Description
This delightful Clover-Shaped Bread Bowl is a charming and versatile bread perfect for entertaining or serving with soups and dips. Its unique clover shape adds a festive touch, while the soft, fluffy interior and golden crust make it an irresistible centerpiece for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 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 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: Add the olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much to keep the dough soft.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Clover: Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into six equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then shape them into clover leaves by joining the six balls close together, slightly pressing them so they stick, forming a clover shape with a small gap in the center.
- Second Rise: Transfer the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely and let it rise for another 20 to 30 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.
- Bake the Bread: Brush the entire surface of the dough with melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. The clover-shaped bread bowl is perfect for filling with soups, dips, or salads.
Notes
- Make sure the water temperature is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast; too hot or cold can kill the yeast.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
- The bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to customize by adding garlic or herbs to the dough for extra flavor.
