How to Create a Perfectly Round Loaf of Bread
Mimic a professional baker's shaping technique with our easier method.
When forming a round boule of bread, it’s important not only to produce a symmetrical shape but also to stretch a “skin” of dough tautly around the loaf so that it holds its shape during proofing and baking. The technique that professional bakers use—which involves tucking and securing ends underneath the ball of dough while it’s upright—is difficult to master without lots of practice. Here’s a method that’s easier for beginners.