24: How to stop your dough from spreading out flat! - Bake with Jack

[@kitikatter]

You are my hero, young man. Just taught this 54 yr old how to properly dome my breads! Thanks for that.

[@Bakewithjack]

Nice ☺️👍🏻 my pleasure

[@alanhowell3646]

I love this guy & his instructional videos. They are really well shot, clearly explained, his passion & knowledge of baking is infectious. Well done Jack.

[@vasilispatsalidis5683]

He is billiant.

[@zelazowy]

I watched tons of videos about baking bread, this one was the most useful yet! This sticky-non sticky side, creating tension, etc - now I'm finally starting to get what baking a good bread looks like :) Thank you very much for this video, you're awesome man!

[@peternoke7756]

Brilliant! I've been searching for months to find out why I am a flat loaf baker and no one has yet explained the reason in such a succinct and engaging fashion. St Jack!!

[@smroez4644]

Did u improve

[@joaquin_2027]

Jack's such a gem. Sometimes I really just wanna hug him!!!

[@titusdaniel]

Jack you're a great teacher. I appreciate the time you take to demonstrate the importance of the various stages by demonstrating what it looks like when done wrong. I've been having some bread spread myself and wasn't sure why, but I guess I'm just not building as much surface tension as I thought. Also really dig the Artful Dodger beat poetry vibe.

[@metebalci]

I think so many videos and books focus only on (their) perfect steps without pointing out the essential information and the reasons for failures. Your blog and videos are very helpful in this regard. Thanks a lot.

[@Bakewithjack]

My pleasure

[@jeanipin3430]

Between you (I have just today found you) and John Kirkwood, he's brilliant, his hot cross buns/easter buns are out of this world, my bread making has improved immensely. So, thank you for your tips and inspiration. My bread is always tasty but even better now. Stay safe

[@deebrake]

Hi Jack, Dee here from this morning’s live chat on your 10 year anniversary. This is the video that helped me get a higher loaf. When I did it as you did and folded it in half then brought it in it held its shape. For me the key seemed to be the fold over first. Very good height. Thanks again.

[@lydiabrindley1944]

Youre never too old to learn ..thank you for your videos .Its because of you Im now staring to bake my own bread again.Thank you

[@richardwaldron1684]

This for me has been the best tip I've had for bread making. I'd never heard of this before and always had flat, spread out loaves, it was driving me mad. I now have fantastic looking loaves, free form or in a tin every time. Cheers Jack.

[@Magnus_E]

"Proud and round dough!" Your videos are so lovely and delicate. Keep up the good work! Thank you! :D

[@robertwendt-wr7yi]

So glad I found this video. I’ve been struggling with knocking down and shaping the dough and your two videos are the best explanations & demonstrations I’ve seen. Many thanks

[@flyingcloud9253]

Thank you for addressing this issue...I am proofing sourdough bread right now, and I wanted to improve my technique for shaping. After watching your video...I believe I can make a better loaf. I am inspired.

[@mc2e100]

I've always wanted to make bread ... but never made much beyond pan cakes and such. I've learned more from youi videos this night about making bread than in my whole life combined. Thank you x 100!

[@AlexandruMPopescu]

And i thought of all the reasons in the world for my flat sourdough (bad flour, overproofing, bad starter) but never on the surface tension buildup...thanks mate!

[@joeb4142]

I fudged up somehow and wound up with a huge mass of too wet dough. Thankfully I’d just watched your video and the stretching at the end really helped. So now I have this huge loaf of bread which looks beautiful. I know what I’ll be eating a lot of this week :) Thanks Jack you saved the day!

[@romandarko2415]

the 'spread' could also be down to high hydration, over proofing, low protein flour

[@dropdeadfred7471]

Just watching during lock down and yesterday i baked a loaf like your first one..i was very proud of it but now i know what to aim for next time!! Thank you!!

[@nathaniverson]

Yes! this really helped me make better loaves. I wish I could post a picture of the sourdough loaf I made after following the technique in this video. Truly amazing!

[@ChrisPallas]

You solved like most of my questions in just a couple of your videos! Amazing work, thanks so much for sharing all this knowledge!

[@lauriequinn7511]

I named my sourdough starter after you, Jack. Thank you for the fun instructional videos!

[@theresahealy3427]

Thank you for your video Jack. There are such small subtleties with sourdough bread baking. As simple as you’ve described a sticky side and non sticky for building the tension. Awesome!

[@lsncred19]

Again Jack, you are so entertaining and knowledgeable. Such a pleasure to follow you . Thank you for all your sharing of your knowledge.

[@erinescence2095]

This is awesome! I was your "extreme example of what not to do." Your video really helped!

[@marktravis793]

Jack your the man. I been baking bread for the last few months since the virus has hit. You helped me make my best loaf to date. Thank you. Your a true breath of fresh air in this trying time. Mark Travis. Ps. I bought scales and now use grams for baking. What a difference that alone makes.

[@nigelmargetson4346]

Thanks for this. Helps a lot. Just started out baking sourdough and my first three loaves have all been flat. I will follow your tips!

[@pault477]

This is awesome. Was having difficulty with developing tension in initial shaping and your method works great. Thanks !

[@franco634]

I just love your videos. They are the best and you are wonderful yourself. Never stop having fun with your dough......and your viewers. Truly enjoy you.

[@livmartens3057]

god help me, I just want my bread to be proud

[@kbhvr]

😂😂😂

[@vanharvie9746]

Your comment just made my day! lol

[@irinikambanis7768]

That is SOOOOO FUNNY😂

[@ollieplant]

Thank you! I loved your reluctance to leave the other loaf alone. You got there in the end

[@kimsteele7714]

Oh Jack is great. He explains everything so so simply and understandable. It just seems like Jack is made to make bread.

[@lissyniña]

Jack, totally nailed it! It worked!! First time I made challah that didn't turn to a pancake!

[@Research0digo]

Your wife is so lucky! A young man that uses terms such as 'proud' are always great to have at home. As for your word cob - that's an earth-building term as well! Double good for you! :)

[@op3129]

"proud" vs "shy" (they're common terms in woodworking in US, as well)

[@lurdz22]

Thank you for all your vids. It is giving me confidence to bake my own bread now.

[@nadiamarcinkowski188]

Thanks Jack, great tip on keeping the bread in a nice shape. It's been a while since I've done some bread baking, now inspired to get back into it.

[@Bakewithjack]

Yay! So pleased, have a blast! ☺️

[@robertnordeen6989]

Gotta good laugh at the flat one. I made one, it spread out so big it was x3 of a bread pan then showed off how big I made a loaf. Haha. NOW you showed me how to do it properly. I get it!! I don't have a basket thing. An don't want one. I want just like what you did FREE FORM BOULE. No pan, no bowl, no forms, just simple TENSION on the top. That makes perfect sense. Thank you JACK. BRILLIANT SPEECH.

[@miguelsalami]

This video made my bread making a game changer Thank You M8 ❤

[@sandramayberry]

Thank you! I wasn’t sure why some of my breads were flattening out while others weren’t! Thanks, Thanks and Thank you!

[@Bakewithjack]

You’re welcome Sandra! Good luck ☺️👌🏻

[@lorrainehallman8766]

I just found your channel. Thank you, thank you for teaching me the importance of tension in my dough. You solved my problem in just a few minutes. I’m now a huge fan!!🥰

[@0002707894]

All your videos are helping me out so much to understand bread & all the process behind! Thank you for sharing ✨

[@laurabien4809]

Excellent tutorial: you pinpointed exactly what I've been doing wrong: insufficient tension.Thank you for the good lesson; I'm eager to try again!

[@packmela]

I'm in love, I love his hands, his accent, beautiful smile. Maybe now I'll get a nice oven spring.

[@mikepeirson1150]

Hello Jack. I suffered from the dough spreading but following the recipe and your tip it still spreads. So what I did to stop this is about two minutes before the dough goes into the oven I give the loaves another folding over and over just like the video. It works perfectly and the loaves rise up just right.

[@mgl-63]

Great Teacher, I have made some great bread, The boys love it and no more Tesco bread in this house. Thank you so much, your instructions are so easy to follow. Keep up the good work

[@suecollins3246]

Lovely! And that lovely light, nicely enunciated English voice! Delightful!

[@ArizonaBorn1358]

I do not know why, but this demonstration, technique, and explanation clears up all kinds of questions and misshapen boules.

[@carolr4871]

I've been having that spreading problem with my sourdough loaves. I thought it had to do with how moist the dough is. So you just BLEW MY MIND. Thanks for this informative tutorial.

[@Bakewithjack]

You’re welcome

[@Motters74]

Thanks, this has sorted my sourdough loaves out. I’d been tipping them out from a floured tea towel in a bowl but they flopped out and collapsed. I’ve tried the way you describe and it’s made a huge difference. Not sure if you intended it for sourdough but it’s definitely helped.

[@sueroberts9365]

Thanks Jack! You have a wonderful clear communication style.

[@suecollins3246]

This works like a bomb! I still put my dough into 2 LOVELY round earthenware crocks but the top comes up like a balloon! What it does, of course, is increase the surface tension. But it works like a dream!

[@barbsnyder480]

Thank you Jack so much your help has made all the difference in my frustration

[@sophrapsune]

Thanks for this. You’ve just solved a problem I’ve had for years. My bread is always delicious, it’s just not the right, cob shape.

[@elizabethjennings3825]

Another great video Jack - my bread has improved so much since following your tips. I do have one problem though which I dont think you have covered. My bread comes out of the oven with a wonderful crust but by the time it has cooed down it always goes soft . Any tips would be most welcome. Keep up the great work!!!

[@kberken]

Hey hey Jack! I've been baking bread forever and didn't know about this technique. Thank you so much! It works on high hydrated overnight dough too. I just create the tension in the bowl with a rubber spatula. Nice high loaf. Baked in a Dutch oven.

[@Bakewithjack]

Nice one ☺️👌🏻

[@Fernando-ox5mo]

Thank you, Jack. This is such good advice! Greetings from Colombia, South America.

[@nicmuss]

Thank you so much Jack! My loaf is in the oven and it’s actually looking like a boule instead of a UFO 😄

[@eviejacobson6950]

Hi there..you are adorable and your video is so very good! Finally know why my bread spreads out after many years of baking. Love making bread but see that we can always learn...thank you

[@eleanorbell5112]

Cheerio from Texas- USA! I’m learning to speak “British” as well as bake sourdough, so you are the best instructor. I added too much flour to my dough; had no idea that was a mistake. I keep screwing up and starting over.

[@Ionabrodie69]

No you’re learning to speak proper ENGLISH..as this is where it gets it’s name ENGLAND..🙂🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@dianealbergosanseverino8331]

Hi Jack Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos!!!!!

[@Bakewithjack]

So happy to help you Diane 🤗

[@brianjennings7644]

works.. my last cob loaf was as tall as a pan loaf.. honest. I was amazed.

[@kristyk2924]

Always on the lookout for new bread baking tips! Will be trying this technique today. Thanks cutie!

[@Bakewithjack]

No problem kirsty ☺️👌🏻

[@davethelimefarmer3016]

Thanks Jack, Just found this video and tried to emulate your shaping (beginner sourdough baker). For the first time I just proved covered on a board rather than in a bowl or banneton and I've still gotten the tightest feeling boule Ive made so far, hardly any horizontal spread. Cant wait to cut it and see how the crumb has turned out.

[@louisa8788]

Thank you very much for this! I just made a lovely tall loaf using your technique! Yay!

[@colinhall990]

Thanks for the clear and concise information 👍👍

[@rorialvarez7913]

that's the best demo of how to shape dough into a ball. thank you!

[@rickmilasich7599]

Thank you. Your pull up many times became my answer. Really logical

[@geminibsee]

At last Success today!!! Thank you for this video. You earn the title of a Master Baker!!!

[@garyhardin4194]

Thanks Jack, I'm new at baking sourdough bread and have had this problem and your video is very helpful and I will be trying it out today.

[@Bakewithjack]

Perfect ☺️👌🏻 thanks Gary!

[@sinatrasdame1915]

I had this problem yesterday making Italian bread for the first time. It tasted great but flattened out a bit during the second rise. So glad i found this video.

[@meadowbrownbakery]

Great tip, thanks for sharing. I noticed that one of my loaves spread while rising a while ago and I didn't know why but now I know.

[@Bakewithjack]

Meadow Brown Bakery YES! so pleased to have helped ☺️

[@fredjoslin7822]

thank you for that great tip. it was always a hit or miss with my loafs. I will try this and see how it works. My hopes are as high as my loafs.

[@lissyniña]

Finally, an explanation that makes sense! Thanks Jack! Thanks for the visual.

[@Bakewithjack]

You’re welcome!

[@AnneHealy]

For the last year that I have been making sourdough, I didn't understand about "tension." My way of creating tension was to add flour until it stopped flattening out. So for a year, I've been making really dense sourdough. Recently, I'm trying to make a more hydrated loaf, and I can't seem to get past the point where it flattens out. Still tastes good after baking it, but just flat almost like a pancake. Now I get it. Thank you for this video. I have a levain that I'm preparing tonight for use in a hydrated dough tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed!

[@Kathkanso]

Thanks for this info ,I’ve never seen such simple instructions and reasons for doing it ,and I’ve been baking bread for years and still learning skills - your never to old to learn new skills from “bake with Jack “😋will now defo subscribe 🙏🏽

[@Bakewithjack]

Nice Katt, thank you 😊

[@LUDWIGD1]

What a nice Man and good Baker .

[@leetomlee7265]

Thanks for sharing. It is amazing how both turn out when different folding is applied.

[@JuanMiguelAltube]

Exactly my problem and the solution was as simple as that... Thanks a lot. I subbed.

[@bigpapi3636]

Thanks Jack. I've been a disappointed baker for years until I saw this. Thanks so much!!

[@Bakewithjack]

You are welcome ☺️ so happy to help out 👍🏻

[@elba19]

Wow thank you so much! That's been my problem, never been able to get it to shape properly, can't wait to try!

[@sylviacarlson3561]

You're adorable Jack! This really helped me. I'm going to use it for the one that is rising now as we speak!

[@sks2010able]

Sure I can see the difference. It's obvious. I have been making a good bread , as good as the the first one. I sure to try the the tension as in the second case. Thank you very much

[@Bakewithjack]

Yes! You’re welcome ☺️

[@reezefab]

So helpful, I have made many of loaves of bread that spread out. I will let you know how my next loaf turns out !

[@Conservator.]

Thank you very much for your clear instructions AND explanation! This really helps.

[@Bakewithjack]

You’re welcome ☺️👍🏻

[@savvysilvia5075]

Thank you so much! I drag my ball of dough to tighten it after shaping and as it rises it splits. You basically answered my question. The reason I was watching is because if I don't drag the dough it doesn't go up it goes out. You helped both problems. :)

[@Bakewithjack]

Perfect ☺️👌🏻

[@dannyable5006]

Thanks for the help..very informative... Melbourne Australia.....

[@cherylspringtime]

I could listen to you ALL DAY LONG, love the accent and now my hamburger buns will rise higher as well.

[@fengirl8996]

Just came across your channel, . My flat torpedo bread has been cut into fingers for dipping in soup!!! with your tip hopefully No More flat finger slices. thankyou. Have now subscribed.

[@Bakewithjack]

YESSS! Your welcome, keep it up!

[@mrprosale]

Thanks for that! It really showed the process very clear and easy. Never realized that that final shaping is so important! No more flatties for me, LOL

[@Bakewithjack]

LOL! ☺️👌🏻

[@mjp8845]

Many many thanks for that . Yes 1 of mine was as flat as a Dover Sole ! Now I know why Cheers mate

[@Bakewithjack]

You’re welcome 👍🏻

[@meerarajani5709]

It was great help Jack My bread always spread never got tallI watch your video s all the time

[@stitcherscottage]

OMG....I really needed this. Mine was the how not to. I didn’t know it was supposed to have a skin on it and I folded it into the dough🙄 Love your videos. They are so helpful. I just have to find them before I goof up not wait until I’m looking for the answer.

[@franks2354]

that's what I've always neglected - my bread just want to be proud! Thanks mate - I'll give it a goal!

[@NolaGB]

thank you, Jack! I now understand why my bread never looked quite "right". I have done pretty much the same thing with the ropes when I braid bread, though a bit more difficult to do. Ha! Great video ... will be subscribing.

[@scorneillie1]

This is great news. I also have dough far too wet. It is sticky everywhere. Off to watch some of your other videos to see how I can obtain a more workable dough to create those folds.

[@Mayandthecats]

I will try your tips next time I bake. Today my bread turn flat and I hope I can make nice round and proud bread someday.

[@cybertroll]

I was looking for vids in German and I found yours. In the first 2 vids you give me the answers I was looking for - thank you!

[@catsupchutney]

Yep, I tried this the other day. Thanks Jack!

[@eliduran4182]

Thanks so much. Sometimes it happens to my bread and I didn't know why 😭 ( pretty much yesterday 🤪 it went totally flat 😳) and now I realize I didn't fold it much. I didn't hear my dough 🤣🤣. I'll keep this in mind for my next bake adventure. Cheers!

[@andriratnasari2648]

Hi Jack, you help me A LOT. Thank you. I'm from Indonesia by the way...

[@Bakewithjack]

Your welcome! ☺️

[@arthurseat5710]

Merci beaucoup, it's clear and exactly what I needed to improve my baking.