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    Home » Sourdough

    Shaping A Sourdough Batard - The Easiest Technique Ever!

    Published: Oct 5, 2020 · Modified: Jul 18, 2021 by The Pantry Mama This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Once you've mastered a simple sourdough boule, a sourdough batard is a nice shape to master.

    Batards can be easier to slice and a more manageable size for sandwiches.

    Shaping a sourdough batard is quite easy as long as your dough has been properly fermented and is ready for shaping.

    I've put together a simple shaping video for a sourdough batard below. The dough in the video uses my simple sourdough recipe exactly.

    How to shape a sourdough batard.
    A gorgeous crusty batard fresh out of the oven.

    What Equipment Do I Need For Shaping & Baking A Sourdough Batard?

    If you choose to bake a sourdough batard, you'll need an oval shaped banneton and an oval shaped Dutch Oven.

    You need to make sure that your banneton fits inside your Dutch Oven with about 1 inch around the edges.

    If your banneton does not fit inside your Dutch Oven, then your shaped dough will not fit.

    You can read more about Dutch Ovens for sourdough here and choosing the correct sized banneton here.

    This batard has a beautifully popped sourdough ear!

    Will I De-Gas My Dough If I Over Handle it?

    One of the most common questions I get asked about shaping a sourdough batard is whether the dough will "degas" when you shape it.

    Shaping a sourdough batard requires you to handle the dough a little more than a traditional boule, however, as long as you are gentle with it, you should retain the bubbles.

    If you feel that your dough is a little dense once it's shaped, it's a good idea to leave it on the counter top in the banneton just to rise a little before you place it in the fridge for it's cold ferment.

    Shaping a sourdough batard
    Allowing your dough to relax in the banneton before placing it in the fridge can help with the finished shape of your batard.

    Just remember that when you place the dough in the fridge, it will keep fermenting until the dough gets down to a colder temperature.

    You can read more about this here.

    Sourdough batard is easier to slice
    A sourdough batard is much easier to slice than a boule and the slices are a lot more uniform.

    How To Shape A Sourdough Batard Video

    Some Recipe Ideas For Sourdough Batard

    While most recipes can be shaped in any way you like, there are certain types of sourdough that lend themselves to a batard. My favorites are:

    • Multigrain Sourdough
    • Coffee & Maple Infused Date Sourdough
    • Easy Whole Wheat Rye Sourdough Bread
    • Lemon & White Chocolate Sourdough Bread
    • Easy Pumpkin Sourdough Bread
    Whole Wheat Rye Sourdough Batard
    Whole Wheat Rye Sourdough Batard

    Further Reading

    If you enjoyed learning about how to shape a batard, you might enjoy these ideas:

    • Your complete guide to banneton care - prep, use, maintenance and storage.
    • Find out why you cannot bulk ferment in the fridge. The answer to this commonly asked question is here.
    • Want to change the amount of starter in your recipe. Find out the effect it will have here.
    « Does The Amount of Sourdough Starter Matter? And What Happens When You Change It?
    Sourdough Sandwich Bread - Super Simple Sandwich Bread with a Soft Crust »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa Hutchinson

      October 27, 2020 at 7:35 am

      You are, hands down, my favourite sourdough creator!! Thank you!!!

      Reply
      • Kate Freebairn

        October 27, 2020 at 10:15 pm

        Thank you - that's so kind! So glad I can help xx

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kate! I’m the face behind The Pantry Mama and I want to help you bake delicious sourdough bread, no matter what your schedule. 
    When I’m not baking sourdough, I love to hang out with my three boys on our farm, tend to my jungle of indoor plants and drink good coffee.

    More about me →

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