What To Use Instead Of Plastic Wrap For Dough?

Plastic wrap has long been a common choice for covering and storing dough, providing a convenient way to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.

However, as concerns about the environmental impact of plastic waste continue to grow, many people are searching for more sustainable alternatives.

Fortunately, there are several practical and eco-friendly options available that can effectively replace plastic wrap when it comes to covering dough.

When it comes to dough, tin foil is a popular substitute for plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can use a plastic box. You can also use a non-terry cloth towel rubbed with flour, or a damp towel.

Bread dough should not be allowed to dry out or form a skin. Toss the dough ball around in the bowl with a little oil until it’s coated.

Is It Necessary To Cover Bread Dough As It Rises?

Yes, you should cover the dough while it rises. When the dough is covered, the surrounding atmosphere will be warm and moist, which will make it easier for it to rise. A cold or dry environment will prevent dough from rising properly.

Top Plastic Wrap Substitutes For Covering Dough

Here are some ways you can cover your bread dough without using plastic wrap so it rises nicely. Generally, people just cover it with plastic wrap and call it good. 

Having run out of my last roll of plastic wrap, I have to decide how to cover my bread dough while it rises.

My main use for it is to cover the dough, so how will I do it now? You know, I went digging, so I have plenty of options.

1. Bento Boxes

There is a good reason why bento boxes are replacing plastic wrap. It is ideal for storing dough in bento boxes because they are reusable, leak-proof, and airtight.

There are a variety of sizes to choose from, and many Bento boxes even include dividers for separating different types of dough. Moreover, Bento boxes are dishwasher-safe, so you can easily clean them.

2. Shower Caps

Thanks to their flexible, durable materials, they can be easily stretched over bowls or baking dishes. Additionally, they’re reusable, so you’ll save money over time.

Your baked goods will always taste fresh and delicious because shower caps prevent the dough from drying out.

3. Oil Cloth

An oilcloth is a cotton fabric that has been treated with oil or wax. Water resistance and durability are achieved through this treatment. Wrap the dough in an oilcloth and generously flour the surface to prevent it from sticking.

4. Bread Bags

The containers are made from durable, food-safe materials that can be reused repeatedly. Your dough can be stored in a bag of the right size since bread bags are available in a variety of sizes.

You can clean them easily by putting them in the dishwasher after use. Keep your dough fresh with bread bags, an eco-friendly and economical solution.

5. Silicone Zipper Bags

Plastic wrap for dough can be replaced with silicone zipper bags. These are reusable and dishwasher-safe, unlike plastic wrap. In addition to being airtight, silicone bags prevent dough from drying out.

Due to their silicone composition, they won’t stick to the dough, as plastic wrap can. You can store dough safely and environmentally friendly with silicone zipper bags.

6. Fabric Bowl Covers

The use of fabric bowl covers in place of plastic wrap when making dough is a great alternative. In addition to being easy to use, they can be washed and reused repeatedly.

Additionally, fabric bowl covers prevent dough from sticking or tearing. The fabric bowl covers are available in various colors and sizes, so you can choose one that suits your needs. 

The best thing about fabric bowl covers is that they are environmentally friendly and reduce waste.

7. Parchment Or Wax Cloth

If you are working with dough, parchment paper or wax cloth can be used instead of plastic wrap. Rolling out the dough is made easier with parchment paper, a non-stick surface that is also heat-resistant. 

Similar to wax cloth, wax cloth can be reused multiple times. In addition to being moisture-resistant, it can also be used to cover rising dough.

To prevent the dough from sticking, lightly flour parchment paper or wax cloth. There are a variety of alternatives to plastic wrap available at most kitchen supply stores.

8. Reusable Zipper bags

It’s great for the environment to use reusable zipper bags repeatedly. Additionally, they keep the dough from drying out since they seal in moisture.

9. Damp Kitchen Towel Or Tea Towel

You can cover the dough with damp kitchen towels or tea towels. You won’t have to feel guilty about throwing them away after just one use because they are absorbent, so they won’t dry out the dough.

Several sustainable materials, including bamboo and hemp, are used to make tea towels. Rather than using plastic wrap to cover the dough, reach for a towel next time.

10. Tin Foil

Regarding dough, tin foil is a popular substitute for plastic wrap. In addition to being less expensive than most plastic wrap brands, tin foil is also widely available.

The use of tin foil is also easy, and it is easy to clean up afterwards. Rolling out the dough and cutting it into shapes can be covered with tin foil while it is rising or ready to be cut.

Refrigeration or freezing can also be used to store the dough in tin foil. The use of tin foil is not limited to just one use. It can be reused multiple times before it needs to be replaced.

11. Glass Jars

The benefits of glass jars over plastic wrap for the dough are that they are reusable and do not leach chemicals into your food. In addition to being non-porous, glass won’t absorb moisture from the dough, preventing it from becoming soggy.

The dough should be rolled out on a floured surface, placed in the jar, and sealed. You can store the dough in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months.

As soon as the dough is ready, take it out of the jar, shape it as you wish, and bake. The dough can be stored in glass jars without using plastic, which is easy and eco-friendly.

Key Takeaways

Making dough doesn’t require plastic wrap anymore with all these options. As alternatives to plastic wrap, each option has its own advantages.

You can ensure that you are doing your part to protect the environment by using one of these alternatives next time you want to cover your dough while it rises.

Can You Proof The Dough Uncovered?

The dough can be proofed uncovered. If you proof it in an uncovered bowl, your dough will rise faster and more evenly.

Cover your dough while it’s proofing if you live in a humid climate to prevent it from becoming too wet.

What Can You Use Instead Of Cling Film In The Microwave?

If you are going to microwave something, you can use wax paper or a paper towel.

Why Should We Wrap Dough?

A piece of dough is wrapped to create a barrier between it and the air. The dough rises evenly with this barrier, which prevents drying out.

How Do You Freeze Dough Without Plastic Wrap?

The dough should be placed in a container with a tight-fitting lid. You can freeze the dough overnight or for several hours. 

Place the dough in a plastic bag after it has been removed from the freezer. Place the bag in the freezer and seal it. The dough will stay fresh for one or two months.

How Do You Cover The Dough With Plastic Wrap?

Wrap the dough in plastic after placing it on a cutting board. To ensure that the plastic wrap does not form any air bubbles, press the plastic wrap against the dough’s surface.

Once the plastic wrap is cut off, use a sharp knife to remove any excess. In order to make sure the dough is well covered, give it a quick massage.

Final Words

By covering the dough while it rises, moisture is kept in, and drying air is kept out. Any residual heat from the warm water or milk will also be retained. Creating a rainforest-like atmosphere without using plastic wrap. 

It is possible to arrest the rise of dough if you simply place it in a bowl or even grease it, and leave it exposed. Air drying can lead to the dough thickening up, drying out, and preventing the soft, tender dough underneath from rising.