A proofing basket is essential to both seasoned and amateur bakers. A proofing basket is essential to the vital process of allowing dough to rise prior to baking.
The proofing step allows leavening and fermenting, which results in an airy bread.
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However, proofing bowls can be substituted with a bowl, plastic container, wicker basket, linen cloth, bowl and colander.
Linen Cloth
A linen cloth comes in handy when looking for a proofing basket alternative. Traditionally, it used to be heavy and made of coarse material and mostly used for a baguette or boule bread.
Before the cloth is used as a proofing basket, it should be floured to ensure that it doesn’t stick to the dough. Rub about a cup of flour into the linen cloth and use it to wrap the dough.
The best cloth should not have a pronounced weaving pattern as it will leave imprints on your dough.
Also, do not use cloths with small fibers such as cotton because they tend to stick to the dough more easily.
Bowl
Any appropriately sized bowl will work as a proofing basket alternative: plastic, ceramic, metal, or wood.
Before putting your dough in the bowl, oil, or dust it with flour. You can also use a cloth to prevent the flour from sticking to the bowl’s sides.
Additionally, a cloth reduces excess moisture and leaves your dough in perfect shape when it is ready.
Related: Pastry Cutter Substitute
Wicker Basket
A wicker basket is a great substitute for proofing basket. You must use a cloth for this basket to work perfectly for you.
Also make sure the basket is safe to use with food. Otherwise, it is an excellent way to achieve that amazing texture and shape for your bread.
However, avoid loosely woven wicker baskets; they can make your dough proof into the big spaces and even stick to the basket.
Colander
A colander works just like a wicker basket. You have to use a linen cloth or a tea towel. Whichever you choose to use, dust it with flour before placing your dough in it and covering it with an overhanging cloth.
Plastic Containers
When choosing the plastic container to use, consider its shape because it determines how your end product turns out.
It should also be spacious enough to allow the double to rise up to its double size. Besides oil the container before putting the dough; it eases the removal process.
Terracotta Pot
Terracotta pots are not made with food grade material. The processes in the facilities that make terracotta pots also do not follow FDA guidelines, use FDA approved lubricants, or anything of the sort. I strongly recommend that you do not use a terracotta pot for any cooking or baking activity, including using one as a bread proofing basket alternative.
Frequency Asked Questions
How do I make sure my dough doesn’t stick onto my proofing basket?
This is the biggest challenge that bakers have to deal with and especially beginners.
However, the solution is easy; put a layer of flour all around the proofing basket or some oil, and your dough will not stick.
You can also use a cloth to wrap your dough before you put it in the basket.
If you bake regularly, your basket develops a season and you, therefore, won’t need to add flour or oil for smooth removal.
What is the best size of a proofing basket?
The ideal size of a proofing basket depends on the size of the bread you want to bake. For a 500-gram bread, you should use a basket with about a 10-inch diameter.
This will allow sufficient space for the dough to rise without spilling, which can distort its shape.
What makes my dough sticky after putting it in a proof basket?
Your dough should be sticky neither too dry.
This will affect how you shape, and it’s not fun working with such dough.
If it’s too sticky, try working with it on a surface dusted with flour. It will help put it into the desired shape.
