Bread bowls may conjure up memories of lackluster servings of broccoli-cheddar soup or clam chowder, but bread has been used for centuries as a vehicle for eating other savory foods. Here are seven dishes made even more amazing by being served in a bread bowl.

Photography by Jackie Alpers

Hollow out a loaf of pumpernickel bread and use it as a vessel for cream cheese whipped with smoked salmon. Finish with tomatoes, capers and diced tomatoes.

Load creamy mashed potatoes laced with cheddar and studded with crispy bacon and chopped scallions into a sourdough bread bowl, and go to town.

... but hate deviling them, chop hard-boiled eggs, whites and all, then fold with a dressing of mustard, mayo, paprika and chopped gherkins. Stuff into a buttery, soft loaf and serve with celery sticks for scooping.