How to Form Bread Without a Loaf Pan

Some homemade bread recipes don't require a loaf pan for baking.

Without a loaf pan, it would be incredibly difficult to make quick breads like banana, zucchini or pumpkin breads, because the batter must be contained in a pan. However, the consistency of the dough used to create yeast breads means that a loaf pan is optional. Italian, French and sourdough breads do not require loaf pans. Yeast breads will taste the same with or without a loaf pan, though they look different from standard sandwich loaves. Does this Spark an idea?

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Bread dough
Flour
Baking sheet
Cooking spray
Plastic wrap
Paring knife

Instructions

- 1
  
  Make the bread dough according to your chosen recipe. Place the dough on a lightly floured, clean surface after it has already risen once.
- 2
  
  Separate the dough into equal segments, approximately half the size of the desired final product. The dough will rise and double before it is baked.
- 3
  
  Form the bread dough into a smooth loaf.
  
  Use your hands to knead and tuck the bread dough until it forms a smooth, long oval or rectangular loaf.
- 4
  
  Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray before setting the loaves on the sheet.
- 5
  
  Cover the loaves with plastic wrap loosely.
- 6
  
  Allow the dough to rise for 30 to 40 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.
- 7
  
  Remove the plastic wrap carefully and discard. Use a paring knife to create short, shallow, diagonal cuts across the top of the loaf.
- 8
  
  Bake in the oven according to the directions for your recipe.

Tips & Warnings

Spray your hands with cooking spray or coat with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
Allow enough space between the loaves so they don't touch, if you are baking more than one on the same baking sheet.
Baking times may need to be adjusted for smaller or larger loaves.