Shaping Techniques
John Scalo
July 2, 2020
What's shaping?
Shaping is the process of giving the dough its appropriate look and shape, both for its proofing container and its final appearance. The two most common shapes for artisan sourdough is the boule — basically a round loaf, and the batard — on oblong shape.
Which shape & technique should I use?
Your recipe will usually specify which shape to use, but you're welcome to switch based on preference. Just make sure that the shape you choose works with your proofing basket. We've included a variety of techniques below. Experiment to find the one that works best for you!
Shaping a Boule
Shaping a Batard
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