How to Use a Banneton Basket (aka Proofing Basket, Brotform)

[@sepharad58]

OMG rice flower! You are the non-stick Goddess. Thank you.

[@susank7977]

Thanks for explaining how to use the baskets and why the steps you described are important. Now it all makes sense!

[@LD-qj2te]

I have been making bread a while and have quite a few books on it . But your info on rice flower and dusting was a new one !! Thanks for the help !! Awesome !!!

[@snuffle2269]

Now you tell me. Very informative on why I went to an alternate and a cast iron pot to bake my sour dough bread after it always stuck to my banneton. Very good video. Wish I saw this over a year ago.

[@TheGrumpyGardener]

My starter is going great following your method. On day 6 it was trebling in size but I carried on with the feeding until day 10 so I now know it will be ready for use after 6 hours from taking it out of the fridge and feeding. Thanks for all the advice I was confused with a lot of the info available on the net but you made it so easy for me. Sourdough from the UK thanks to you:) Mick!!

[@pamelabh3621]

I absolutely ADORE you, Betty! I have learned SO MUCH from you, and I cannot thank you enough for your videos. Please continue, because I'd be lost without you! 🙂

[@jerimiles8129]

Thank you so much, I was gifted my baskets for Mother's Day and had no clue what to do with them. I just started making Sourdough bread recently and am hooked!

[@BakerBettie]

Wonderful! You'll love them!

[@joanneisham2016]

Fantastic, relatable, simple and detailed instruction. I subscribed immediately, and I rarely do. Your website was added to my favorites!

[@suzannelehman8676]

You are the best teacher!! Simple clear explanations ❤❤

[@debramatteucci1514]

Bettie, can you explain the advantage of using a proofing basket verses a ceramic/glass mixing bowl?

[@johnpiatt4583]

The baskets apparently draw moisture from the loaf on purpose.

[@mowman334]

Thank you so much for this.I ordered three of the bowls and wasn’t sure how to use them,with the cloth or not,now I know thanks to this great video 👍😊

[@BakerBettie]

You are so welcome!

[@carljohnson6485]

That is a wonderful tip, I was getting frustrated using All-Purpose flour and having it stick to the basket. Thank You so much!

[@BakerBettie]

You are so welcome!

[@carljohnson6485]

@@BakerBettie it worked like magic, the dough came right out of the form!

[@sierrarosebrown2060]

Should you wash your banneton basket with soap if you ordered it online and have never used it before? It came from China and I’d like to make sure it is clean but everything says to just mist it. That doesn’t sound too sanitary.

[@reneem.6103]

I'd love a reply to this one too! Would love to use the basket directly but concerned about this very thing.

[@Betty-fh4sc]

Betty said no soap

[@hellysully]

Thanks!

[@davidreid622]

I came to learn about bannetons and you delivered. :D Thank you.

[@robertaschwartz3079]

Beautiful, simple, and informative video on preparing and using your banetton. Thanks!

[@BakerBettie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MsLindy57]

Thank you for explaining how to use a Banneton basket. Your video is extremely helpful.

[@BakerBettie]

You are so welcome!

[@AutumnHaunts]

Thank you for this. Straight to the point, super helpful and thorough.

[@mandiigraham1596]

You just answered my question. I wasn’t sure when you use the liner. Thank you

[@BakerBettie]

You are so welcome!

[@pollymartin604]

oh yes, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience,, my banneton basket did not come with instructions,, found you and am happy I did, will be exploring with you further.

[@BakerBettie]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@lubatkachuk2098]

Same here. Thank you 🤗

[@sabrinachilds9483]

So so happy I decided to do a search before using my new baskets. They arrived with no instructions. This was very easy to follow and super helpful! Just hit the subscribe button!!

[@BakerBettie]

You are so welcome!

[@debramoreschini129]

Just bought a brotform so this is a great video to watch. I have found your videos very informative. Thank you!

[@liliyavoyevoda]

Hi Bettie, could you please mention how to take care of liner? Can you wash it with soap? Can you use it to cover when proofing dough in the fridge or it will dry the dough? Thanks for videos!

[@susans5581]

I really appreciate the information you shared about the Banneton basket. I wasn't sure how to use the basket so I was hesitant ordering one. Heading over to Amazon now to place my order. Thank you for mentioning the baskets are not used for baking and how to clean the baskets. This video has been very helpful and very much appreciated!

[@BakerBettie]

You're welcome!

[@J4P3S8]

Informative video. I bought several shapes of banneton. I am a francophone from Québec. The French word "boule" is ball in English, not bowl as said in the video. A bowl is "bol". Here, we are talking about a ball (boule), the shape of a round bread. In fact, we say "miche" for a baked round bread. "Une miche de pain" is a bread that is round.

[@BakerBettie]

Thanks for the info! That's so helpful!

[@adrienemberger7970]

En France, nous disons également une "tourte" mais généralement la tourte est une tourte de pain de campagne donc en partie farine de seigle.

[@morinkhuur]

Really useful. Answers a lot of questions for me. Many thanks.

[@dobbythehouseelf422]

great clip on bannetons, that tea strainer tip is pro, thanks

[@BakerBettie]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ivansnegireff3759]

love stuf

[@joymulhollanpeoples2171]

Clear, concise, specific instructions. Thank you!

[@toxicteabaging]

Very informative, thank you! I've used wheat flour for such a long time and had no idea about the rice flour properties, thus I've sometimes been struggling with dough getting caught just like you describe, definitely going to switch and try rice flower going forward!

[@whyomar]

really, really useful. Bought my baskets only today!

[@jjandregg693]

Thank you. This saved me a lot of experimenting.

[@BakerBettie]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@martyjacobs1845]

Great information, my daughter bought it for me but I was afraid to experiment with it. Thanks for your expertise.

[@MaryBakerPasoRobles]

Thank you! Short, sweet and to the point!

[@raybearNC]

Great video, lot's of good info and you have a wonderful teaching style! So glad I found you channel! Just in time; my new Banneton Baskets arrive today! Thank You Baker Bettie!❤

[@stephanieinspired1151]

New sub! I used my first oval 9 “ today for my quick easy artisan 🧑‍🎨 bread …

[@rosanilebron1566]

Thanks for this easy and to the point video. I'm new to baking breads and all this is new for me.

[@BakerBettie]

You're welcome!

[@lakshmiramakrishna9255]

Thank you!! I thought the lining was a must and was wondering why then the beautiful shape!

[@BakerBettie]

I'm glad I could clear that up for you!

[@ivansnegireff3759]

im lisn ok

[@jenniferburris3498]

That dress is so cute on you!

[@hufemj]

Great tip on the rice flour and tea strainer! I made my first loaf with a Banneton basket today, using rice flour for dusting the basket and the tea strainer for doing the dusting and it worked out perfectly. Any tips on what else I can do with the rice flour?

[@BakerBettie]

Make homemade fortune cookies! bakerbettie.com/how-to-make-fortune-cookies/ It's also great to use as a thickening agent like cornstarch in soups and sauces.

[@seralvplyr]

Great video would like to see how you rinsed the basket! Thank you.

[@PDXTundra]

She said to lightly rinse it with the sprayer. You really need a visual for that?

[@deborahcross7489]

What size banneton basket is best 8 or 9 inch?

[@susantaylor8507]

Thank you I would have not known any of this I just got my whole red wheat to start grinding but I'm going to order more grains next week

[@LouisCarterChange]

Bette - I love your videos - they are clear, concise and really helped me in understanding how to use the Proofing Bowl/Basket. I love your inventive use of other baking goods to dust the bowl with flour. Question: Is there a preference on what you call it - better to call it a Proofing Basket or Proofing Bowl? Which one is more accurate and more people will identify with? Thank you!

[@AnotherOverTaxedTaxPayer]

Please clarify, you said that every time we use the banneton to give it another dusting, however you did not state if we also need to spray it lightly with water.

[@BakerBettie]

Yes, I suggest you do a light spray of water and then a dusting before you use it everytime.

[@dawnamendola8690]

I just bought smaller banneton baskets 6.5 inch and 7 inch how do i know how much dough to put in this size basket since most recipes either make one Loaf which fits into one 9-10inch banneton or the recipe makes 2 Loaves which fit into 9-10 inch banneton

[@goldengirls4life419]

If you leave the cover in, do you still dust it with rice flour? Thank you for the great video!

[@nada_sanders]

If you do use the banner on liner to make the designs, do you just dust the loaf with flour and put it in or also dust the cover with a bit of rice flour too?

[@popside107]

I have the same question I hope she’ll respond!

[@realityisanalog]

. . . . . . . well presented, to the point. . . . . . .questions anticipated and answered. . . . . . . great outro music . . . .

[@laurenspettreats]

Can the Banneton Basket go in the Breville Oven on the proofing setting?

[@stephanprock7559]

Excellent video! Everything I needed to know. Thanks

[@kyliepitt9485]

Thank you. I have just used a basket (first attempt at Sour dough 😬) and even turning the dough out it is hard and leathery on the bottom, is that how it is meant to be?

[@kellyreid2299]

Bettie you’re the best. Thank you!

[@sandramellon9716]

Excellent explanation! Thank you!

[@janeybakarbessy2330]

Great information on how to take care of my banneton. Thank you so much!

[@petewilliams4289]

Excellent information, brief but comprehensive, thanks

[@BakerBettie]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@susiemccluskey]

My husband didn't read any instructions before using our new banneton basket. Just used bakers flour on dry basket. We have a lot of dough stuck in the grooves. Best way to clean and get it back to new again??

[@BakerBettie]

Here you go! bakerbettie.com/banneton-basket-prep-and-care/

[@jonahbienhoff]

Can i just wash the covers in the washer machine?

[@pni5ewz]

Great video and guide. Would you still put rice flour if you use the cloth insert?

[@BakerBettie]

Yes, I do! It really helps it not stick!

[@deniselecler2568]

Hi Bettie. Could I use corn flour to dust my baskets. We don't get rice flour in my area in Zambia

[@amyharris7337]

Great video. Thanks for the instructions. They were clear and concise. Question - I don't have rice flour. Could I use a GF flour instead?

[@familyc3026]

What size of round and oval banneton baskets would you recommend? Thanks.

[@robb4746]

So very helpful! Many thanks

[@BakerBettie]

You're welcome!

[@christychester8806]

Thanks for the info. Exactly what I needed to know. Very helpful! :)

[@aliciaburda6290]

Can you put them in the oven for the proofing? My oven has a bread proof option.

[@Liquidgrin]

My wild yeast starter is on day five and looking beautiful. Cant wait to put my banneton to use.

[@BakerBettie]

Good luck!

[@adventuresoulnicole3254]

Do you usually wash the banneton covers in the washing machine?

[@CliffThePerson]

One question when do I put the dough into the basket? Before the bulk ferment? after?

[@donnadawson1314]

Wow, I wish I had seen your videos before I started my sourdough journey. I watched the shaping video and now know what I was doing wrong! I have silicone banneton baskets...are they OK, or should I go to a more ridged basket?

[@BakerBettie]

Hi! I haven't used a silicone banneton basket but since you have it give it a shot! Let me know how it goes.

[@chrisamos5075]

Thank you! Just the info I needed after watching your sourdough class :) Stay groovy!

[@BakerBettie]

Enjoy!

[@onnadarts23]

Thank you very much for this. Very straight-forward and informative.

[@BakerBettie]

You're very welcome!

[@MyWaywardLife]

Hi there! I am a baby baker when it comes to bread, as in never baked bread (other yummies yes) before. Can i use coconut flour or arrowroot flour instead of rice? Thanks for your help!

[@amandamoore2779]

A flour with a slightly gritty less fine texture. I use a finely milled polenta grain myself… also teff flour is good.

[@charlesgm7693]

Hi, what size is your round banneton and for what dough weight? I am worried that if I use a too big banneton, the dough will flatten out.

[@irishwolfhoundsofthesouthw7890]

9 inch is pretty standard

[@catherinewarr9906]

Once you have prepped the basket, where and how do you store it? Thanks. Love your series on sourdough. Your teaching is so easy to follow.

[@BakerBettie]

I store it with the cloth cap on it (most baskets come with it).

[@reneeamyot4261]

Hi. At What moment you put your dough in the banneton? Thank you

[@BakerBettie]

After you have shaped it and before the last proof.

[@JingerGuigley]

Do we need to rice flour the basket liner if we choose to use that instead of the basket rings?

[@christinatully7866]

Loving your videos for beginners, thank you. Can I ask why you wet the basket before first use? Is it just to clean off contaminants or another reason?

[@joannharrington5083]

Can I use this basket for proofing day if I had to do it 3-4 times and don’t have to cover bread just leave in a warm area? I have these baskets never knew how to use I can’t thank you enough I was almost going to buy an expensive pooper that milk street advertised I’ll be awaiting to hear from you and then I’ll be on my merry way to baking thank you

[@happymothers343]

Thanks for good information.plz tell how to good benneton basket

[@BakerBettie]

If you look for my video titled "Sourdough Bread Baking Equipment" in the written description, you will find links to some good banneton baskets to purchase.

[@roslailyroesli958]

Thank you. This is just the video I'm looking for

[@BakerBettie]

Great!

[@ashr319]

Does it matter if it’s brown rice flour or all white rice flour?

[@BakerBettie]

Either one is fine!

[@susantaylor8507]

Can you use the baskets for other breads to I'm studying on getting a few

[@marleneagnelly9408]

Great video...thank you! How do you store your Banneton Baskets?

[@BakerBettie]

I just store them on a shelf in the open air so they can dry out!

[@juliaprince-borutski7297]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. When I use the banneton basket, I don't get the wonderful transfer of the pattern/rings from the basket. What am I doing wrong? Your guidance is much appreciated 🙂

[@BakerBettie]

Does your banneton have clear ridges and lines or are they more subtle? I suspect maybe you're adding a bit too much flour into the banneton so that the pattern isn't showing up. Try a little less next time.

[@kellyvillada8884]

Can you use the linen to cover the bread in the basket?

[@BakerBettie]

Yes! But only for proofing, do NOT bake with the linen cover.

[@darawiltgen5012]

If you don’t have rice flour yet but are ready to make your first loaf can you use the cover in the beginning with your basket

[@BakerBettie]

Hi, do you mean you want to put the dough on top of the cover in the basket? You can but you still need to dust rice flour over the top of the cover before adding the dough. If you don't have rice flour you can use cornmeal or semolina.

[@kraushausnorth4486]

Can I wash the cover if I have use it several times and it seems to be getting dirty? Can I wash it in my washing machine with other white clothes? Or does it need to be hand-washed?

[@yazan1355]

great....can you tell me where can i find exactly like this banneton

[@BakerBettie]

Check out the written article linked in the description box!

[@evajohnson9181]

So when we put the discard in the fridge do we need to feed that or no?

[@hellysully]

This is 3 years after you posted the video. How do you store the banneton baskets if not using for a month or two? I got back to hawaii after a 10 week absence and my baskets had tiny little bugs crawling around

[@BakerBettie]

I store them with the cloth cover over the top.

[@helenrasmussen3157]

Does this apply to artisan bread? Thanks

[@BakerBettie]

Yes

[@luke9822]

I thought this was going to cover how to *initially* prep your new basket when you receive it. Mine clearly has little miscellaneous fibers and strands. Should I give it a wash? Coat it in mineral oil?

[@judyglenn2864]

Thank you so much - When I use my basket and turn it out onto the baking tray - it seems to deflate How can I stop this from happening?

[@BakerBettie]

If it deflates when you turn it out, it is likely over-proofed. When it goes too far the gluten structure is weak. So reduce your proofing time. Also, if you retard the dough in the refrigerator that firms it up which can also help.

[@judyglenn2864]

@@BakerBettie Thank you so very much for getting back to me. I will try again.

[@karlfowler3742]

Can I use a gluten free product such as Krusteaz Gluten free flour to prime my proofing basket instead of pure Rice flour? I ask because I already have some of that.

[@dgdigital2659]

What is the best way to store them for long periods, can I use a ziplock bag that's not closed?

[@BakerBettie]

I store them with the cloth cover that came with it on top. A ziplock bag is fine too, you just want to make sure that dust keeps out.

[@lucyd007]

I can’t seem to find rice flour. Will babies rice cereal do or can I make my own rice flour. Thank you

[@7franny7]

Genius!! I never thought of that!

[@BakerBettie]

I've never tried the rice cereal but I bet it would work! You can also use whole wheat flour. The bran and germ will help it not stick as much as white flour. But be very liberal with it.

[@samhollingsworth617]

Hello what size round banneton basket should I purchase? 9 in or 10 or..

[@BakerBettie]

Either one! I mostly use my 9" size.

[@rebeccareuben-williams9278]

Which is the best, brown or white rice flour?

[@TheUrbanLadyBug]

Hi! Do you need to flower the basket cover if you use it instead of sitting it directly on the wood?

[@evanhirsch6940]

Yes

[@janiceryan4481]

Thank you so much. I have two but no idea how to use.

[@BakerBettie]

You are so welcome!

[@ddeegan6532]

Hi! Do you need to put a covering on when letting dough rise in the basket, or is it fine to leave it uncovered?

[@jamma246]

Most instructionals I see recommend sealing it in a plastic bag to keep the moisture in, although I'm a bit sceptical that it should make much difference. I do this anyway, especially since I prove mine in the fridge overnight.

[@strgyn]

@@jamma246 The fridge? I proof mine in a warm electric blanket. Will a fridge give a different result?

[@jamma246]

@@strgyn Right, sorry, didn't mean to suggest it proves in the fridge the whole time. You primarily prove it in the warm (or moderately warm, at least, for longer the cooler your dough is). You only put it in the fridge when it has essentially fully proven in the warm already: A common (but by no means the only) baking schedule is to make your dough, prove it etc., and pop it into the bannetons, maybe leave in them for longer until they're ready (for some doughs the 'poke test' is reasonably accurate in letting you know if its proved yet). Then it goes in the fridge until the next morning, or later, when you bake. The reasons I can think of for doing this are: 1) Timings. It might be more convenient to bake next morning if it's already late. 2) Taste. It's not necessarily better, but is different. Generally, if you leave your dough to sit a bit longer in the fridge, your dough won't get much more air, but it can develop further flavours probably making it more tangy and sour, depending on how long it's in there (which is typically between 8-24 hours). Using the fridge is often called the 'retarded method', since you're retarding (inhibiting) the fermentation of the yeast, by slowing it down in the cooler temperatures. That was way longer than I planned....

[@strgyn]

@@jamma246 WOW! Thanks so much! I have a "bread nursery" in the living room and do the first long proof overnight. The second proof has also been in the blanket for a couple hours. Going to proof the first one in the new basket, take it out, and the second proof in the fridge after flipping it into a bowl with the basket imprint on it. REALLY appreciate this response from you!!

[@jamma246]

@@strgyn Awesome, hope they turn out well. Just make sure they don't prove too long!

[@4loveoffish]

Can I use a oval Dutch oven or should it be round?

[@BakerBettie]

Oval is fine!