Proofing baskets explained
Proofing is a bread baking technique which helps dough rest and rise one final time before baking and occurs after the bread dough has been shaped, but before it goes into the oven.
Therefore, a proofing basket is used to offer support to the dough during this time so it maintains its shape throughout the bread making process. Also known as bannetons, proofing baskets are typically made from natural materials such as rattan cane or other wood fibres.
The most common shapes are oval and round ones that hold anywhere from 500g to 1kg of dough for homemade bread such as sourdough and gluten free loaves as well as a host of other artisan bread. However, when making a baguette, it is more common to use a proofing cloth or linen than a specialty baguette proofing basket, as couche linen is more versatile and easy to store.
Equipment to accompany your bread proofing basket
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Dough whisk. Perfectly blends ingredients into just the right texture.
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Dough scraper. Manipulates the dough and scrapes excess flour from worksurfaces.
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Bread lame. This cuts and scores the dough before baking to create a decorative touch.
Best proofing baskets for home bakers
Beginner bakers
First time home bakers might be wondering if loaf pans can be used to proof dough - and the answer is yes, they can! Loaf tins in stainless steel or other durable materials are great moulds for creating tight loaves in rectangular or square shapes and make it easier to get the result you want, especially for first-time bakers. They also make it easier to see when your bread has risen enough to bake.
All types of bakers
The rattan proofing basket is the most common type of proofing basket for home bakers of any skill level because the natural rattan construction absorbs some of the moisture from the dough. They also come in plenty of options to suit every need which make them an even more attractive option.
Tips when using a rattan proofing basket
Start with a boule
A boule is French for ball, and is a traditional bread shape most commonly used in home baking because it can be used with any type of flour from all purpose flour and rye flour to gluten free rice flour and buckwheat flour (also works well combined with a leavening agent of gluten free sourdough starter). This is the best place to start your bread making journey!
Plain vs printed
Boule loaves can be scored in so many different ways, giving them a unique and pleasing decorative crust. However, you can also achieve a similar finish just by using the proofing basket itself.
As you shop around, you will see that most round banneton baskets or oval banneton baskets have a coil design all the way around. During proofing, this transfers a subtle imprint onto the dough so, once it’s baked, it gives the loaf a pretty spiral appearance, instantly making it feel a lot more artisanal.
Proofing liners
Some proofing baskets come with a cloth liner or linen liner. But why? While you can prove round bread, sourdough bread or other loaves without a cloth liner, you may not always want the spiral effect imprinted onto your loaves and may feel like branching out and testing more artistic scoring techniques. Therefore, proofing baskets with cloth liners (boule shaped or not) give you the option of keeping your loaf plain and smooth.
How to use a brotform or banneton proofing basket
Here are the main steps involved as well as some handy homemade bread recipes to get you started.
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Step 1. Spray the inside of the proofing basket with water so there are no dry spots - but don’t saturate it so it ends up being soaking wet. For best results use a spray bottle.
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Step 2. Evenly coat the inside of the proofing basket with a layer of flour so it covers all the crevices and sides then tip out the excess flour and leave it to dry. This is known as seasoning your basket.
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Step 3. After you’ve finished the final shaping of your dough, lightly dust it with flour before placing it in the basket and letting it rest. Some recipes call for the proofing basket to be placed in the fridge during resting time.
Bread recipes:
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Easy Bread At Home
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German Rye Bread
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Top 10 Artisan Tips to Sourdough Success
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Cranberry Apple Nut Bread
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Simple Hot Cross Bun Loaf
FAQs:
What is the best proofing basket for sourdough?
The best proofing baskets for sourdough are those made from rattan, which can be lined or unlined as well as round or oval. If it’s your first time, grab a 15 minute sourdough bread making kit to help.
What are the benefits of using a proofing basket?
Proofing baskets help to develop added height as well as help to maintain the shape of your dough and is an easier way of moving the dough through the fermentation process. It’s also an easy way to get professional looking loaves, which can be further elevated with the use of a bread lame.
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