Proofing and Shaping: Nurturing Your Sourdough

Turning dough into a great loaf of sourdough takes a few key steps – and proofing and shaping are where it really starts to come together. This is when your dough begins to take on its final texture and shape. To get it right, you’ll need more than just technique – having the proper tools makes a big difference. From proofing baskets (round or oval) and their liners, to special bread towels, proofing mats, and boxes, each item helps your sourdough develop better flavour, texture, and appearance. Let’s take a look at the gear that can improve your bread-making and why each one matters.

Bench Scraper/Dough Scraper

Why You Need a Bench Scraper for Sourdough Baking

This handy tool is perfect for shaping dough for baguettes, bagels and pretzels. A bench scraper (also called a dough scraper) is a must-have for sourdough baking because:

What Makes It So Useful

• Handles Sticky Dough: Easily lift and fold wet sourdough without it sticking to your hands or counter
• Cuts Dough Neatly: Divide your dough into even portions for consistent loaves
• Cleans Your Workspace: Quickly scrape flour and dough bits off your counter
• Moves Ingredients: Transfer shaped dough or chopped items to baking sheets
• Works for Many Tasks: Use it beyond bread-making for scraping bowls and other kitchen jobs
• Different Types Available: Choose from metal (sturdy and precise) or plastic (flexible and gentle on surfaces)

A simple tool that makes sourdough baking much easier!

Bench Scraper Amazon Links:

Round Banneton Proofing Basket (For Round 4 to 4.3 Quart Dutch Oven)

Why You’ll Love a Round Banneton for Sourdough Baking

A banneton (or proofing basket) is a key tool for supporting your sourdough during its final rise. Here’s why a round banneton makes such a difference:

Benefits of Using a Round Banneton

• Creates Perfect Round Loaves: Shapes your bread into a beautiful circle that holds its form
• Adds Pretty Patterns: Leaves lovely spiral marks on your crust for that professional look
• Keeps Dough from Flattening: Provides support so your dough rises up instead of spreading out
• Improves Air Circulation: Made from natural materials that let air flow around your dough, helping develop a better crust
• Easy to Transfer: Makes moving your proofed dough to your Dutch oven smooth and simple
• Budget-Friendly Option: Affordable for bakers at any level

Don’t have a banneton? No problem! Use a metal mixing bowl lined with a tea towel as a handy substitute. The towel absorbs moisture and adds a bit of texture while proofing.

A simple tool that makes a big difference in your sourdough results!

Round Banneton Proofing Basket Amazon Links:

Banneton Cloth Liner 9-inch (Round)

Why Banneton Liners Are a Baker’s Best Friend

A simple liner makes a huge difference when using your proofing basket. Here’s why you’ll want to use one:

Benefits of Using a Banneton Liner

• Keeps Your Basket Clean: Stops dough from sticking in the grooves of your banneton, which can be nearly impossible to clean out
• Simple Washing: Just remove and wash the liner instead of your banneton (remember, bannetons can’t go in the dishwasher or they’ll fall apart!)
• Bake Different Breads: Use the same basket for various dough types without flavours mixing between batches
• No More Stuck Dough: Helps your dough release cleanly, keeping the shape you worked hard to create
• Bake Multiple Loaves: With extra liners, you can proof several loaves at once
• Choose Your Look: Want a smooth finish instead of spiral marks? A liner gives you that option
• Makes Your Banneton Last: Protects your basket from wear and tear, so it lasts much longer

A small addition that saves you loads of headaches while baking!

Banneton Cloth Liner Amazon Links:

Oval Banneton Basket

Picking the Right Oval Banneton for Your Dutch Oven

For a 3.4-quart oval Dutch oven, you’ll need the proper size banneton to proof your dough. Here’s what works best:

Finding the Perfect Fit

• Aim for 8-Inch Inner Diameter: An oval banneton with about an 8-inch inner diameter fits nicely in this size Dutch oven
• Watch for Measurement Confusion: Manufacturers often list the outer diameter, not the inner size
• Example: A banneton labeled as 8.7 inches on the outside will have an inner diameter closer to 8.2 inches
• Length Guide: Look for a banneton about 8.5 to 9 inches long for a Dutch oven with a 10-inch interior
• Why Size Matters: This gives your dough enough room to expand during baking without overflowing or losing its shape

Getting the right size means your bread will keep its shape and bake perfectly!

Oval Banneton Basket (8-inch) Amazon Links:

Oval Banneton Cloth Liner

Why Banneton Liners Are a Baker’s Best Friend

A simple liner makes a huge difference when using your proofing basket. Here’s why you’ll want to use one:

Benefits of Using a Banneton Liner

• Keeps Your Basket Clean: Stops dough from sticking in the grooves of your banneton, which can be nearly impossible to clean out
• Simple Washing: Just remove and wash the liner instead of your banneton (remember, bannetons can’t go in the dishwasher or they’ll fall apart!)
• Bake Different Breads: Use the same basket for various dough types without flavours mixing between batches
• No More Stuck Dough: Helps your dough release cleanly, keeping the shape you worked hard to create
• Bake Multiple Loaves: With extra liners, you can proof several loaves at once
• Choose Your Look: Want a smooth finish instead of spiral marks? A liner gives you that option
• Makes Your Banneton Last: Protects your basket from wear and tear, so it lasts much longer

A small addition that saves you loads of headaches while baking!

 Oval Banneton Cloth Liners Amazon Links:

T-Towels (Bread Towels)

Why Bread Towels Are So Handy for Baking

Bread towels (or t-towels) work great instead of cloth liners and offer many benefits when proofing your dough. Here’s why they’re so useful:

Benefits of Using Bread Towels

• Keeps Moisture Just Right: Stops your dough from drying out and forming a crust before baking (in hot weather above 30°C, slightly dampen the towel for added humidity)
• Helps Control Temperature: Creates a barrier against drafts and helps keep some warmth around your dough
• Keeps Things Clean: Protects your dough from dust, crumbs, and bugs during proofing
• Works in Many Ways: Lines proofing baskets to prevent sticking (especially for drier doughs) and creates a non-stick surface when dusted with flour
• Lets Your Dough Breathe: Unlike plastic wrap, towels allow air circulation, which develops better flavour without trapping too much moisture

Perfect for covering dough while it proofs in round or oval bannetons, proofing bowls, or when you’re making baguettes, bagels, and pretzels!

T-towels For Proofing (Bread Towels) Amazon Links:

Heated Dough Proofing Mat & Cover

Why a Heated Mat & Lid Make Low-Carb Sourdough Easier

A heated proofing mat with a cover can be a game-changer for your low-carb sourdough baking. Here’s why they’re worth considering:

Benefits for Your Low-Carb Sourdough

• Keeps Temperature Perfect: Maintains the ideal warmth for fermentation, especially helpful since low-carb doughs often struggle to rise as well as wheat doughs
• Boosts Fermentation: Creates the warm environment your dough needs to develop proper flavour and structure
• Works in All Seasons: Particularly useful in cold homes or during winter when your kitchen temperature varies
• Improves Oven Spring: Helps your low-carb bread rise better during baking (often a challenge with these doughs)
• Saves Time: Speeds up proofing time so you’re not waiting around as long
• Makes Results Reliable: Gives you more consistent results each time you bake, regardless of your kitchen conditions

A simple addition that can make a big difference in your low-carb sourdough success!

Heated Dough Proofing Mat & Cover Amazon Links:

Proofing Box:

Why a Proofing Box Makes Low-Carb Sourdough Better

A proofing box can be a fantastic tool for your sourdough baking, especially when working with low-carb recipes. Here’s why it’s so helpful:

Benefits for Your Low-Carb Sourdough

• Perfect Temperature: Keeps your dough at the ideal warmth for fermentation, which is especially important since low-carb doughs often struggle to rise properly
• Controls Humidity: Prevents your dough from drying out during long fermentation periods
• Speeds Up the Process: Creates the perfect environment for faster fermentation, saving you time
• Gives Reliable Results: Makes your baking more predictable, which is super helpful when experimenting with low-carb flours
• Protects Your Dough: Shields your bread from drafts and temperature changes that can ruin fermentation
• Multi-Purpose Tool: Use it for other things too, like making yogurt or tempering chocolate
• Fits Your Schedule: Gives you more control over timing so you can bake around your busy life
• Develops Better Flavour: The controlled environment helps create tastier sourdough, which matters even more with alternative flours

A worthwhile investment for more successful low-carb sourdough baking!

Proofing Box Amazon Links: