What can I use instead of a banneton basket?

A colander, with a little help, can serve as an improvised banneton for proofing bread dough. French bakers achieve the symmetrical round loaves of bread known as boules by transferring the dough to shallow, linen-lined woven baskets known as bannetons or brotforms for the last rising step before baking.

What is a bread proofing basket called?

Different types of bread look attractive when they are well formed. Artisan bakers use proofing baskets to achieve that perfect symmetrical round loaves of bread known as boules. Proofing baskets are called bannetons or brotforms, they give structure and shape to the dough during its final rise.

Is a Brotform the same as a banneton?

Simply put, a brotform is a German-style basket that’s typically crafted from spruce tree pulp; it’s known for its ability to reduce sticking. On the other hand, a banneton retains more of a French influence, and is often made from cane rattan. It maintains an easy air flow and lasts the extent of the baker’s lifetime.

Do you really need a banneton?

Do I need a banneton to make sourdough? Not necessarily. A banneton (or a proofing basket) lends support to shape the dough during proofing and the spiral shape of the basket imprints that beautiful characteristic pattern on sourdough bread.

Why does my dough stick to banneton?

Dough sticking to the proofing basket can happen due to the following reasons: You have a new proofing basket and it has not been treated or seasoned. Not letting the dough rest after proofing. You are not using enough flour when dusting your proofing basket prior to loading the bread.

Is banneton only for sourdough?

Are Bannetons Only For Sourdough? You can use bannetons with any yeasted bread as it gives great support to any proofing loaf. Yeasted dough will normally have much shorter time in the banneton than sourdough.

How do you know what size banneton to get?

You need to look at total dough weight, rather than just flour weight. For 500g of flour you would use between 300 and 400g of water (depending on hydration) plus 50 to 100g of starter and 10g of salt. So total dough weight would be between 860g and 1010g so an oval banneton of 12″ should suffice.

Do I really need a banneton?