Proofing basket

A proofing basket is a shaped container, often round, that holds an individual dough ball during its final rest before baking. The basket's walls give the dough something to lean on as it relaxes and rises, rather than letting it spread out flat on a flat tray.

For pizza specifically, this matters most when fermenting several dough balls at once, since separate baskets keep each portion contained and prevent balls from touching, merging, or sticking to each other during a long cold fermentation in the fridge. A basket also makes it easier to keep dough balls covered and protected from drafts that dry out the surface.

Choosing the right size basket for your typical dough ball weight keeps the dough properly supported rather than either cramped or too loose, and lined baskets can be easier to clean than bare wicker or cane. A common mistake is under-dusting the basket, which lets the dough stick to the sides on release, or using a basket so oversized the dough spreads rather than holds its shape through a long fridge rest.