
Yesterday we showed you how to shape a round loaf of bread. Today we're showing you how to shape dough into a neat and sliceable sandwich loaf.
Disclaimer: This video was filmed PRE-better-tripod-implementation.
What You Need
Ingredients
1 batch of bread dough, after its first rise is done
Flour
Equipment
Loaf pan
Bench scraper (optional)
Instructions
1. Flatten into a Rectangle - Use the heels of your hands to gently flatten the round into a rough rectangle. If the dough is sticking to the counter, sprinkle a little flour underneath. Try not to use too much flour, though, or else you'll have trouble getting the dough to stick to itself once you shape it.
2. Fold the Bottom Third Up - This part is like folding a letter! Fold the bottom third of the dough over on itself.
3. Fold the Top Third Down - Then fold the top of the dough down so that it overlaps the other layers.
4. Fold the Dough Again - Fold the dough in half one more time.
5. Pinch Closed - Use your fingers to pinch the dough closed where the top layer meets the bottom layers. Don't forget the sides!
6. Invert the Loaf into the Pan - Roll the loaf over until the seam is facing down and then gently lift the loaf into your pan. The seams should be on the bottom with the tight surface facing up.
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(Images: Faith Durand)
Monterey Pitcher fr...

Excellent video; however, I strongly recommend you invest in a clip-on wireless mic, assuming your camera will accept an external audio input. Doing so will greatly enhance the audio, not only making it clearer, but also removing a lot of the echo and tinny sound that you can get when using just a camera's mic in an indoor space. A quick check on Amazon shows them available for $20 :)
Oh dear, another demeaning "hack" post. Contrary to the way these posts assume we are, many of us are well educated, at home in the kitchen and playing with a full deck of cards. We do not do "hack" jobs in the kitchen. Sure, we make mistakes, everyone learns in the process. Could you please give us more credit? Sure, there will always be someone who compliments you...the world is full of brown nosers. What's next?...how to boil water?
unlike lona, i appreciated your post. i've been baking bread quite a bit lately, but never looked up how to make a sandwich loaf, so thank you for that. it's much appreciated.
I suppose Iona will think that I'm not well educated or at home in the kitchen (news to me!), but I found this post quite useful and her comment snotty and distasteful.
Iona, if most of the posts here are demeaning to you, why waste your time reading them and commenting? Your comments are simply offensive in tone. You've voiced your displeasure at this matter several times already, so please move on.
okay, i got the point.
Interesting, I never knew it had to be shaped at all, I just plopped it into the pan and hoped for the best. Then again, "good" results for me = a loaf that's cooked right through...
...errr, baked....
I love these home hacks. I've made many loaves of bread over the past couple months and it's always great to see techniques in action.
Wow. I'm always amazed by how snarky and rude people can be for no good reason. Of course we've become a very rude society.
If people find the offered information beneath their ability, or too simple for their needs, just move on. No comment necessary. I assume people figure that since these 'conversations' aren't face to face they can say whatever they want because they'll never see the person on the other end. True, but still no reason to make rude comments.
I've been in and around the kitchen my entire life. My mother was an excellent cook and taught me from a very young age. My father was a baker for a good portion of his working career. I've baked bread since I was in my mid twenties (I'm now, well, quite a bit older). I'm well educated, and I know my way around the kitchen like I know my own two hands.
For those reasons alone I take offense at Lona's comment.
I don't find this video demeaning to my skills in any way.
Today I decided to Google 'how to shape a loaf of bread' and came upon the link for this video. I've been shaping many different ways, and to honest, have never seen this particular technique.
I actually found the video/technique useful (and I don't consider myself a 'brown nose' for saying so). Thanks!