Should I cover dough while it rises?

The answer

Yes, cover the dough while it rises. Uncovered dough forms a dry skin that restricts expansion and can leave hard patches in the crumb. Use a lid, a plate, a damp cloth or a reusable cover for the bowl, and a lightly oiled sheet of plastic or a clean towel for shaped loaves. The cover should keep moisture in without pressing on the dough. For a refrigerated rise, a tight cover matters even more because cold air inside a refrigerator dries the surface quickly.