A large, shiny golden bread loaf acting as a vessel for vibrant lettuce boats. These boats are filled to overflowing with a confetti of colorful cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumber, all sprinkled generously with shredded cheddar. Crema swirls, fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction bring the visual pop.

Loaded Lettuce Boat Bread Bowl

Name: Loaded Lettuce Boat Bread Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: large lettuce leaves, 4 washed and pat dry; large round bread loaf, 1; bell peppers, 1 cup diced; cherry tomatoes, 1 cup halved; cucumber, 1 cup peeled and diced; Cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup shredded; cream cheese, 4 tbsp; lemon, 1 slice; Fresh herbs, for garnish; Balsamic reduction, for drizzle; salt, to taste; pepper, to taste; olive oil, for brushing

Category Main Course

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 20 minutes

Style American

Technique Baking

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: August 25, 2025

Let’s challenge the concept that bread can only be served as a side. This visually stunning, fully loaded Lettuce Boat Bread Bowl screams summer harvest, thanks to its enticing melange of seasonal bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and all-important lettuce. The touch of cream cheese and cheddar elevates the flavors, making every bite a trip to flavor town.

Ingredients (for 4)

Large lettuce leaves - 4 - washed and pat dry
Large round bread loaf - 1
Bell peppers - 1 cup - diced
Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup - halved
Cucumber - 1 cup - peeled and diced
Cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup - shredded
Cream cheese - 4 tbsp
Lemon - 1 slice
Fresh herbs - for garnish
Balsamic reduction - for drizzle
Salt - to taste
Pepper - to taste
Olive oil - for brushing

Preparation

Step 1 - 🔥🌡️⏱️

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
Step 2 - 🔪🍞🥣

Cut the top off the large round bread loaf and hollow out the insides to create a bowl. Brush the insides with olive oil.
Step 3 - 🍞🥣⏲️

Bake the bread bowl in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Step 4 - 🥣🧀🥄

Spread a layer of cream cheese inside the baked bread bowl.
Step 5 - 🥬🥖⛵

Arrange the washed and dried lettuce leaves inside the bread bowl forming 'boats'.
Step 6 - 🌶️🍅🥒

Evenly distribute the diced bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced cucumber among the lettuce boats.
Step 7 - 🧀🥬🥣

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the filled lettuce boats.
Step 8 - 🍞🥣🔥

Bake the loaded bread bowl again for just 5-7 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Step 9 - 🍃🍋🍽️

Garnish with fresh herbs, drizzle with balsamic reduction, and serve with a lemon wedge on the side.

Additional

Minnesota is known to be the birthplace of bread bowls in the United States and widely popularized in the 70s. This recipe is adaptable: you can fill the lettuce boats with grilled chicken or even make them vegan using hummus instead of cream cheese. Bring the kids on board to help with hollowing the bread or arranging the lettuce boats.