TechniqueBeginner

Stretch and Fold

Folding technique to build dough strength during bulk.

Stretch and Fold: hands performing a stretch and fold
Grab one side, stretch it up, and fold it over the top. Turn the bowl and repeat.

A gentle folding technique performed during bulk fermentation. Wet your hands, grab one side of the dough, stretch it up, and fold it over onto itself. Rotate the bowl 90° and repeat 4 times. This builds gluten strength without kneading.

By Henry Hunter · Updated

Henry's notes from the bench

  • Wet hands are your friend! Sticky dough won't stick to wet hands.

Watch it at the bench

Kneading Techniques. The stretch and fold, and the coil fold.
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