowls for appetizers or larger ones for a main course.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls
Homemade Au Bon Pain soup bowls are a delicious and satisfying comfort food that you can easily make at home. They are cost-effective, healthier than store-bought options, customizable to your taste preferences, and a fun and creative activity. By following the steps outlined in this article and keeping the tips in mind, you can create perfect soup bowls every time.
So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a warm and comforting meal that you made from scratch. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, homemade Au Bon Pain soup bowls are sure to impress. So go ahead and start baking – your taste buds will thank you!
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FAQs
What are Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls?
Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls are bread bowls made from scratch that can be filled with soup or any other dish of your choice.
What ingredients are needed to make Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls?
The ingredients needed to make Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls include flour, yeast, salt, sugar, water, and butter.
How long does it take to make Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls?
It takes approximately 2 hours to make Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls from start to finish.
What type of soup is best to serve in Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls?
Any type of soup can be served in Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls, but some popular options include tomato soup, clam chowder, and broccoli cheddar soup.
Can Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls be made ahead of time?
Yes, Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Can Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls be frozen?
Yes, Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply thaw and bake in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 350°F.
Are Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls difficult to make?
Homemade Au Bon Pain Soup Bowls require some basic baking skills, but they are not difficult to make. With a little practice, anyone can make these delicious bread bowls at home.
