Introduction
Ultra-Soft Poppy Seed Milk Bread Bowls are tender, fluffy, and slightly sweet bread rolls enriched with milk and butter, then topped with crunchy poppy seeds. These beautiful bread bowls are perfect for serving soups, stews, dips, or simply enjoyed warm with butter. Inspired by Asian milk bread and European soft rolls, they melt in your mouth and stay soft for days.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2¼ teaspoons (7 g) instant yeast
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For Brushing & Topping
- 2 tablespoons milk or melted butter
- 1½ tablespoons poppy seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add warm milk and egg, then mix until a rough dough forms.
- Add softened butter and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.
- Shape the dough into a ball, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 60–90 minutes until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 6–8 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a tight round ball and place on a lined baking tray, leaving space between them.
- Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Gently brush the tops with milk or melted butter and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 18–22 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool slightly, then slice the tops and hollow out gently if using as bread bowls.
Methods & Tips
- Knead well to develop gluten for maximum softness.
- Use warm (not hot) milk to activate yeast without killing it.
- For extra softness, brush the bowls with butter immediately after baking.
- To use as bowls, remove some crumb carefully and toast lightly inside.
History
Milk bread originated in Europe and Asia as a way to create richer, softer loaves by adding dairy and butter. Over time, variations like Japanese Hokkaido milk bread became famous for their cloud-like texture. Adding poppy seeds is a classic European touch, bringing mild nutty flavor and visual beauty.
Benefits
- Extremely soft and tender texture
- Rich in flavor from milk and butter
- Perfect for soups, stews, or creamy dips
- Can be made ahead and frozen
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Nutrition (Approximate per Bowl)
- Calories: 260–290
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Formation & Serving Ideas
- Serve filled with creamy chicken soup, lentil soup, or chowder
- Use as sandwich buns or mini sliders
- Drizzle with honey and butter for a sweet option
Conclusion
Ultra-Soft Poppy Seed Milk Bread Bowls combine beauty, softness, and versatility in one recipe. Whether used as edible soup bowls or enjoyed plain, their melt-in-the-mouth texture makes them unforgettable.
Loved By
Bread lovers, home bakers, families, and anyone who enjoys soft, bakery-style bread made fresh at home